Our Name "Mary’s Pence"
Mary’s Pence calls to mind not only Peter’s Pence, the Pope’s annual collection for the poor, but also all the Marys of the Gospel.
Mary of Nazareth, Mary of Bethany, and Mary of Magdala, all reflected a fresh way to embody the example of ministry practiced by the women at the foot of the cross who dared to remain when the other disciples had fled.
Mary’s Pence is a tangible way to provide a ministry of accompaniment and resourceful support for Jesus’ message of good news to the “Las Marias” of the world—the poor, the imprisoned and the oppressed.
MissionMary’s Pence is a grassroots organization that directs donated resources to small women's projects. Funding decisions are rooted in a Catholic tradition of social justice together with feminist values where all are welcome at the table.
For almost 25 years Mary’s Pence has been giving grants to women’s organizations. We supported the initial stages of many small women’s organizations.
A group of women met at a time when few foundations were paying attention to the needs of women and children. Our founder, Maureen Gallagher, OP took her concerns to prayer and imagined herself before God who asked, “What did you do to help women minister?” Sister Maureen answered, “I’m a woman, I couldn’t do anything.” And God asked her again, “What did you do?” And she gathered women leaders from many walks of life to create Mary’s Pence.
Founding Board, Kaye Ashe OP, Carol Coston OP, Maureen Gallagher OP (founding coordinator), Edwina Gateley, Janemarie Luecke OSB, Amata Miller IHM, Sheila Murphy, R. Muschal-Reinhardt, Rosemary R. Ruether, Mary Luke Tobin, SL, Yolanda Tarango, CCVI, Margaret Traxler SSND, Teresita Weind SND
