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Sursum Scribe | January 2025

Dear Friends,

Exciting news – we’ve joined forces with Think Catholic in a partnership that makes perfect sense! Our collaboration with www.ThinkCatholic.org brings together experts deeply committed to excellence while serving Catholic institutions. While Sursum is known for our strategic guidance and fundraising expertise, Think Catholic’s innovative team-based approach to parish and diocesan support creates a powerful synergy. Their model of providing access to specialized experts—rather than relying on generalist solutions—perfectly aligns with our philosophy of delivering exceptional, focused value to Catholic organizations.

Through this collaboration, our clients will now be able to benefit from an expanded network of dedicated specialists in HR, IT, evangelization, communications and fundraising who understand the unique challenges and opportunities within Catholic institutions. Think Catholic’s approach of offering comprehensive expert teams at cost-effective rates means our partners can access the depth of expertise they need without straining their resources.

We believe this partnership will help Catholic organizations do more of what they do best: serve their communities and fulfill their missions. Want to learn more? Drop me a note at [email protected] to set up a conversation or follow us on LinkedIn.

God bless,Sharon

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About PATRICK

Patrick Diener is a dynamic leader with a diverse background in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and executive coaching. Over the past two decades, Patrick has successfully driven growth for organizations ranging from international NGOs to small Catholic parishes, delivering strategic solutions that align with mission, values, and long-term sustainability. Recognized for his innovative approach to fundraising and business development—rooted in both theology and psychology—Patrick brings a deep understanding of how faith and philanthropy intersect, ensuring that all initiatives are mission-driven and spiritually grounded.

Patrick has held several executive leadership roles, both in consulting and leading fundraising operations for a variety of successful nonprofits. From spearheading large diocesan and university capital campaigns to managing the fundraising at multiple nonprofit organizations, Patrick has consistently delivered strong outcomes. His expertise in building and training high-performing teams has enabled organizations to surpass fundraising goals, secure major gifts, and strengthen long-term donor relationships. Patrick’s hands-on leadership style and strategic vision have empowered nonprofits to grow in scale, mission impact, and financial sustainability.

Additionally, Patrick founded the Institute for Catholic Philanthropy at the University of Mary, a pioneering certificate and MBA program that equips Catholic fundraising professionals with the tools they need for success, rooting best practices in philanthropy within the Catholic faith. This program is recognized for providing fundraisers with a deep, faith-based approach while delivering practical skills that align with the unique needs of Catholic organizations.

Patrick resides in Cheshire, CT with his wife Kathryn and their six children.  They are active parishioners at Blessed Michael McGivney Parish in New Haven. In his spare time, Patrick enjoys skiing, photography, and running an amateur sugaring operation on his historic micro-farm.

Education

  • UNC Charlotte, B.A., Anthropology
  • Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family Studies at the Catholic University of America, M.T.S., Sacred Theology
  • University of Southern Mississippi, Post Grad Studies, Systems Theory
    Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
  • Master Trainer
    Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

Community Involvement

  • Legatus Member, Fairfield CT Chapter

  • Member, Council 1, Knights of Columbus  

     

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About Dave

Dave Cook is an entrepreneurial non-profit leader devoted to helping missions reach their full potential. He has served in myriad executive and development roles over a 20-year career. He is animated by his faith and enjoys exploring new and creative ways to promote human flourishing.

Dave is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a bachelors in mathematics and philosophy. He later attained an MBA at George Mason University. Throughout his career, he has applied best practices in entrepreneurship and business to the non-profit world. As Director of Programs at the Youth Leadership Foundation, he more than doubled program capacity and helped YLF be recognized as one of the “Best Non-Profits in the Greater Washington Area” by the Catalogue for Philanthropy. He went on to serve as Executive Director for YLF, establishing the organization’s first annual giving program and securing coverage for YLF’s programs on national television.

Dave’s first foray into the diocesan world was as Director of Operations and Stewardship for a Catholic parish in the Diocese of Arlington, Virginia. Overseeing all the temporal activities of the church and school, Dave expanded ministry volunteerism, improved school enrollment and initiated multiple capital improvement projects, among other managerial duties. Eventually, Dave moved across the Potomac River to become Director of the Annual Appeal for the Archdiocese of Washington, where he navigated the covid-19 pandemic through novel digital and integrated marketing forms of donor outreach, inspiring nearly 30,000 gifts and $11 million in donations per year from the local faithful to support archdiocesan ministries. He then expanded his horizons internationally, serving as Executive Director for World Villages for Children, the North American development arm of the Sisters of Mary of Banneux, a religious order committed to lifting children out of poverty.

Dave’s past volunteer service includes membership on the Diocese of Arlington Pastoral Council, the Board of Directors for the International Catholic Stewardship Council and the Board of Directors for the Youth Leadership Foundation. He currently serves as Finance Council Chair for Queen of Apostles Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He is also a Knight of Columbus, Eucharistic adorer, lector, basketball coach and men’s group leader at his parish. Dave is a devoted husband and father of six children. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing basketball and golf, and watching his beloved Fighting Irish on TV on Fall Saturdays.

 

Education

  • Notre Dame, M.S., Mathematics & Philosophy
  • George Mason University, MBA

Community Involvement

  • Youth Leadership Foundation – Director of Programs
  • World Villages for Children, Executive Director