Michael and Diane Duff, parishioners of St. Ignatius Loyola, Sinking Spring, have donated to the “Because We Are Catholic” (BWAC) appeal for approximately 25 years. The couple sees helping others in the Diocese of Allentown, particularly the most vulnerable, as a way to fully live out their faith.
“It’s the most effective way of reaching all the different areas of charity within the Catholic faith,” said Diane of donating to BWAC. “It gives us the ability to have the greatest impact.”
Though the couple generously gives throughout the year to many local charities, Michael says the “faith-based aspect” of giving to BWAC has great meaning to them as a Catholic family, and they feel comfortable knowing that the money will go to causes consistent with their faith.
Particularly close to their hearts are the three special learning centers in the Diocese of Allentown: John Paul II Center for Special Learning in Shillington, Mercy School for Special Learning in Allentown, and St. Joseph Center for Special Learning in Schuylkill Haven.
“The ability of the staff to work with students to reach their higher potential really happens. I think it’s a miracle every day,” said Diane, who is a board member for the John Paul II Center.
Husband Michael is Vice President, Community Engagement for Penske Transportation Solutions in Reading, where he’s been employed for over 30 years. He currently helps manage the company’s philanthropy and grants.
Wife Diane is a homemaker and active community volunteer. She generously donates her time to her parish’s food pantry, The United Way of Berks County, and The First Tee of Lehigh Valley and Berks (a youth development program that teaches empowerment through the game of golf). Additionally, she serves as a trust advisor for BWAC.
They both grew up in Montgomery County, Maryland. They met in eighth grade, carried their friendship to Sherwood High School in Sandy Spring, and began dating in their senior year. Though they attended different colleges, the couple “stayed in touch and stayed together,” said Michael.
Diane attended the University of Maryland’s College Park campus, earning a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. Michael attended Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, earning a bachelor of arts degree in history, and then a law degree from the University of Baltimore.
The couple married in August 1984 before Michael’s third year of law school. They recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
After law school, Michael began working at a large Baltimore law firm, and they started raising their family. Son, Alex is now 36 and son Steven is 34.
The family came to the Reading area in 1991 when Michael was offered the opportunity to work at Penske. At their parish, Michael is a lector, coordinates the lector schedules, and serves on the parish finance committee. Diane’s involvement with the parish’s food pantry includes serving as a coordinator for a 12-year period.
Both describe themselves as “cradle Catholics,” though Michael admits that during his teenage years, he didn’t find his faith meaningful in his life. It was after the first years of their marriage that he started accompanying Diane to Mass more frequently and paying closer attention, particularly to the readings and the mystery of the Eucharist, and he started finding the faith “suddenly more meaningful.”
Diane said the Catholic faith has helped them to raise “two inspiring young men who are compassionate,” to deal with life’s challenges, and “to help others if we can.”
On helping others, Michael reflected, “People will listen to what you say, but it’s more impactful what you do. I’m helping you not because you’re Catholic; I’m helping you because I’m Catholic.”
“When you give, you oftentimes get more than you receive,” added Diane.
For more information on the BWAC appeal, go to www.becausewearecatholic.org.
By Gia Myers
