Donor Spotlight: Jack & Cathy Brennan — Investing With Both Heart and Head
At Sisters Rising Worldwide (SRW), we are continually inspired by the Sisters and the people who support bringing their missions to life. Jack and Cathy Brennan of Boston are among those champions. Since 2021, their generosity, insight, and deep respect for the work of Catholic Sisters have helped expand what’s possible through Sisters Rising Worldwide and the PeaceRoom.
Jack, former Chairman and Senior Advisor of The Vanguard Group, and Cathy, a former high school guidance counselor, each bring a unique perspective shaped by a lifetime of service, leadership, and values rooted in giving back. Their connection to SRW began when the organization was being launched, when Jack met Sister Irene through the Catholic Investment Services board.
“The idea of using technology to bring a global network of Sisters together to solve the worst of the worst is so compelling. The sheer scale of what this could become struck me from our first conversation,” Jack recalls.
For Jack, the influence of Catholic Sisters on his life began in childhood. “My mother taught at a Catholic school run by the Sisters,” he shares. “These incredible women have been part of my life since I was a little boy. Over the years, I’ve continually seen organizations—hospitals, schools, universities—founded and led by Sisters. They’ve built so much of what we rely on, and yet it is an under-told story. Social entrepreneurship is a buzzword today, but the Sisters have been doing this work for decades.”
Cathy’s experience with Sisters came later, but just as powerfully. “I wasn’t raised Catholic,” she says. “But when I worked at Merion Mercy Academy outside of Philadelphia, I saw firsthand what Sisters could do. I had never seen more accomplishments among a small group of women. Their devotion, resilience, and determination made them incredible role models.”
The Power of Sisters
That shared respect for the often unseen impact of Catholic Sisters shapes why SRW resonates with them today. Jack says, “It’s never about the glory. It’s about the outcomes. That perspective makes SRW’s model especially compelling. Using technology to connect a global network of 650,000 Sisters and give them greater ability to fundraise and meet the needs they see every day is incredibly powerful. Scaling this matters.”
For Cathy, the power of the Sisters’ work lies in their presence and commitment. “They are part of the fabric of their communities,” she says. “They’re not dropping in to fix something. They are there to stay. You see the trust people have in them. They are with the most impoverished people, facing some of the toughest challenges, and doing it on their own. I don’t believe people know that the Catholic Church isn’t funding their work. Sisters set a standard, and I try to be a fraction as impactful in my day-to-day work as they are.”
Jack and Cathy are especially excited about SRW’s new public PeaceRoom. “The best philanthropists give with both their heart and their head,” Jack says. “The PeaceRoom shows you exactly where you can make a difference. It gives people something tangible to support. Real projects, real outcomes. Everyone I send to the site is blown away.”
Cathy felt that same connection. “When I first explored the PeaceRoom, I was blown away. It’s such a ground-level, personal view. You know your gift is going directly there. It makes you feel connected. It would be hard not to find something you care about. There’s something for everyone,” says Cathy.
Sister Irene O’Neill reflects on Jack and Cathy’s impact with gratitude. “Jack’s belief early on in what was possible has been a gift to Sisters Rising Worldwide. The shared commitment he and Cathy bring to supporting the Sisters is helping us build something truly transformative,” says Sister Irene.
The Brennans’ commitment to giving is deeply rooted in how they were raised. “My parents modeled time, talent, and treasure,” Jack says. “Helping the Sisters, helping others, was just part of life. We’ve tried to pass that on to our own children and grandchildren.” Cathy shares, “My mom always showed me what it meant to serve and help in the community, being hands-on, thinking of others. It was just a constant throughout my life.”
That same spirit of service fuels their engagement with SRW. “Just look at what these women are doing,” Jack says. “They are not serving for recognition. They are serving the greater good and those who need love the most.” Cathy adds, “And don’t assume the Sisters have the resources they need. They don’t. That’s where SRW comes in.”
Click here to explore the PeaceRoom. Find a project that speaks to you, and join supporters like Jack and Cathy in investing in the Sisters, who, with your support, can do even more.
