Guided by Faith, Rooted in Service

Our Mission

Honoring the lives and legacies of Clarence and Rita Barhorst, our mission is to provide financial resources to Catholic faith-based organizations in need. We believe in fostering faith, community, and compassion through practical support and faithful stewardship.

The Clarence and Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust was established to ensure that their life of service marked by generosity, integrity, and Catholic devotion would continue long after their passing. Each grant made in their name extends that legacy to parishes, schools, and ministries striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Dad

Clarence Barhorst

Mom

Rita Barhorst

A black-and-white wedding portrait shows a bride and groom standing together at a church altar. In the foreground, a metal milk can with its lid on a chain sits on straw beside a glass of milk, layered over the photo. The combined imagery blends themes of marriage, faith, and rural life.

Offering Grants To Catholic Organizations.

Guided by Faith, Rooted in Service

The Trust’s purpose is simple: to share the blessings we’ve been given and to lift others in faith. Every contribution made through this Trust supports the same spirit of compassion that Clarence and Rita modeled throughout their lives, from caring for neighbors in need to nurturing future generations of Catholics.

Our guiding principles are shaped by the core tenets of Catholic social teaching:

  • Faith in Action: We act as instruments of God’s love, using our resources to strengthen the Church and its ministries.
  • Stewardship: Every grant reflects careful consideration, accountability, and gratitude for the resources entrusted to us.
  • Community: We believe that collective faith builds lasting foundations for future generations.
  • Compassion: Every decision is grounded in empathy and guided by prayer.

Take a look at our history for more information.

Our History

Who We Support

The Clarence and Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust supports Catholic organizations that align with the teachings of the Church and serve communities within the Diocese of Cincinnati. We welcome applications from:

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Catholic parishes seeking support for facility improvements, worship enhancements, or outreach efforts.

Catholic schools and educational programs fostering moral and spiritual growth.

Seminaries and vocational programs preparing men and women for religious life.

Charitable organizations and ministries serving those in need, feeding the hungry, sheltering the vulnerable, and extending Christ’s compassion to all.

Whether your mission involves education, service, or spiritual formation, our goal is to help you continue the good work that strengthens the body of Christ.

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Our Approach to Stewardship

The Trust operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, overseen by a board of trustees who prayerfully evaluate each application and allocate funds in alignment with the mission’s intent. Every decision is made with a commitment to transparency, responsibility, and faithfulness to Clarence and Rita’s example.

While the Trust currently does not accept external donations, we anticipate future opportunities to expand participation as legal and financial guidelines allow. Updates regarding this process will be communicated directly on the website.

Donations Page

Where It Began

The Clarence and Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust was founded by Clarence and Rita Barhorst, devoted parents, lifelong Catholics, and steadfast believers in service to others. What began as a family’s desire to honor their faith has grown into a mission to strengthen Catholic communities across the Diocese of Cincinnati.

A collage showing the same couple at different stages of life, from youthful black-and-white portraits to later colorized images. Early photos show them as young adults smiling in formal settings, while the final image shows them together in later years, dressed formally and smiling warmly. The progression highlights a shared life and enduring partnership over time.
A collage showing the same couple at different stages of life, from youthful black-and-white portraits to later colorized images. Early photos show them as young adults smiling in formal settings, while the final image shows them together in later years, dressed formally and smiling warmly. The progression highlights a shared life and enduring partnership over time.
A collage showing the same couple at different stages of life, from youthful black-and-white portraits to later colorized images. Early photos show them as young adults smiling in formal settings, while the final image shows them together in later years, dressed formally and smiling warmly. The progression highlights a shared life and enduring partnership over time.
A collage showing the same couple at different stages of life, from youthful black-and-white portraits to later colorized images. Early photos show them as young adults smiling in formal settings, while the final image shows them together in later years, dressed formally and smiling warmly. The progression highlights a shared life and enduring partnership over time.
A collage showing the same couple at different stages of life, from youthful black-and-white portraits to later colorized images. Early photos show them as young adults smiling in formal settings, while the final image shows them together in later years, dressed formally and smiling warmly. The progression highlights a shared life and enduring partnership over time.
An elderly couple sits closely together at a restaurant table, smiling warmly, with the man’s arm around the woman’s shoulders. Both are dressed casually, and the woman wears a necklace and bracelet. The cozy indoor setting and their relaxed posture convey affection and companionship.
A vintage color photograph shows an older couple standing together at a reception table, cutting a large decorated cake. The man wears a light-colored suit, and the woman wears a formal dress with a corsage and pearl necklace. The warm, slightly faded tones suggest a celebratory milestone such as an anniversary or formal event.

Clarence and Rita built their lives on the values of humility, hard work, and generosity. From their years on the family farm to their decades of parish service at Holy Angels in Sidney and St. Mary’s in Greenville, they lived out their faith through daily action quietly helping neighbors, serving in the Knights of Columbus, and sharing every blessing they received.

Read Their Full Story

Our Trustees

Following the passing of Clarence and Rita, two of their children, Garry Barhorst and Sue Barhorst-Klump, embraced the responsibility of carrying their parents’ vision forward. Together, they now serve as trustees, overseeing the charitable distribution of funds with the same devotion and prudence their parents exemplified.

Raised on the Barhorst family farm, Garry brings decades of leadership rooted in hard work, community, and service. His career as a high school educator and his continued volunteer involvement reflect a lifelong commitment to helping others. Sue offers a heart for service and the organizational excellence instilled by her parents, as evidenced by her service to her parish community and dedication to her 31-year career to the court system. Together, they ensure that every decision reflects the family’s enduring values: faith, stewardship, and service to others.

Through their collective stewardship, the Barhorst Charitable Trust continues to honor Clarence and Rita’s example, doing things right, serving others first, and putting faith into action every day.

Earl fernandes photo
Bishop

Earl K. Fernandes

They are joined in leadership by The Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes, Bishop of the Diocese of Columbus. Ordained and installed on May 31, 2022, Bishop Fernandes holds a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in Rome and has served the Church as pastor, professor, and diplomat. His experience and pastoral wisdom bring spiritual guidance and integrity to the work of the Trust.

Clarence and Rita

The Clarence And Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust

A Legacy That Inspires

Clarence and Rita Barhorst’s lives were built upon devotion to faith, family, and community. From the pews of Holy Angels Parish in Sidney to their years of service at St. Mary’s in Greenville, they lived as examples of humility and joy. Clarence’s lifelong involvement in the Knights of Columbus and Rita’s unwavering prayer life became cornerstones of their shared legacy, a legacy of doing things right, serving others first, and putting faith into action every day.

Our Commitment to the Future

The Clarence and Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust is more than a fund; it’s a promise to uphold Catholic values and empower organizations to serve God’s people. As the Trust grows, its impact will reach parishes, classrooms, and communities throughout the diocese, nurturing faith, supporting leaders, and shaping the next generation of believers.

Together, we continue their legacy of giving.

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“You Tell Him Everything Will Be Fine Because I Will Pray For Him.” — Rita Barhorst

“Glad you got to see me again.” — Clarence Barhorst

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Thank you for reaching out. We review messages regularly and will follow up as we’re able.

The Clarence and Rita Barhorst Charitable Trust supports Catholic faith-based churches, schools, seminaries, agencies, and charitable organizations in need, primarily within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Funding is available to organizations that serve communities with compassion and uphold Catholic values of service and faith.

Please complete the form below to apply for consideration. All submissions will be reviewed by the trustees, and applicants will be contacted if additional information is needed.

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