Sophia Caira, Author at Catholic Investment Services

Webinars

February 2, 2026

This was a wide-ranging discussion focusing on the macro and microeconomic environment and outlook for the new year. This webinar featured Jack Brennan, CIS Founding Chair and Chairman Emeritus of The Vanguard Group, and Joseph Davis, Vanguard’s Global Chief Economist and Global Head of the Investment Strategy Group, as they discuss the current state of the capital markets and share high-level perspectives relevant to institutional investment themes.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

04:30 – Inflation, immigration, AI, and tariffs overview

09:36 – Inflation targets and long-term planning

12:52 – Interest rates: Fed vs. 10-year yields

16:05 – Immigration, labor markets, and productivity

23:35 – AI investment: bubble vs. long-term opportunity

30:18 – Global markets, dollar strength, and non-US investing

34:31 – Index concentration and passive investing risks

39:45 – Private equity: diversification and manager selection

43:46 – Private credit: risks and return potential

47:14 – China and international market exposure

50:51 – Portfolio allocation for institutions and retirees

54:03 – Politics vs. policy in investment decisions

55:38 – Thank you and closing

The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.

All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.

Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.

Podcast

August 26, 2025

This “Mission in Focus” podcast—moderated by Tim Connors—featuring Jeff Rauenhorst in a fireside-style discussion highlighted the impactful work of the Catholic Climate Covenant and other uplifting endeavors. Timed to honor the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si’, this event explored how Catholic fiduciaries can support creation care through mission-aligned investment and energy stewardship. Jeff shared how the Covenant’s Catholic Energies program is helping Catholic institutions reduce costs and emissions, and the discussion highlighted other hopeful innovations that reflect the Church’s call to protect both people and the planet.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.

All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.

Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology.

Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.

Webinars

July 29, 2025

This “Mission in Focus” webinar—moderated by Tim Connors—featuring Jeff Rauenhorst in a fireside-style discussion highlighted the impactful work of the Catholic Climate Covenant and other uplifting endeavors. Timed to honor the 10-year anniversary of Laudato Si’, this event explored how Catholic fiduciaries can support creation care through mission-aligned investment and energy stewardship. Jeff shared how the Covenant’s Catholic Energies program is helping Catholic institutions reduce costs and emissions, and the discussion highlighted other hopeful innovations that reflect the Church’s call to protect both people and planet.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

03:10 – What is the Catholic Climate Covenant?

07:57 – How can Catholic parishes go green?

20:25 – Q: Is there data on parishes that go green having a growth in young parishioners?

24:09 – General reactions to renewable energy transition

28:45 – Catholics and public utilities commissions

30:10 – Honoring Laudato Si in investments

33:25 – Energy demands in the age of AI

37:32 – Land use and solar energy

39:40 – AI solutions that help with energy efficiency

47:18 – Skepticism regarding energy efficient technology

53:00- Thank you and closing

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

03:10 – What is the Catholic Climate Covenant?

07:57 – How can Catholic parishes go green?

20:25 – Q: Is there data on parishes that go green having a growth in young parishioners?

24:09 – General reactions to renewable energy transition

28:45 – Catholics and public utilities commissions

30:10 – Honoring Laudato Si in investments

33:25 – Energy demands in the age of AI

37:32 – Land use and solar energy

39:40 – AI solutions that help with energy efficiency

47:18 – Skepticism regarding energy efficient technology

53:00- Thank you and closing

The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.

All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.

Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.

Podcast

June 30, 2025

This podcast features Jack Brennan (Founding Chair, CIS, and Chairman Emeritus, The Vanguard Group) as he breaks down the fundamentals of investing in a straightforward manner, and shares insights on investment best practices, performance, and more.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

This presentation is furnished or informational purposes only and is intended solely for the person to whom it is delivered by or on behalf of Catholic Investment Services (“CIS”). This presentation is confidential and may not be reproduced in its entirety or in part, or redistributed to any party in any form, without the prior written consent of CIS. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities offered by any funds or accounts managed by CIS. Certain statements contained herein that indicate future possibilities constitute forward-looking statements and should not be construed as predictions of performance. Actual results may differ materially. In calculating projections and case targets, CIS utilizes certain specific inputs that, in some cases, are estimated, and certain assumptions that ultimately may not hold true with respect to any investment. These estimates and assumptions may deviate materially from modelled expectations. No assurances can be made that the investment philosophy, investment objectives, projections or case targets will be achieved. The information and assumptions included in this presentation are made in good faith and based upon information reasonably available to CIS as of the date noted herein and will not be updated. The information contained herein does not purport to present a complete picture of the activities, results, actions and/or plans of CIS or any fund or account managed by CIS. Clients or prospective investors should consult advisory agreements, private placement memorandums and/or other documents describing any securities and explaining the services and risks associated with an investment in such securities prior to investing. Investing involves the risk of loss and investors should be prepared to bear potential losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Podcast

June 18, 2025

This virtual coffee hour features Scott Malpass (CIS Co-Founder and Former CIO of the University of Notre Dame) Ed Grefenstette (President & CIO, The Dietrich Foundation), and Adam Berger (Senior Managing Director, Multi-Asset Strategist, and Portfolio Manager, Wellington Management) as they discuss the markets, outlook, and emerging opportunities.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

This presentation is furnished or informational purposes only and is intended solely for the person to whom it is delivered by or on behalf of Catholic Investment Services (“CIS”). This presentation is confidential and may not be reproduced in its entirety or in part, or redistributed to any party in any form, without the prior written consent of CIS. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities offered by any funds or accounts managed by CIS. Certain statements contained herein that indicate future possibilities constitute forward-looking statements and should not be construed as predictions of performance. Actual results may differ materially. In calculating projections and case targets, CIS utilizes certain specific inputs that, in some cases, are estimated, and certain assumptions that ultimately may not hold true with respect to any investment. These estimates and assumptions may deviate materially from modelled expectations. No assurances can be made that the investment philosophy, investment objectives, projections or case targets will be achieved. The information and assumptions included in this presentation are made in good faith and based upon information reasonably available to CIS as of the date noted herein and will not be updated. The information contained herein does not purport to present a complete picture of the activities, results, actions and/or plans of CIS or any fund or account managed by CIS. Clients or prospective investors should consult advisory agreements, private placement memorandums and/or other documents describing any securities and explaining the services and risks associated with an investment in such securities prior to investing. Investing involves the risk of loss and investors should be prepared to bear potential losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Webinars

April 28, 2025

This webinar featured Jack Brennan (Founding Chair, CIS and Chairman Emeritus, The Vanguard Group) as he broke down the fundamentals of investing in a straightforward manner, and shared insights on investment best practices, performance and more.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

03:30 – Tradeoffs between risk, return, and costs in building an investment portfolio

09:30 – Balance, diversification and long-term perspective

20:20 – Tuning out the noise

21:30 – Difficulty in market-timing

26:20 – Defining the different asset classes

35:10 – Common investment jargon

38:50 – Rules of the road for investment committees

46:18 – Q: How do you know if what a financial professional is telling you is good or bad? What am I looking for on an investment report?

48:22 – Q: What are the differences between personal and endowment investing?

50:30 – Q: Should you delay withdrawals if the market is down?

52:15 – Q: What is some practical advice for someone just starting on an investment committee?

54:10 – Thank you and closing

The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.

All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.

Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.

Webinars

April 16, 2025

This virtual coffee hour featured Scott Malpass (CIS Co-Founder and Former CIO of the University of Notre Dame) Ed Grefenstette (President & CIO, The Dietrich Foundation), and Adam Berger (Senior Managing Director, Multi-Asset Strategist, and Portfolio Manager, Wellington Management) as they discussed the markets, outlook, and emerging opportunities.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

07:39 – Governance for investment committees in stressful times

20:25 – Are we at an inflection point on geopolitics, macro conditions, and inflation?

26:25 – Portfolio construction and diversification

31:50 – Investing outside of the US

34:49 – Unpredictability and volatility

37:15 – Private vs. public markets in 2025

45:44 – Can you trust private markets?

47:50 – Investing in countries with trade conflicts

49:35 – Future of US Treasuries

51:43 – Implications of AI on investing

55:55 – Q: Does AI pose challenges for Catholic investing opportunities?

57:07 – Thank you and closing

The information in this Communication is provided herein is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy, hold, or sell an interest in any CIS Fund offering. Alternative investments in private equity and hedge funds are subject to substantial risks including the potential loss of principal. Fund interests are illiquid and should be considered speculative investments. Investors are encouraged to read the offerings documents for the fund offerings discussed in this presentation carefully before investing.

All data is sourced to Catholic Investment Services or other third-party sources and compiled by Catholic Investment Services. Information contained herein that has been obtained from third parties is believed to be reliable for the purposes for which it is used herein.

Opinions and general information provided herein, including guest speaker(s), are current to the date of this presentation and are subject to change without notice. There can be no guarantee that the funds will achieve their investment objectives. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Financial forecasts and investment returns in this letter may significantly differ from actual results. Certain information contained in this report constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe,” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Furthermore, any projections or other estimates in this report, including estimates of returns or performance, are “forward-looking statements” and are based upon certain assumptions that may change. Due to various risks and uncertainties, actual events or results or the actual performance of the funds may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Moreover, actual events are difficult to project and often depend upon factors that are beyond the control of the general partner of the relevant fund and its affiliates.

Podcast

February 27, 2025

This podcast features Jack Brennan (Founding Chair, CIS and Chairman Emeritus, The Vanguard Group) and Joseph H. Davis, Ph.D. (Global Chief Economist and Global Head of the Investment Strategy Group, The Vanguard Group), as they provide insights on the macro and micro outlook for the new year, capital market trends, investment challenges, risks, and best practices for institutional investing.

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

This presentation is furnished or informational purposes only and is intended solely for the person to whom it is delivered by or on behalf of Catholic Investment Services (“CIS”). This presentation is confidential and may not be reproduced in its entirety or in part, or redistributed to any party in any form, without the prior written consent of CIS. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities offered by any funds or accounts managed by CIS. Certain statements contained herein that indicate future possibilities constitute forward-looking statements and should not be construed as predictions of performance. Actual results may differ materially. In calculating projections and case targets, CIS utilizes certain specific inputs that, in some cases, are estimated, and certain assumptions that ultimately may not hold true with respect to any investment. These estimates and assumptions may deviate materially from modelled expectations. No assurances can be made that the investment philosophy, investment objectives, projections or case targets will be achieved. The information and assumptions included in this presentation are made in good faith and based upon information reasonably available to CIS as of the date noted herein and will not be updated. The information contained herein does not purport to present a complete picture of the activities, results, actions and/or plans of CIS or any fund or account managed by CIS. Clients or prospective investors should consult advisory agreements, private placement memorandums and/or other documents describing any securities and explaining the services and risks associated with an investment in such securities prior to investing. Investing involves the risk of loss and investors should be prepared to bear potential losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Webinars

February 10, 2025

This webinar featured Jack Brennan (Founding Chair, CIS and Chairman Emeritus, The Vanguard Group) and Joseph H. Davis, Ph.D. (Global Chief Economist and Global Head of the Investment Strategy Group, The Vanguard Group), as they provide insights on the macro and micro outlook for the new year, capital market trends, investment challenges, risks, and best practices for institutional investing.

00:00 – Welcome and introductions, opening prayer

05:00 – Implications of tariffs for investment markets

10:00 – Importance and challenges of immigration

13:38 – Implications of continued significant deficit spending in the US

18:35 – Is it better to have a stronger or weaker US Dollar?

20:22 – The future of globalization

28:00 – Macro implications of AI

32:50 – Productivity in the US

35:50 – Q: How should someone think about approaching tech investments to promote human dignity and meaningful work?

38:20 – Q: Do I need to care if all of my liabilities are US Dollar-based?

41:43 – Coming into View: How AI and Rising Debt Will Reshape the Economy and Our Investments by Joseph Davis

54:25 – Thank you and closing

This presentation is furnished or informational purposes only and is intended solely for the person to whom it is delivered by or on behalf of Catholic Investment Services (“CIS”). This presentation is confidential and may not be reproduced in its entirety or in part, or redistributed to any party in any form, without the prior written consent of CIS. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities offered by any funds or accounts managed by CIS. Certain statements contained herein that indicate future possibilities constitute forward-looking statements and should not be construed as predictions of performance. Actual results may differ materially. In calculating projections and case targets, CIS utilizes certain specific inputs that, in some cases, are estimated, and certain assumptions that ultimately may not hold true with respect to any investment. These estimates and assumptions may deviate materially from modelled expectations. No assurances can be made that the investment philosophy, investment objectives, projections or case targets will be achieved. The information and assumptions included in this presentation are made in good faith and based upon information reasonably available to CIS as of the date noted herein and will not be updated. The information contained herein does not purport to present a complete picture of the activities, results, actions and/or plans of CIS or any fund or account managed by CIS. Clients or prospective investors should consult advisory agreements, private placement memorandums and/or other documents describing any securities and explaining the services and risks associated with an investment in such securities prior to investing. Investing involves the risk of loss and investors should be prepared to bear potential losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Webinars

January 21, 2025

In this webinar, moderated by Paulita Pike (Managing Partner, Ropes & Gray), Craig Husting (CIO, Public School & Education Employee Retirement Systems of Missouri), and Bob DiMeo (Chairman & Co-Founder, Fiducient Advisors) share actionable insights and strategies to help Catholic institutional endowments navigate investment challenges while balancing risk, returns, and faith-based values.

https://youtu.be/71B94xIL81Q

00:00 – Welcome, opening prayer, and Introductions

03:00 – Governance for Catholic Institutions

05:40 – Advice for smaller Catholic institutions with fewer institutions

10:35 – Asset allocation for endowments

18:03 – How to establish a meaningful benchmark

21:15 – Q: What do you think about replacing hedge funds with buffered ETFs?

25:43 – Catholic alignment in institutional investment portfolios

29:43 – Q: What size does an endowment need to be to invest in alternatives?

31:49 – Q: What is a long-term investment period within which to think of alternatives?

32:37 – Hedge funds as a reducer of risk

34:12 – Q: How do you see the role of active vs. index in aligning with Catholic principles?

38:58 – Q: How do fiduciaries incorporate Catholic values into due diligence when thinking about alternatives?

40:45 – Q: How can investment committees effectively work with consultants to identify and implement Catholic-aligned alternatives?

41:57 – Best practices for monitoring performance of alternatives

46:50 – How to approach conversations with trustees and non-investment stakeholders regarding Catholic values

48:41 – Meeting both long-term growth and short-term spending needs

53:25 – Advice on building a Catholic endowment

55:10 – Thank you and closing

This presentation is furnished or informational purposes only and is intended solely for the person to whom it is delivered by or on behalf of Catholic Investment Services (“CIS”). This presentation is confidential and may not be reproduced in its entirety or in part, or redistributed to any party in any form, without the prior written consent of CIS. This presentation does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any securities offered by any funds or accounts managed by CIS. Certain statements contained herein that indicate future possibilities constitute forward-looking statements and should not be construed as predictions of performance. Actual results may differ materially. In calculating projections and case targets, CIS utilizes certain specific inputs that, in some cases, are estimated, and certain assumptions that ultimately may not hold true with respect to any investment. These estimates and assumptions may deviate materially from modelled expectations. No assurances can be made that the investment philosophy, investment objectives, projections or case targets will be achieved. The information and assumptions included in this presentation are made in good faith and based upon information reasonably available to CIS as of the date noted herein and will not be updated. The information contained herein does not purport to present a complete picture of the activities, results, actions and/or plans of CIS or any fund or account managed by CIS. Clients or prospective investors should consult advisory agreements, private placement memorandums and/or other documents describing any securities and explaining the services and risks associated with an investment in such securities prior to investing. Investing involves the risk of loss and investors should be prepared to bear potential losses. Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

Disclaimer