Ave Maria Mutual Funds Add Ave Maria World Equity Fund

Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc., the manager of Ave Maria Mutual Funds, announces the launch of the Ave Maria World Equity Fund (AVEWX), the sixth mutual fund in the family of funds.

Additionally, effective May 1, 2010, the management fee for the flagship Ave Maria Catholic Values Fund (AVEMX) and Ave Maria Growth Fund (AVEGX) has been reduced from 1.00% annually to 0.95% annually

The investment objective of Ave Maria World Equity Fund (the new Fund) is long-term capital appreciation. AVEWX will attempt to satisfy its investment objective by investing in equity investments in U.S. and non-U.S. companies that do not violate the core values and teachings of the Roman Catholic Church.

Gregory R. Heilman, CFA has been named portfolio manager for Ave Maria World Equity Fund. He is also co-manager of the Ave Maria Catholic Values Fund. “This new Fund allows investors to diversify their holdings and gain broader exposure to equity markets outside the U.S. while adhering to the pro-life and pro-family beliefs that are the hallmark of Ave Maria Mutual Funds,” said Heilman.

Under normal market conditions, the Ave Maria World Equity Fund will invest at least 80% of its net assets in common stocks of established U.S., and non-U.S. companies of various market capitalizations. The Fund will invest at least 60% of its net assets in equity securities issued by non-US companies.

“Our family of no-load mutual funds is resonating with individual investors and financial advisors due to the unique combination of professional investment management and moral screening that the Ave Maria Mutual Funds offer,” said George P. Schwartz, CFA, President and Chief Investment Officer of Schwartz Investment Counsel, Inc. “We believe lower fees on two of our funds and access to investment opportunities worldwide through our new fund makes Ave Maria Mutual Funds an even more compelling choice for shareholders,” he added.