The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Central Florida has taken a significant step towards ensuring the future of Catholic lawyers in Central Florida. This newly endowed scholarship fund is set to ensure that future lawyers (traditional or cannon) can financially complete their degree and integrate the teachings of the Church with traditional legal values, reinforcing the mission and impact of Catholic legal practitioners in our community. As President of the Catholic Lawyers Guild of Central Florida, Anne-Marie Bowen proudly shares of how the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida was instrumental in establishing the Catholic Lawyers Guild Endowed Scholarship.
What inspired us to establish the Catholic Lawyers Guild Endowed Scholarship Fund was the humility and generosity of one lawyer. Each year, Catholic Lawyers Guild Central Florida, sponsors the Red Mass. As part of that, the Guild awards the St. Thomas More award to one lawyer who emulates the characteristics of this venerable saint. A few years ago, Tom Wilkes received the award but never cashed the check. When I asked, he said he was not going to and that we should use it however was appropriate. The Board of Directors decided to use Tom’s award as a scholarship for Catholic law students in Central Florida. We wanted to encourage law students to consider how their faith will factor into their future law practice. After we chose the candidate, we awarded the scholarship at a weekend Mass at St. James Cathedral presided by Bishop Noonan.
Tom planted one little seed with me. He said, “Anne-Marie, this does not have to be the only one”. Well, the Holy Spirit was moving within me, and I felt strongly that we did not need to just give one scholarship per year. We needed to grow an endowment so that we could perpetually fund scholarships for law students. However, I had no idea how to start it, what to do, or anything like that. I only knew that I was called to move this forward. There is a saying that God does not call the qualified; rather, he qualifies those who are called. Though we wholeheartedly agreed that it was a worthwhile cause, none of the Board of Directors have ever established an endowment.
When deciding which organization will assist us in creating the fund, we knew we wanted to work with an organization that aligns with our Catholic values and chose The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida. We have been working with Madelyn Weed who has been incredibly helpful and supportive. Madelyn continues to give us wonderful guidance. The Catholic Foundation also takes care of the administrative duties, so we have peace of mind knowing everything is done correctly.
The purpose of the Catholic Lawyers Guild Endowed Scholarship is to embody the practice of law with the values and virtues of St. Thomas More and the teachings of the Church. While many law students graduate to become private attorneys, some priests attend law school to become Canon lawyers. Our priests do so much for us, and we wanted to give back, as we don’t know anyone else helping priests with their incidental expenses. We understand how vital Canon lawyers are, as they serve as the Bishop’s right hand. The Catholic Lawyers Endowed Scholarship Fund is our way of serving those who serve all the faithful while nurturing budding lawyers, so they cling throughout their careers to the good, the true, and the beautiful embedded in our Catholic faith.
There is a common expression among lawyers that the only “happy” law is that of the practice of adoption. That is a joyous occasion for families to receive a long-awaited child. Most types of law involve controversy or disputes. People come to see a lawyer because they have a problem and have never dealt with the legal system. They are often scared and upset. We want lawyers who want to help, provide guidance, and advocacy while remembering we all stand before God Almighty. May we be found worthy in His judgment.
This is “A Lawyer’s Prayer”:
Lord, grant that I may be able in argument, accurate in analysis, strict in study, candid with clients, and honest with adversaries. Sit with me at my desk and listen with me to my client’s complaints. Read with me in my library, and stand beside me in court, so that today I shall not, to win a point, lose my soul.
— Saint Thomas More
There will always be lawyers, and the Guild wants to support Catholic law students. We love getting together with like-minded legal professionals who honor our Catholic teachings as we seek justice. The Guild provides educational opportunities through our Lunch & Learn, with Inspiration programs, and enhance spiritual growth through the Red Mass (November 21, 2024 at St. James Cathedral at the 12:10PM Mass).
Just as in 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Tom planted the seed, and the Board and I watered it. But we are nothing. Only God will cause the growth of the Catholic Lawyer Guild Endowed Scholarship Fund. We are God’s coworkers, and we invite Catholic lawyers and all the faithful to support the endowed scholarship fund.
The Catholic Lawyers Guild of Central Florida Board is excited to announce a matching gift opportunity – all donations into the Scholarship Fund will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000! If you are interested in contributing to the growth of the Catholic Lawyers Guild Endowed Scholarship Fund, donations can be made online or via a gift of stock, IRA qualified charitable distribution, donor advised fund, etc. by contacting Madelyn Weed, CFRE, CAP at (407) 246-7188.
Checks payable to “CFOCF” with a memo of “CLG Endowed Scholarship Fund” can be sent to:
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida
P.O. Box 4905
Orlando, FL 32802-4905
If you are interested in establishing a new endowment fund to support your favorite diocesan parish, school or ministry, please contact Madelyn Weed, CFRE, CAP at (407) 246-7188.