Foundation’s News
College Student Establishes Catholic Legacy at CCM
Dominic Rego, a college senior at UCF and altar server at Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), has made a planned gift to CCM Dominic Rego recalls his best memory with the Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) community, which fosters faith among Central Florida college students. Dominic and a group of friends in the fall of 2020 drove from Orlando and spent the night at Cocoa Beach where Dominic practiced guitar, everyone sang praise-and-worship songs around a campfire, and the friends enjoyed a coffee-and-eggs breakfast the following morning as they watched the sun rise. At that moment, “I realized the people around me are like brothers and sisters,” Dominic, 23, recalls. So when Dominic enlisted in the U.S. Navy – while still attending…
Becoming Kings Of Catholic Stewardship
As Psalm 24 teaches, “The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.” This is a fundamental principle of biblical stewardship for us as Catholics. God owns everything, we are called by Him simply as managers or administrators acting on His behalf. During our baptism, we become disciples and followers of Jesus as the minister anoints and blesses us with the following words: “Just as Jesus was anointed priest, prophet, and king, so may you live always as a member of his body sharing everlasting life.” Each one of us at our baptism was anointed like Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. We are called as Jesus was to be benevolent kings to…
A Commitment To Their Parish Creates More Than Just A Legacy
Paul and Gaetana Bosley with Bishop Noonan When Paul and his wife Gaetana moved to Mt. Dora from Pompano Beach, they quickly found land to build a new house across from St. Patrick Catholic Church. Right away they knew it was a good sign! Paul began donating his time and talent with the Finance Council, and immediately began to support the parish with his weekly offering of support at Mass. He felt called to do more. In Pompano Beach, as the Finance Chair of Assumption Church, he had helped with a campaign that raised close to $2 million, with 80% planned gifts. He had seen the difference that these legacy gifts made to help them continue the great work they…
St. James Parishioner Supports the Poor And Vulnerable Through A Planned Gift
Lois Mills Lois Mills, a parishioner of St. James Cathedral, chose to make a planned gift to several ministries. She shared with us what moved her to make this gift: I included my parish and diocese in my estate plans because to me it is an expression of my commitment to my community that will endure after I am gone. I chose three ministries that have special meaning. First, I have always admired the work of our St. Vincent de Paul Society. I have been personally acquainted with some of their volunteers and with the work they do. I believe that social justice and helping those in need are important spiritual practices and essential elements of Catholic teaching. I consider…
The Cowgill Family Establishes A Charitable Gift Annuity To Benefit Their Home Parish
Bob and Joan Cowgill Like many faithful Catholics who were born during the Great Depression, Bob and Joan Cowgill understand the value of a dollar — and the value of the Church. It’s a lesson learned in childhood, when money was fleeting but faith and family were steadfast. “My father was a hard-working farmer, but there was no money to spare,” Joan recalled. “Going to church for Mass was our one social outing of the week.” Through a Charitable Gift Annuity offered by the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida, Bob and Joan are giving back to the church while retaining the financial peace of mind they worked hard to achieve. The regular income payments provided by the annuity make it…
Giving With A Catholic Heart
Born and raised in a small Montana town as the second oldest in a family of 15, Nicholas Degel’s Catholic faith had always been an essential part of his life. He credited this to his parents who sacrificed in order to send their children to Catholic schools. He was an altar boy for many years and attended a Benedictine Monastery Boarding School. “These experiences strengthened my faith, and I am blessed and thankful for that,” he shared. A dedicated volunteer who served as a board member and treasurer of several nonprofits, Nick lived the virtue of charity and had a deep desire to leave a legacy which would allow the ministries in his heart to continue their good work. “It…
Be nimble. A Disciples’ Way of Life.
Many years ago, there were t-shirts made with the sentiment that all we needed to learn in life we had learned in kindergarten. While that may not be completely true, there are some lessons we learn early which can guide us throughout our life. One popular nursery rhyme is an example of this, Jack Be Nimble. This traditional nursery rhyme dates back to 18th century England. The origin of this nursery rhyme related to a famous English pirate, Black Jack. Jumping over candlesticks or ‘candle-leaping’ was traditional in England, mostly practiced in the markets and fairs. It was believed to be a good-luck sign to successfully clear the candle without extinguishing the light. When we look for direction or guidance…
You Can Make An Impact With An Endowment Fund
Endowment Funds are a beautiful way to create a legacy and make a lasting contribution ensuring your favorite Catholic ministry continues to evangelize to future generations! By establishing an Endowment Fund, you will provide a perpetual source of annual income for a Catholic organization or ministry. A distinct benefit of establishing a Fund with The Catholic Foundation is that your fund grows in socially responsible investments which are 99.5% compliant with your Catholic values. You can establish an Endowment Fund with a minimum contribution of $20,000 which can be made with a donation of cash, IRA rollover, appreciated stocks/assets, etc. This donated amount forms the principal (corpus) which is permanently endowed to ensure the long-term financial health and support…
Family Legacy Gift Honors The National Shrine
The Centlivre Family When Brent and Lisa Centlivre began their estate planning, they knew that they would want to leave a legacy gift in their will to the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe, to honor this sacred space that has meant so much to their family. For Brent, the journey to that decision started more than a quarter-century ago. As he was embarking on his career with Disney, where he recently celebrated his 25th anniversary, he began to attend Mass at the Shrine. Brent’s parents are devout Catholics, and he has fond memories of the Shrine when his parents would come to visit him when he moved to Orlando, and they would attend Mass…
St. Katharine Drexel: American Foundress, Religious, Heiress, and Philanthropist
St. Katharine Drexel: American Foundress, Religious, Heiress, and PhilanthropistNovember 26, 1858—March 3, 1955 St. Katharine Drexel By: Sister Maria Teresa Acosta, SCTJMA member of The Catholic Foundation board, the Servants of the Pierced Hearts of Jesus and Mary, and Executive Assistant to Bishop John Noonan & Fr. John Giel, Vicar General & Chancellor of Canonical Affairs. The second American-born saint to be canonized in the Catholic Church was also born into one of the most elite, yet charitable and philanthropic, families in the United States in the mid-1800’s. Born Catherine Mary Drexel in Philadelphia on November 26, 1858, St. Katharine was the second child of investment banker Francis Anthony Drexel and Hannah Langstroth. When Hannah died five weeks after…