Foundation’s News
From Dust, by: Teresa Ell
From Dust, by: Teresa Ell When I was growing up, I always believed Lent was a season of sorrow. There is an image presented to us in school that Lent is a time of dismay as people focus on penance and fasting, all to prepare for Easter. It can become easy to see Lent as a time to remember our regrets.In recent years, there has been a growing shift in how we discuss Lent. Instead of dreary images, or an emphasis on suffering, priests across the country are encouraging people to view Lent in a new way. Primarily, they are doing so by expressing excitement for Lent. On Ash Wednesday Catholics across the country receive ashes on their forehead to…
Getting To Know Lori Tolland
Getting to Know: Lori Tolland Lori Tolland (Board of Directors Member) Why did you want to serve on The Catholic Foundation board of directors? After prayerful discernment, I felt that working with The Catholic Foundation would be a significant way to serve and be a steward of my faith. I find joy, while inspiring others to increase giving to fund God’s work and impact lives. You serve on the Executive Committee and as Chairman of the Development Committee – how are you able to serve in these roles in a unique way and what are your goals in these roles? Each director brings their own special talent and gifts to the table. I believe my experience with fundraising efforts…
To Love & Be Loved in Return by Teresa Ell
To Love & Be Loved in Return February 14th: Valentine’s Day. All across the U.S. the secular world focuses on Valentine’s Day as the perfect holiday to show how much you love someone. Florists and gift stores overflow with red and pink accessories. Chocolates and cards line the shelves or greet you on display when you enter the grocery store. Restaurants are filled with people celebrating those they love in their life. Valentine’s Day has become a holiday centered on romance under the guise of love. But to understand why love is so special, we must look beyond our current celebrations, and instead look at why this holiday is celebrated at all. February 14th: St. Valentine’s Feast Day. The…
Hackl Family
Hackl Family Legacy: Doing God’s Work Together “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20 Albert James ‘Jim’ and Christine Hackl’s lives of generosity exemplify what Matthew shared in his gospel. As a couple, as a family and as members of two diocesan and parish communities their love of God was witnessed to those who encountered them. Through their generosity and spirit of community they help others experience Jesus in their midst and through their legacy. Jim was born and raised in Bartow and he had fond memories and a lifelong love of the area. He moved to the north for his career. Jim served as president and chief…
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 College Student Establishes Catholic Legacy at 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…
A Commitment To Their Parish Creates More Than Just A Legacy
Paul and Gaetana Bosley with Bishop Noonan A Commitment To Their Parish Creates More Than Just A Legacy 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…
St. James Parishioner Supports the Poor And Vulnerable Through A Planned Gift
Lois Mills St. James Parishioner Supports the Poor And Vulnerable Through A Planned Gift 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…
The Cowgill Family Establishes A Charitable Gift Annuity To Benefit Their Home Parish
Bob and Joan Cowgill The Cowgill Family Establishes A Charitable Gift Annuity To Benefit Their Home Parish 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…
Giving With A Catholic Heart
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…
Be nimble. A Disciples’ Way of Life.
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….