Wishing Farewell to a Valued Team Member: Jannah Szeibert
Wishing Farewell to a Valued Team Member: Jannah Szeibert Jannah joined the Catholic Foundation team two years ago when her husband relocated from California to Florida. This month, our team wished farewell to Jannah as they made their return to California. Jannah was a devoted member of the Community Services team, which mainly focuses on working closely with parishes and schools to enhance their financial wellness. Jannah said she wore many hats during her time working for the Foundation. She contributed to vital projects, such as Our Catholic Appeal, and generously offered her talents as a photographer for our organization. Though we are sad to see her go, we are thankful for the blessings of her hard work and dedication….
Embracing Spring as a Time of Rebirth
Spring is the season of renewal and growth where nature blossoms back to life all around us. It serves as a beautiful reminder of rebirth, a central theme in Catholic faith. Let us take a look at ways we can practice these concepts of growth through this spring season. Spiritual Renewal through Confession The Sacrament of Reconciliation beckons us during this time of the year, especially as we journey through lent. Confession offers us a chance to shed the weight of our shortcomings and, like a budding flower in the spring, emerge renewed. Take this time for personal reflection and spiritual growth, setting personal and spiritual goals for summertime. Almsgiving and Charity As Catholics, our hearts are always called to…
Celebrate Divine Mercy through Service and Compassion
Celebrate Divine Mercy through Service and Compassion Divine Mercy is a day to reflect on God’s love and compassion for all people, regardless of their sins. And every year on the Sunday after Easter, it calls to us to extend that same forgiveness to others. Each day can be a new opportunity to practice forgiveness and compassion. This can manifest through small acts of kindness, lending an attentive ear, or finding forgiveness for those who wronged you. It is important to remember that in serving others, we serve Christ Himself. Every step we take embodying these practices brings us closer to a better world. Click here to read the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.
Go Paperless for Our Catholic Appeal!
Go Paperless for Our Catholic Appeal! In the face of rising carbon dioxide levels, trees, God’s vital creation, become ever more essential. Paper production heavily relies on trees and encouraging paperless ways for donations, contracts, or transactions can help alleviate the pressure we put on trees. Building on this effort, our website, along with most other organizations, now offers an online option for gift donations, making paperless donations easier than ever. Here, we will take you step by step on how to make an online gift or pledge for Our Catholic Appeal (OCA). First, visit cfocf.org/oca — this is our main page for Our Catholic Appeal. It contains a wealth of information and videos about OCA, why your contribution is…
Invest with a Catholic Set of Mind
Invest with a Catholic Set of Mind As stewards of God’s gift, Catholic investors are called to ensure that our money supports ethical and responsible companies. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released guidelines for socially responsible investments. These guidelines embody the Church’s teachings of human dignity, justice, peace and integrity of creation. They guide us towards investments that uphold these sacred values. We at the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida are blessed to announce that, as of 2021, we manage over $75 million in investments, with less than 0.5% potentially not complying with the USCCB guidelines. We help steward God’s creation through our investment social screening, which includes protecting the environment. As we continue to guide…
Make a Significant Contribution on Earth Day and Beyond
Make a Significant Contribution on Earth Day and Beyond Earth Day is a global celebration reminding us of our sacred duty to protect and nurture our common home as stewards of His creation. Today, let us discuss ways to live more ecologically conscious lives so we can better care for our planet. Find ways to carpool Gas emission is a major contributor to air pollution. Fellowship is central to our faith, and uniting with other parishioners to carpool to Mass exemplifies our collective commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although carpooling once a week may seem small, two people carpooling already cuts that gas emission in half. Four people carpooling cut those gas emissions by 75%. It may seem small,…
Creating Generational Impact
Philanthropy is a powerful tool that goes beyond benefiting communities—it also serves as a cornerstone for instilling values and financial literacy in children. Effective philanthropy requires a blend of money management, organization, and impact awareness. It can reinforce the values of hard work, accountability, and strong communication. By involving children, even adult children, in philanthropy, families can help them build confidence, professional networks, develop cultural awareness, and foster stewardship. Sharing the reasons behind your own philanthropic endeavors and the joy derived from giving helps children grasp the core tenets of Catholic beliefs: sharing blessings, loving others as ourselves, and contributing to the Kingdom of God. Understanding personal values and the meaning of impact aids in targeting relevant organizations for support….
Faith-Filled Impact
Our communities have many needs, and the opportunity to make a difference are vast. So, how do we determine where to direct our generosity? Here is a simple acronym, FAITH, to guide you in making a faith-filled impact: F – Develop a FINANCIAL Budget To start, consider your household budget and how you can incorporate charitable giving into it. Engage with advisors who specialize in philanthropic planning to explore tax-wise opportunities. Also, think about utilizing non-cash assets to extend your household budget and amplify your charitable impact. For instance, if you’re 73 or older, you might consider using your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA for charitable giving. A – ALIGN Charities with Your Values Take time to define…
Easter Reflection
An Easter Reflection from our Board Member & Spiritual Advisor: Very Rev. Ivan Olmo, V. F. “The Son of Man must be handed over to sinners and be crucified, and rise on the third day.” (Luke 24:7) Easter reminds us of the patient longing of our Heavenly Father and his deep desire for Holy Communion with his precious creation. When Jesus entered Jerusalem, he willingly entered into his Passion so that the Father may more fully enter into our hearts and lives once again. Lent and Holy Week invite us to enter more deeply into the sorrow of Christ’s obedient, suffering love and the joy of his saving, redemptive grace that have gain for us our salvation. In fasting, we…
Lenten Pilgrimage – St. John’s Grotto
The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida was blessed to organize a Gathering in Gratitude Lenten Pilgrimage on March 22, 2024 on behalf of Bishop Noonan and The Foundation’s Board of Directors. This was a special gathering of those who have returned their blessings to the Lord as endowment fundholders and members of the Corpus Christi, Spes Christi, Vivos Christi, and St. Katharine Drexel Societies. Graciously hosted by St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, Bishop Noonan led the 50 attendees through the Stations of the Cross followed by a Lenten lunch, program and visit to the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. Donors were recognized for their generosity which provides education, faith formation and shelter to the homeless, food for…