I realize that, when it comes to the Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana, most people do not see what I see, hear what I hear, know what I know or, for better or worse, listen to what I say!
We currently oversee 700 endowments to serve specific needs in our diocese. Each began with love, faith, joy and hope. Each ends with love, support, stability and security for our Catholic community.
“Said the night wind to the little lamb, Do you see what I see….”
Many people look around at the beautiful worship space that is their parish church in awe of the beauty, sanctity and sacredness surrounding them as they glorify the Lord each week. Three new endowments have been created this year and join a dozen others to help preserve church buildings so that future generations can continue to see what we see: A star, dancing in the night.
“Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear.…”
Masses and other celebrations are made more joyous through the addition of music. Individual endowments exist in several parishes to support music ministry by providing funds for sheet music, enhanced sound systems, pipe-organ maintenance and music ministers. For those whose hearts are touched and swell with joy at the sound of choirs of earthly angels singing at church, these endowments make it possible for their children and grandchildren to hear what they hear: A song, with a voice as big as the sea.
“Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, Do you know what I know.…”
Diocesan-wide, endowments have been created by people who have a deep desire to live their faith as scripture directs:,
“And the king will say to them in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40). I
Endowments to care for the poor, through the parishes, Catholic Charities, food pantries, tuition assistance, outreach to missions and homeless shelters are ways to share with future generations so they can know what we know: A Child shivers in the cold.
“Said the king to the people everywhere, Listen to what I say.…”
The Christmas, as we reflect on the blessings in our lives, the gifts we have been given and the path we have been placed upon, let us look into our hearts and ask, “How will they remember me?” I, for one, would like to leave a legacy – an unapologetic blessing to the Lord. Supporting an endowment that benefits your heart’s passion, or creating a new endowment for a need you see at your parish, are paths that lead to creating a legacy.
“Listen to what I say. Pray for peace people everywhere. The Child, the Child sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light.”
Merry Christmas!