By Irene Moschner, Director of Philanthropy
Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana
I had just attended a retirement luncheon for a colleague when I noticed something interesting. We had all come together for Mass and then shared a meal and stories to honor his ministry and service to the people of the Diocese of Evansville. As I was walking back, I looked around me and discovered that of the six people I could see, no one was following the same route. We had each, in fact, chosen a different path to the same building on the same campus.
This brought to mind the nativity of our Lord; Mary and Joseph traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem; visitors arriving from the East; shepherds coming in from their fields; and people traveling along different paths to the same location and event. “Oh star of wonder, star of night … Guide us to thy perfect light.”
At the Catholic Foundation, we work with faith-filled people who all have a common goal in mind. They want to nurture and support future generations as they seek to know the Lord. They are willing to share their resources to create endowments that touch their own passion for their faith, hoping to instill that same passion in others. “Bearing gifts we traverse afar … Following yonder star.”
This has been a year of families creating legacies while honoring their loved ones. Bob Koressel was the biggest champion, caretaker and ambassador of the grotto at St Boniface Parish. He maintained the history of both the parish and the grotto and took pride in personally conducting tours. He wanted to be sure that future generations could experience the same reverence, joy and awe he felt as they entered and worshiped in that sacred space. The Robert “Bob” Koressel Grotto Endowment will help fulfill Bob’s dream. “Prayer and praising all men raising, Worship Him, God most high.”
Lisa Popham was a loving wife and mother who was also a dedicated educator; a teacher at heart. She had a passion for supporting and helping other teachers; her family wanted to ensure that legacy continued through the Lisa Popham Memorial Endowment. The fund will help teachers with special projects, training, materials and classroom enhancements. The gifts she shared were more valuable than any precious metal or jewels. “Gold I bring to crown Him again … Over us all to reign.”
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly or at a young age, an endowment gives the family a way to keep their memory alive. The Waningers have been a part of Spencer County and the St. Martin Parish family for generations. Ryan Lee Neal became part of the Waninger family when his mother met and married Scott Waninger. He was only 36 years old when he passed away this past year. As the family worked through their grief, they looked for a way to honor Ryan and help future generations remember him. The Waninger family has a long tradition of caring for the St Martin Cemetery. Family members, through the years, have physically taken care of the mowing, repairs and beautification of the cemetery. Through the creation of the Ryan Lee Neal, St. Martin Cemetery Trust Endowment, there will be funds available to continue that care forever. The Alfred and Mona Waninger Endowment continues the legacy Al started when he silently supported St. Martin Parish during his lifetime by providing funds for the care and improvements of the Marian Shrine and Stations of the Cross in the Serenity Garden at the parish. The Brent Allen Waninger, St Martin Cemetery Endowment also supports St. Martin Cemetery. This rural parish, in the rolling hills of southern Indiana and this family are forever entwined. “Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder star.”
Each of these families chose a path to create a legacy honoring those they have lost by providing for the future. “O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright … Guide us to thy perfect light.”