By Irene Moschner
Director of Grants and Community Engagement
Catholic Foundation of Southwestern Indiana
I recently drove from Evansville to southern Ohio to be present for the birth of our fifth grandchild. A beautiful, of course, healthy baby boy. Along the route, I was awed by the explosion of fall colors against a stunning, clear blue sky. It was as if God said, a miracle is about to happen and I want your journey to witness it to be perfect. And it was.
With the obvious change in the seasons and the change happening in our family, this quote, by Victor Hugo, came to mind, “Change your opinions, keep to your principles; change your leaves, keep intact your roots.”
Change goes on continuously, around us and within us. Sometimes it makes us uncomfortable. Other times it brings us joy, hope and settles peace upon our hearts. That peace might begin with sitting in prayer, having an open mind and heart and allowing the Lord to speak to us.
Change moves people to take action. Out of the sorrow over the death of a parent, a family creates an Endowment that provides a perpetual stream of income for the parish where they grew up. Looking toward retirement, a couple chooses to create a Charitable Gift Annuity with the Catholic Foundation. It gives them peace of mind that they will receive an income during their lifetimes and upon their death, the remainder will support the Catholic school that formed their children in faith and prepared them for academic success. When a young woman received a bonus for her achievements at work, she contacted the Foundation to set up a Donor Advised Fund. This gave her a tax deduction for the current year and allowed her flexibility to take several years to choose and make grants to her favorite Catholic charities.
Just like the tree fully embraces each season; revealing new growth in the spring, the abundant fruitfulness of the summer, the colorful shedding of the leaves in autumn, the nurturing, replenishment of the roots throughout winter, we go through seasons in our lives. Seasons of giving. Our grounding in faith gives us strong principles and develops strong roots.
“… rooted in him and built upon him and established in the faith as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving” (Colossians 2:7).
If you would like more information about creating your own family legacy, please contact the Catholic Foundation by calling 812-424-5536 or emailing foundation@evdio.org.