Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

Kind Hearts Fuel Catholic Foundation Growth

Posted on January 02, 2020 in: News, Catholic Charities News, Catholic Foundation News

Kind Hearts Fuel Catholic Foundation Growth

If the Catholic Foundation had ears, they would be ringing! More and more often people are discussing the Catholic Foundation as being a good place to donate some of their hard-earned money.

During 2019, the Catholic Foundation has added new endowments at a very steady pace. People realize that by establishing an endowment within the Catholic Foundation, they can ensure that their favorite parish, school or diocesan ministry will receive financial support long after they have moved on to a better life with Jesus. Potential donors also understand that their donation will be overseen by not only the Board of the Foundation but also professionally invested by the Knights of Columbus Assets Advisors in compliance with United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Socially Responsible Investment Guidelines. Donors also enjoy the fact that in naming their endowment, they can remember a loved one in perpetuity.

Whether the entity to be benefited by an endowment is a school, church or soup kitchen, all recipients are extremely thankful for this much needed support. The first new endowment of 2019 was the Sacred Heart Church Education Endowment established to help Sacred Heart School in Groton remain strong into the future. Earnings from this endowment will help to offset rising tuition costs. Pastor Darius Dudzik, Principal Gail Kingston, and a task force of volunteers led by Bill Michaud, spearheaded the creation of this endowment.

Sharing the importance of this endowment Father Darius said, "Sacred Heart School has been educating and forming students for over 60 years. During its history, thousands of students have gained knowledge and wisdom and encountered the Lord and longed to put Him at the heart of everything they do. We hope that the endowment will help us to continue this valuable ministry to our youth and their families for the next 60 years and beyond and enrich the Church with committed and dedicated members." Dr. Kingston stressed, “The endowment was created so that any child that wanted a Catholic education would be able to afford it.”

Next, came the creation of the Theresa N. Reardon Endowment by her nephew, Thomas Zotti. Tom knew that Theresa had wanted to establish an endowment to benefit her church, St. Patrick Cathedral in Norwich. Tom felt that an endowment in his aunt’s name to benefit her church was a fitting memorial to her after her death.

He said, "Our Aunt T was a generous and caring soul who always tried to take of those people and things that mattered to her. Our family knew that while she was alive, but after her passing it has become even more evident. She would be thrilled to know we were able to create an endowment to help support her beloved St. Patrick’s into the future."

Later in the year, Susan and John Wronowski of Cross Sound Ferry, New London, decided that they wanted to fund a scholarship in honor of their dear friend, the late Monsignor Robert L. Brown who served the diocese for over 40 years as a parish priest and later as Chancellor, among a multitude of other diocesan and parish duties he performed. Knowing Monsignor Brown’s love of education, they decided that once a year, monies distributed from their endowment would be used for tuition assistance of a St. Bernard student who had a financial need coupled with exceptional moral character and a true desire to make a difference in the lives others just as Monsignor Brown did during his lifetime.

With this intention, Susan and John established The Wronowski Family Scholarship in Honor of Monsignor Robert L. Brown. Reflecting on Monsignor Brown, John Wronowski said, “Monsignor Brown touched the lives of our family in so many ways over our long and lasting friendship. He always took the time to say hello after mass, drop a note to see how we were doing and never missed the christening of one our new ferries nor the celebration afterwards. We loved how Monsignor Brown was always thrilled to get away for the day on his numerous ferry trips to Long Island, trips he would recount with such fondness. My family and I strongly feel that this endowment in honor of Monsignor Brown will ensure that his memory and the compassion he bestowed on so many of our lives will continue on.”

Last but certainly not least, Genevieve Rafferty, a former New London resident and teacher was remembered by the creation of an endowment bearing her name by her granddaughter, Seana Rafferty- Hanson, currently of West Virginia, Attorney Thomas Londregan, New London and Monsignor Randall, currently serving as Primer Consejero for the Papal Nuncio in Mexico City.

The Genevieve Rafferty Endowment will be used to support St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich. Speaking of her grandmother, Seana shared, “My Grandma Genn was a model of giving back to the community ever since I could walk. Whether it was gathering spare change for the church collection plate; books and clothing for children in rural and poor communities; writing letters to soldiers overseas who couldn’t be home with their families for the holiday season; reading to people in the hospital, and larger philanthropic projects as I got older; she inspired projects that would nourish the mind, body and spirit of other people.”

Monsignor Randall expressing the ability of this endowment to carry on Genevieve’s tradition of helping others said, “Mrs. Rafferty was known in St. Joseph’s parish, New London, for her beautiful smile and concern for social justice. She always wanted to help, but quietly and behind the scenes. She did so concretely with her time, talent and treasure, both in the US and abroad.;

Genevieve looked for situations and people who fell through the cracks and loopholes that life often brings. By donating to the Rafferty Endowment Fund, under the auspices of the Catholic Foundation, a person is assured that their money is invested correctly and used for the scope to which they had intended it. The Diocesan Bishop has a team of financial experts who manage the assets of the Foundation so that it can bear fruit to help people who might otherwise be forgotten. In this case, the Rafferty Endowment Fund continues to feed the disadvantaged who gather at the St. Vincent de Paul Place in Norwich. A small donation to this endowment renders Genn’s smile and heart to the people in need.

Please join us in thanking our current donors to the Catholic Foundation for their generosity. If you would like to donate to any of the now 36 endowments of the Catholic Foundation or are interested in establishing an endowment yourself, please contact this author, Mary Ellen Mahoney at either (860) 886-1928, ext. 113, or memahoney@norwichdiocese.net.

By Mary Ellen Mahoney


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich
Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich Reverend Monsignor Richard F. Reidy Appointed as Sixth Bishop   NORWICH, CT – The Diocese of Norwich joyfully welcomes the appointment of Bishop-elect Richard F. Reidy as its sixth bishop. Pope Francis made the official announcement today at noon in Rome (6:00 a.m. Eastern Time). Bishop-elect Reidy comes to Norwich from the Diocese of Worcester, Massachusetts, where he has served faithfully in various pastoral and administrative roles, most recently as Vicar General. His extensive experience in ...

Read More

Archbishop Coyne Reflects on the Baptism of the Lord: "Don't Ever Apologize for Being Catholic"
This past Sunday, Archbishop Christopher Coyne, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Norwich, delivered an inspiring homily at the Baptism of the Lord Mass. In his message, he urged the faithful to embrace their identity as Catholics with confidence and joy, reminding them, "Don't ever apologize for being Catholic." Archbishop Coyne drew meaningful connections between the baptism of Jesus and our own call to live as beloved children of God. He reflected on the feast's profound significance, encouraging the community to proclaim the Good News boldly...

Read More

80 Years After Auschwitz’s Liberation: ‘I Ask You Only to Remember’
Jan. 27 marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. Each year, the camp survivors are fewer in number, and as their testimony and witness remain, the importance of Auschwitz endures. In 2024, more than 1.8 million visitors passed through its gates. What is it that brings people here? An obscene charnel of mass murder with all its evil, its inhumanity, its brutality: On the surface, it is a site devoid of hope. But among the ruins and the selection lines, beneath the Arbeit Macht Frei sign, in the preserved block houses, and amid the devastating ex...

Read More

CNA Explains: How Are ‘Low-Gluten’ Communion Hosts Made for Mass?
It’s something most Catholics have probably heard at Mass at some point: An announcement that “gluten-free” or “low-gluten” hosts are available either during Communion or directly afterward so that Catholics with gluten sensitivities can participate in the Blessed Sacrament with minimal discomfort.  But how are low-gluten hosts manufactured?  The Church’s canon law is strict: The “most holy Eucharistic sacrifice” can be offered only with unleavened bread made “only [from] wheat,” meaning g...

Read More

Bishop-elect Reidy Pledges Outreach and Healing in First Public Remarks
In his first public appearance as the newly appointed Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Norwich, Monsignor Richard F. Reidy spoke candidly about his unexpected appointment, the challenges facing the diocese, and his commitment to its people. Addressing members of the media at the chancery on Wednesday morning, February 12, Bishop-elect Reidy recounted the moment he received the phone call from Cardinal Christophe Pierre, the apostolic nuncio to the United States. “He told me the Holy Father would like to appoint me to Norwich,” Bishop-elect Reidy said. “I was...

Read More

Be Not Afraid, Because God is Always Near, Pope Says
Pope Francis reflected on Mary's trust in God's plan and presence, prayed for Los Angeles wildfire victims and prayed for peace in Gaza during his general audience at the Vatican.   VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- God tells Christians not to be afraid because he is always close, accompanying the faithful throughout their lives and through all their challenges, Pope Francis said. "God says 'Do not be afraid' to Abraham, Isaac" and many others in the Bible, but "he says it to us, too. 'Be not afraid,' keep going," because God &q...

Read More

Annual Catholic Appeal

ACA DONATE

English

Español

 

Latest Articles
Pope Francis Names New Bishop for the Diocese of Norwich
Bishop-elect Reidy Pledges Outreach and Healing in First Public Remarks
A New Chapter Begins: Bishop-Elect Reidy’s First Mass in the Diocese of Norwich
Prayers for Priests and Deacons
5 Fascinating Facts About the Apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes
Mass Attendance Ticks Back Up Nationally After Pandemic Falter, Data Suggests
St. Teresa of Calcutta Added to Church Calendar as Optional Memorial
'The Image of Christ' - Hope and Faith Video Series
Recently Added Galleries
Click to view album: 40 Days for Life 2024
Click to view album: Blessing of the Fleet 2024
Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Fr. Eric Carl Hosmer, Fr. Julian Felipe Cuervo-Lozada and Fr. Alexander James Pandolfe
Click to view album: Norwich Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (NDCCW) 46th Annual Layette
Signup for Weekly Newsletter

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294