Catholic Endowment Fund provides opportunity for gift giving to the diocese

During the Christmas season, many of our thoughts are directed to giving and receiving gifts. Christmas is a time of gift giving because we have received the most precious gift that anyone can receive in the person of Jesus. Stores are filled with shoppers who are looking for that special gift which "keeps on giving."

The Diocesan Catholic Endowment Fund was established over a dozen years ago with the idea of providing an opportunity to give a gift to the Diocese of New UIm which keeps on giving. The interest from the Fund is used to offset the expenses incurred by the various diocesan offices. A gift to the Fund, therefore, not only supports ministry efforts this year for such important areas as youth ministry, religious education, Catholic schools, Hispanic ministry, social concerns or worship but will sustain these efforts in the future as well. The principal of the Fund remains intact and is reinvested.

Last year the appeal raised over $100,000 - the greatest amount in the history of the Fund. The Endowment Fund now totals $1.17 million. The goal is to achieve a 30% subsidy of the diocesan budget through interest income from the Fund. At the present rate, it will take many more years to accomplish that goal.

Because of the difficult economic times, the current appeal has been directed to those who contributed so graciously last year. If you have not received a letter and would like to make a donation, please send it to: Catholic Endowment Fund, Diocese of New Ulm1400 6th Street North, New Ulm, MN 56073

Other assets can also be donated such as life insurance, stock, real estate, art, or the Catholic Endowment Fund can be named in a will as a recipient of a portion of an estate. The Diocesan Finance Office is available to answer any questions regarding gifts to the Fund, (507) 359-2966

In this time of giving, the Diocese of New Ulm is especially grateful to the thousands of people who have contributed to the Catholic Endowment Fund over the years. Any gift - no matter how large or how small - is a gift which continues to benefit the Diocese and future generations of Catholics in southwestern Minnesota.