Give Today to Serve Christ Tomorrow. This is the vision of the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana (CFNWI). The foundation is a little-known organization with a big responsibility. It was instituted by Bishop Dale Melczek and the Diocesan Finance Committee in 2008, and in 17 short years, it has grown to assets of $20 million.
It is my privilege to serve these past five years as administrative coordinator. I manage the day-to-day operations of the foundation, attend all committee and subcommittee meetings, and provide information for current and future fund holders. All funds are endowed which means they provide an influx of cash flow for their ministry, church, or school which is earned by the donations. The donated gifts are preserved, and only the growth from these funds is available for spending.
We have been truly blessed with time, talents and financial support. Since 2020, I have been privileged to open dozens of new endowment funds and to open doors for many future funds.
The first question I ask when I am invited to talk about establishing an endowment fund is, “What is in your heart?” I always come prepared with a list of current endowment funds and a list of ministries that do NOT have an endowment but who would benefit from the security and revenue flow of a fund set aside specifically for their future.
Giving from the Heart
Recently I sat down with a couple over coffee. They had created a list of eight different existing funds that appealed to them, and we were able to narrow that down to three. We refilled our cups and continued to talk about the people and things in their lives that had influenced their faith. Half an hour later, we narrowed down the finalists and came up with an idea for a completely new endowment fund.
During any conversation about endowment funds, we always talk about the things that are most precious about our faith and those special ministries that are close to the donors’ hearts. Many other funds have been created for our Catholic parishes and schools, like the fund established for the Cathedral of the Holy Angels to maintain its beautiful historic structure. A special fund was created in 2024 to enhance the atmosphere of adoration chapels within the diocese with multiple grants to encourage Eucharistic Adoration and attract many to a closer walk with Jesus.
Establishing a New Fund
The first Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) class created a scholarship fund for future LEM students to assist those who are unable to pay their tuition, naming the fund after Anne Verbeke, who initiated the LEM program in the diocese. Multiple families have created funds that are named in honor of their loved ones. Our most recent endowment fund is the Maryann Pancheri Right to Life Endowment Fund. It was five years ago when then-board member (and former CFNWI Executive Director), Diana Murray, and I were invited to Jim Pancheri’s home in Munster to talk about a memorial to his wife, Maryann, who died in 2018.
When we lose a loved one, each of us lives with the loss differently. Jim’s love for his wife was obvious in his voice as he talked about meeting Maryann when both were teachers in Munster and their classrooms were across the hall from each other. Without any doubt, he told us that he wanted to establish an endowment in her name. He was very specific about wanting to fund the Rachel’s Vineyard ministry, which did not have an endowment fund at that time. We discussed the importance of assisting people to build a new life, to heal their wounded hearts, and to experience God’s mercy. Following his death in March 2024, Jim’s legacy is now earning money for this most critical ministry. In 2026, the fund will begin to pay out in Maryann’s memory, all because Mr. Pancheri answered the question: “What is in your heart?”
How Can I Participate?
Each of us has a special answer for this most important question, “What is in your heart?” There are simple ways to create that legacy for the Catholic community after your death. As a surviving spouse, you may wish to name the Catholic Foundation as a beneficiary of life insurance. You can set aside a percentage or specific amount or add a bequest in your will or trust. Your IRA allows you to give now through a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) and make the changes today to name the Catholic Foundation as a beneficiary (part or whole) at your death. You can also avoid a percentage of capital gains by making Stock Donations now from matured stocks.
Instead of asking, “What is in your wallet?” ask, “What is in your heart?” If you are able to give now or later, your gift to the Catholic Foundation will continue to grow and your designated fund will be at work, forever providing a stream of revenue.
To participate or learn more about how you can create your own legacy, contact me at jholicky@catholicfuture.org or call 219-769-9292 x88268.
Judy Holicky is the coordinator of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Gary.
