Meet Our Donors

Seeing Our Wishes Through

by Mike Hart

I always knew that I wanted to leave something to benefit the Church at my death. All of that changed in August 2020, when my wife, Judy, passed away.

As my financial needs changed, I concluded it was time to increase my financial support to my church and its ministries rather than waiting until my death.

I also wanted to memorialize three important women in my life: my wife, Judy; my mother, Dorothy Hart, who worked at St. Peters and at the chancery office; and my mother-in-law, Marie Lovitt, who taught kindergarten at St. Richard School.

Each of these women had a strong connection to her Catholic faith. I decided a trust that would provide long-term support was the way to go.

Deciding which ministries to support was an easy decision, and the staff at The Catholic Foundation made the process simple and easy.

First, a trust for seminarian education to help our seminarians focus on their school, not worry about how to pay for their education.

Second, a trust to support Catholic education. With my mother-in-law having taught at St. Richard Catholic School for more years than I can count, this trust will honor her by providing continuing support for the school.

Third, a trust to support the practice of my Catholic faith. Both Judy and I were raised Catholic, and 52 years ago we were married at St. Richard. This trust will support the parish that has given so much to us through the years.

I would encourage others to think about those ministries that you love and how you can leave a lasting legacy by starting a trust with The Catholic Foundation. Your gift will begin to make a difference today and for generations.

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

On the Road Looking Ahead

By Max E. & Linda L. Polk

Last year, we were planning a long road trip and realized it would be a good idea to take care of updating our wills before leaving.

We included children's charities in our previous wills but felt for some time that we needed to make some changes. We still wanted to include children's charities but needed to feel confident that the charities we chose would carry out our wishes as we intended.

When we learned that trusts could be established through The Catholic Foundation, we especially liked the idea of a perpetual trust in memory of my mother. There were many options. Since right to life is important to us, one of the trusts to be established directs funds to a program that encourages that choice. Another will support education.

Rebecca Harris helped with the specific wording, and we feel comforted in knowing that when we are no longer here, our wishes will be carried out exactly as we desired.

When Mrs. Harris asked us to share our story, we were initially hesitant. After some thought, we concluded that doing so might encourage others to consider Catholic Charities and The Catholic Foundation when preparing a will.

Ensure your giving lives on as you intend and help The Catholic Foundation continue to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of our community. To learn more, visit jacksondiocese.mylegacygift.org or contact Rebecca Harris at 601-960-8477 or [email protected].

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

When Good Follows Bad

By Margie Delaney

On Nov. 27, 2006 my life was changed forever when we lost my 18-year-old nephew, Mathew Joseph Johnston, to cancer.

I am his godmother and his confirmation sponsor. We had a very special bond that began when he was very young. Mathew excelled both in academics and sports. He graduated valedictorian of the Class of 2006 and received an academic/ baseball scholarship to attend Tulane University in New Orleans. Before he could finish his first semester at Tulane, Mathew succumbed to lymphoblastic lymphoma.

After Mathew’s death, I decided that I wanted to start a scholarship fund in his name that would honor his life long after I am gone.

A friend invited me to the annual Catholic Foundation dinner. I learned that with very little money I could set up a trust fund in Mathew’s name through The Catholic Foundation.

I met with Rebecca Harris from The Catholic Foundation and learned that setting up the trust was a straightforward process. The hardest decision to make was to figure out where the money would go.

One Sunday at Mass, the headmaster from St. Joseph Catholic High School addressed the congregation. He stated that no child would be turned away from the school if they wanted to go. I knew at that moment that I wanted to create a trust fund in Mathew’s name that would help pay for any student whose family could not afford to send them to St. Joseph.

I am so happy I learned about The Catholic Foundation and that I created this trust fund in Mathew’s name. His short life meant a lot to so many people, and now in his memory even more people will be helped.

The Easiest Way to Make an Impact

Like Margie, you too can make a difference. With your support, The Catholic Foundation can continue to meet the spiritual, educational and social needs of our community. For more information, contact Rebecca Harris at 601-960-8477 or [email protected].

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.

A Son's Love Inspires a Gift

By: Carol Harris

This memorial trust was created to honor the memory of my precious son, Christopher M. Harris, son of the late Billy M. Harris and Carol Harris. He was born on Feb. 28, 1988, a beautiful Sunday afternoon. In an instant, he was tragically taken away in an automobile accident on April 1, 2005.

As a parent, I experienced the worst hurt any parent should ever have to experience. Like so many others, my life and those of his family and friends were forever changed that day. He is always on my mind, and forever in my heart. I will love him and miss him until my own last breath. 

Chris was unforgettable to all who knew him, and a blessing to his father and me. He was a celebration of life and happiness, love and laughter all rolled into one. From the moment he was born, he seemed to be in perpetual movement, and had a spirit that was full of life. It was as if he knew in his heart that his time on earth would be limited, and he was determined not to waste one second of it. He may have only been here for 17 short years, but I can honestly say that he totally enjoyed and lived every minute of that life.

Our family, along with the Knights of Columbus from St. Peter, have established a trust in memory of Chris. This trust will provide scholarships to full-time college students from St. Peter. 

Chris would be honored to know that a scholarship fund was created to honor his memory and to ensure that he will not be forgotten, and his memory and legacy will continue for generations to come. Chris never got to realize his dream, but hopefully in some small way this scholarship will enable him to live on thru each and every one of you.

Contact Rebecca Harris at 601-960-8477 or [email protected] to learn more about how you can honor a loved one alongside The Catholic Foundation.

Information contained herein was accurate at the time of posting. The information on this website is not intended as legal or tax advice. For such advice, please consult an attorney or tax advisor. Figures cited in any examples are for illustrative purposes only. References to tax rates include federal taxes only and are subject to change. State law may further impact your individual results.