Kerry Alys Robinson, Author of Imagining Abundance , Addresses Board

Robinson speaks on the power of generosity. The Catholic Community Foundation (CCF) was blessed to have Kerry Alys Robinson , founding executive director and global ambassador of the Leadership Roundtable , present at its March board of directors meeting. New to board meetings is the introduction of mission moments. In order to better educate members on the foundation's community-wide impact, each meeting will begin with a short presentation by a speaker or ministry representative. Through these mission moments, CCF hopes to bring to life its goal of spiritually and financially enhancing and sustaining the charitable, educational, and pastoral ministries of the archdiocese. For the year's inaugural mission moment, Kerry's presentation was linked directly to the foundation's new unifying vision: Fostering Generosity. The author of Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and a Spiritual Call to Service , Kerry touched on several lessons she's learned during her career dedicated to working for the Church, including:  Generosity is humankind's birthright and can change the life of the giver. Everyone has something to give, and that doesn't just mean money. Be careful of cynicism; celebrate joyfully what is right so that you can find the energy to fix what is wrong. Many thanks to our wonderful board of directors for their leadership and to Kerry for delivering such a thoughtful presentation!

Women's Giving Circle Kicks Off Fourth Year with Mass and Luncheon This month, Women's Giving Circle members gathered at New Orleans Country Club for the group's first of four events of the year: the 2019 Kickoff Mass and Luncheon. Friar Sergio Serrano, O.P. of the Hispanic Apostolate celebrated Mass, thanking the group for its good work within the community. With 140 members ( and counting!), this year the WGC is set to surpass $500,000 in grants awarded since its inception in 2016. Mass was followed by lunch and keynote address by Kerry Alys Robinson. In her second CCF-hosted presentation, Kerry again touched on the theme of generosity. "Stewardship is more than caring for what has been entrusted to you," she said. "In the Christian context, stewardship compels us to recognize and act on the potential at hand. This circle is an example. Just by being here, you're living out this potential." Kerry also spoke on hope for the future. She encouraged members to continue fostering a Church community that is a safe and welcome place for the most vulnerable. She ended her presentation by taking questions and signing copies of her book. Click here for pictures from the event. Many thanks to WGC's co-chairs, Karen Eagan and Diana Stieffel; the 2019 Executive, Steering, and Grants Committees; and the circle's sponsors, AGESS Wealth Advisors of Raymond James and Dardis Couvillon & Associates ! Interested in learning more about the Women's Giving Circle? There's still time to join! Please contact Kathi Zimmerman at 504.527.5794 or kzimmerman@arch-no.org.

Hannan and Chmiola Begin New Roles with the Catholic Community Foundation

J.T. Hannan, Foundation Liaison with Office of Catholic Schools Congratulations! J.T. Hannan was recently named director of advancement for the Office of Catholic Schools, a new position created in partnership with CCF. In this role, J.T. will work to make Catholic education more accessible for families and their children. Click to read more in the Clarion Herald. You can still reach J.T. at 504.310.6987 or jthannan@arch-no.org.

Welcome, Lisa Chmiola, MS, CFRE, Director of Gift Planning! We are thrilled to have Lisa Chmiola join the foundation's gift planning team! In addition to leading giving efforts, Lisa will work with the Women's Giving Circle and Professional Advisors Council. Interested in making your philanthropic impact? Contact Lisa at 504.596.3031 or lchmiola@arch-no.org to learn about wills, endowments, trusts, donor advised funds, and more!

Upcoming Events and Resources

CCF General Calendar Apr. 9: CWIA Lenten Morning of Reflection (Southshore) Jun. 7: St. John Paul II Award nominations due (more info to come) Oct. 10: CCF Annual Dinner Dec. 3: #iGiveCatholic

Stewardship Workshops Apr. 3: Lay Enrichment Series Apr. 30: Called to Be You (CWIA) May 1: Lay Enrichment Series May 6: Called to Be You (YAM) Jun. 12: Witness of Joy (Southshore) Jun. 27: Witness of Joy (Northshore)

Donor Resources Articles: DAFs and the Future of Fundraising (Changing Our World Inc.) and Catholic Foundations Show Continued Growth (Catholic News Service) Donor Central: Log-In

We are your Catholic Community Foundation.

We recently became the Catholic Community Foundation. Click above to hear people just like you define what it feels like to be part of our greater archdiocesan community. Miss our 2018 Annual Report? Read about how God is moving in the greater New Orleans area here .

Website

‌ ‌