Building Your Catholic Legacy

Parishes Host Giving Seminars Across the Archdiocese As faithful Catholics, we understand the importance of fostering generosity in our community and setting an example for future generations. But what happens when we are no longer here to direct our time, talent, and treasure to our favorite ministries? How can we pass on our values to our loved ones and the organizations important to us and our families? St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and St. Rita Catholic Church (Harahan) answered these questions (and more) when both hosted a "Building Your Catholic Legacy" seminar for their parishioners this fall. Divine Mercy Parish plans to host early in the new year. "The Church's mission to bring God's mercy, truth, and love to the ends of the Earth is carried out through each of us," says Dr. Tom Neal, Catholic Community Foundation Theological Consultant and Notre Dame Seminary Professor of Spiritual Theology. "Your legacy is the values you leave, the people you impact, and the possessions you steward." Led by Dr. Neal and members of the foundation's Professional Advisors Council (PAC), the seminar helps attendees connect their faith with philanthropy while providing the how-to of building a family giving plan. It also reminds us that though Jesus encourages us to give without counting the cost, the act of financial planning is intentional. "Determining your legacy requires much personal deliberation," says CCF Director of Gift Planning Lisa M. Chmiola, CFRE. "Whether you have specific philanthropic goals or are just beginning your generosity journey, the foundation partners with you to achieve your giving goals." Is your parish or ministry interested in hosting a Catholic legacy seminar? Please contact Lisa Chmiola for more information.

CCF Assists with Year-End Giving End-of-year giving is upon us! Did you know a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA is a way for donors to support nonprofit organizations? For donors 70 ½ and older who have a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from their IRA, it may provide a tax benefit for them to direct the funds to a parish, school, or nonprofit ministry directly, instead of receiving the income themselves.   The Catholic Community Foundation assists donors and organizations with processing of QCDs. We recommend donors consult with their IRA administrator with account-specific questions, as well as their tax advisor to discuss the impact of making charitable contributions.   Click here to learn more about QCDs . You may also download and complete this Letter of Intent for a QCD to be directed to a parish, school, or nonprofit ministry.   Questions? Please contact Director of Gift Planning Lisa Chmiola .

Catholic Community Foundation "Gives Catholic," Announces Holiday Hours

Once again, New Orleanians proved that their generosity is unrivaled. On December 3, CCF hosted the fifth annual #iGiveCatholic on #GivingTuesday campaign. Together, we raised nearly $1.5 million for parishes, schools, and nonprofit ministries in our archdiocese. We are truly grateful for your support!

In observance of the Christmas holidays, CCF's offices will be closed from December 20 , 2019 , through January 1 , 2020 . Cory Howat , Regina Templet, and Lisa Chmiola will be on call during the holidays for end-of-year giving support.

Upcoming Events and Resources

CCF General Calendar Dec. 10: CWIA Northshore Advent Morning of Reflection Dec. 12: CWIA Southshore Advent Morning of Reflection

Stewardship Workshops Dec. 11: Lay Enrichment Series Part IV—Christian Prayer

Donor Resources Form: Qualified Charitable Distribution Donor Central: Log-In

We are your Catholic Community Foundation.

This year we 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 us to action in the Greater New Orleans area .

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