THE DIOCESE OF BISMARCK ENDOWMENT FUNDS
Since the establishment of the Diocese of Bismarck over 100 years ago, the mission of the Church has remained constant…to be Ambassadors for Christ, to proclaim God’s Word, to celebrate the Eucharist and the sacraments, to build up Christian communities and to leave the impression of Christ on each generation.Each generation of Catholics has faced its own unique challenges and opportunities, but our primary task and responsibility is to preserve and enhance the mission of Jesus for ourselves and for the next generations. Of particular importance is the strengthening of the family and the parish…the heart and soul of our diocese.
Although much of the work of our parishes, schools, and diocesan programs and ministries are presently made possible through a variety of fund development efforts it is likewise recognized that the future of the Church will be built, sustained and enhanced primarily on a foundation of endowment gifts. The building of the Diocese of Bismarck Endowment Funds is perpetual in duration and vital to the future of our diocese and the viability of our parishes, missions and schools.
The diocese endowment funds must become our legacy to the future, so that by the end of our next century the future Bishop of Bismarck and the people of western North Dakota will rejoice and proclaim that we too had a vision, and courage to do “our share” as stewards of God’s gifts.
Our Catholic ministries can continue to be supported during your lifetime and in perpetuity through the establishment of a special fund in your name through the Diocese of Bismarck endowment funds.
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| Newly ordained priests Fr. Russ Kovash, Fr. Nick Schneider and Fr. Josh Ehli pose with Bishop Paul Zipfel after their ordination in June 2009. |
Gifts may be designated to the following endowment funds which include:
- The Seminarian Scholarship Fund
- Priests’ Benefit Association (Priest Retirement Fund)
- The Priest’s Care Fund
- The Catholic School and Religious Education Endowment Fund
EDOWMENT EXPLAINED
How does an endowment work?
An endowment fund is a permanent fund set aside to provide income for each specific program. The dollars in the fund (called "principal") are never spent but are invested, with the interest used each year for each respective program. Since the principal is never touched, an endowment fund is truly a "gift that keeps on giving." Donations made to the fund will continue to support our programs every year.THE BISMARCK DIOCESE ENDOWMENT FUNDS
- The Seminarian Scholarship Fund
Over the past four years the Diocese of Bismarck has averaged over 20 seminarians a year.The number of seminarians has doubled over the last 10 years! “We have turned the ship around!” The cost of education for this large group of seminarians is very high. Thanks to the generosity of God's people, we are able currently to provide for one third of the needs of our future priests though this fund. Our goal is for this fund to provide for 100% of the needs of our future priests.
Tax ID # 76-0743091
- Priests’ Benefit Association (Priests’ Retirement Fund)
This fund was established with the gifts of generous benefactors who fittingly saw the need to provide for those men, in retirement, who gave their all for Christ and His Church. The plan is a defined benefit pension plan covering all priests ordained or incardinated into the Diocese of Bismarck and employed by the diocese.
Tax ID # 45-0214929
- Priests’ Care Endowment Fund
This fund helps with the needs of our retired priests and any expenses associated with the active priests not covered by parishes. This fund will help secure the service needed to assist our priests in getting the necessary care to carry out a wholesome and productive life ultimately in service to our parishioners of the Diocese of Bismarck.
Tax ID # 76-0743091
- The Catholic School and Religious Education Endowment Fund
The education we receive on our Catholic faith is paramount to our continued growth as a Catholic. Knowledge of our faith is a process involved from “womb to tomb”. We start learning our faith as a youngster and it is paramount we continue the process throughout our adult life. The Catholic School and Religious Education Endowment Fund extends a distribution each year which is paid directly to our parishes and Catholic Schools through an annual grant program.
Tax ID # 76-0743091