Diocese's McCloskey Society seeks to give back to givers

The Albany Diocese wants to give something back to Catholics who give something to the Diocese.

The newly created John Cardinal McCloskey Society, part of the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, New York, Inc., is a way of recognizing those who leave the Diocese a bequest of $10,000 or more.

Donors whose generosity was unknown until their wills were read will now be able to see the impact their gifts will have on "advancing the mission of the Church and the kingdom of God," said diocesan stewardship director James Kopp.

Good works

Mr. Kopp noted that McCloskey Society members can tour the agencies, parishes, programs or schools that will receive their donations and learn about how the money will be used.

Donors will also receive a plaque recognizing their philanthropy during a personal meeting with Bishop Howard J. Hubbard.

A bequest gift can also be used to set up an endowment fund in the donor's name, which others can add to if they wish, boosting the annual income from the account for the parish or other recipient.

First bishop

The society is named for Cardinal John McCloskey, first bishop of the Albany Diocese.

At the 1852 dedication of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany, then-Bishop McCloskey told the assembled crowd: "We are called upon not only to continue the work of the Church, but to enlarge and increase it,...to plant seed for larger growth, that the tree's branches may spread out, that you and your children may sit beneath its shade and partake of its refreshing fruit."

Resources

Mr. Kopp's modern take on that speech is that philanthropists who "create a resource pool" for the Church deserve to be honored. He noted that the McCloskey Society is just part of a continuum of initiatives the Diocese has undertaken to give donors as many giving options as possible.

Other recent developments include the creation of a website, www.rcda.planyourgift.org, that allows donors to match their goals for giving with the type of gift that would best meet those goals.

"We're trying to be more comprehensive," Mr. Kopp stated.

Bishop Howard J. Hubbard stated: "The future mission of our Church will be built and sustained, primarily, on a foundation of endowment gifts." He hopes that Catholics in the Diocese have "the vision, courage and will to do 'our share.'"

(Contact the diocesan Development and Stewardship Office at 453-6680.)

(12/8/05) [[In-content Ad]]