A Well-Deserved Honor: Catholic Foundation recognizes Bishop Emeritus Hanifen as its first Honorary Steward

by Stephen Caulfield

COLORADO SPRINGS.  On Sept. 25, the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Colorado Springs hosted its Inaugural Stewards Reception at Bishop James Golka’s residence celebrating the Stewards, each of whom pledged at least $25,000 to the Foundation’s Endowment. At the time of the reception, the foundation received over $500,000 in pledges.

Established by resolution of the Board of Directors, the Stewards of the Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Colorado Springs is a high-level giving society whose members make a contribution to the foundation’s endowment to support the long-term and sustainable future of diosesan apostolates and ministries. All Stewards gifts are invested and allow for grants to be made by the Board of Directors from a percentage of the income generated. With each Steward comes additional support and a brighter future for the practice of the Catholic faith in the Diocese of Colorado Springs. When speaking during the Stewards Reception about the positive impact of the Endowment, John Schlageter, the foundation’s interim executive director stated, “If a parish needs new air conditioning, the Stewards Endowment allows the Foundation to respond; if the diocese needs funds for the education of seminarians, the Stewards Endowment allows the Foundation to respond; and if a Catholic school or Catholic Charities needs help in a moment of crisis, the Stewards Endowment allows the foundation to respond.” 

With the creation of the Stewards, the board concurrently created the title of “Honorary Steward” in order to “recognize individuals who, by giving of talent or treasure, have provided exceptional leadership and stewardship that champions the Foundation’s ministry.” In recognition of his leadership in the creation of the Catholic Foundation, the Board of Directors resolved to honor The Most Reverend Richard Hanifen, Bishop Emeritus of Colorado Springs, as its first Honorary Steward. Bishop Hanifen was the visionary who saw the potential impact that a foundation would have on the diocese and the Catholic faithful entrusted to its care. Through his bold leadership and vision, the Catholic Foundation began its mission of “Creating a Legacy of Support for the Apostolates and Ministries of the Diocese of Colorado Springs.” The Board will continue to the name Honorary Stewards in the future.  

Today, over 30 years after its inception, the foundation is pleased to welcome its first Stewards, whose generosity has a profound and positive impact on the diocese and leaves a perpetual legacy of financial support. Through its investment portfolio, the Stewards Endowment will support the diocese and its apostolates and ministries for many years to come. The foundation is immensely grateful to its newly-inducted Stewards and to all who were able to attend this hallmark event. 

To learn more about how you can support the Catholic Foundation of Diocese of Colorado Springs and its mission of, “Creating a Legacy of Support for the Apostolates and Ministries of the Diocese of Colorado Springs” please visit the foundation’s website at www.catholicfoundationdcs.org or send an email to info@catholicfoundationdcs.org. 

(Stephen Caulfield is Associate-Client Manager for JKTGroup.)