By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
“I cannot stress enough my thanks to you for already having considered the future needs of the Church. It’s a tremendous legacy you are passing on to others,” said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert to members at the Legacy Luncheon June 10 at St. Thomas More, Allentown.
The luncheon honored an estimated 50 members and welcomed six new members to the society that seeks to support the Church through a planned gift of any size – through direct bequests, charitable gift annuities, trust arrangements, gifts of real estate, life insurance or retirement plan proceeds.
Members were also invited to participate in Mass before the luncheon. Principal celebrant was Bishop Schlert. Concelebrants were Monsignor John Murphy, pastor of St. Thomas More; Monsignor James Reichert, pastor emeritus of St. Rocco, Martins Creek; and Father Jason Stokes, pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, Tremont.
In his homily, Bishop Schlert acknowledged society members and told all the faithful that the day’s reading from Corinthians points to the inheritance promised to all people.
“Jesus gives us the greatest inheritance of all – that is eternal life and salvation. He is extending that invitation to you. He seeks us out as his family members,” he said.
Bishop Schlert also told the faithful that when they truly live as a person in Jesus’ household – they will look strange in a society that often encourages others to “leave it alone” and “don’t get involved.”
“Living in Jesus’ household spurs each and every one of us to go outside ourselves and do the unexpected with love. We are to go after our inheritance and do it with love,” he said.
At the luncheon, Bishop Schlert and Paul Acampora, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Stewardship and Development, welcomed the society and new members to the society: Mr. and Mrs. Walter Evancho, Jr., parishioners of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton; Mr. and Mrs. James Foley, parishioners of Notre Dame of Bethlehem; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Giordano, parishioners of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, Hellertown; Mary Ann Kusko, parishioner of Cathedral of St. Catharine of Siena, Allentown; Theresa Racek, parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi, Allentown; Father Jason Stokes, pastor of Most Blessed Trinity, Tremont; and Raymond Williams, parishioner of St. Clare of Assisi, St. Clair.
In his remarks at the luncheon, Bishop Schlert told the members that they are an important and faithful people to the present and future life of the Diocese.
“The Church is until the ‘end’ of time. Jesus promises us that. I could not be more grateful to you for making provisions for the Church when you are no longer on earth,” he said.
Acampora also thanked the society for considering the future needs of the Church. He told them their generosity emulates their faithfulness and call to help their brothers and sisters.
“The gifts you make are especially meaningful. These gifts may serve people that are maybe not on earth yet. It is a beautiful expression of faith and has an impact that will last forever,” he said.
The society was formed in 2007 by Bishop Emeritus of Allentown Edward Cullen to recognize individuals who have included a parish, school, Diocesan agency or the Diocese itself in their estate plan.
Today there are nearly 300 members of the Legacy Society. This year’s new members received a certificate and pin.
