A Newsletter for Legacy Partners of the Franciscan Missions
A Note From Our Executive Director
A Friar feeding the sick at Casa Paco, Mexico.
The compassionate heart that dwells within each of us calls us to reach out to those who struggle. Yet we sometimes hesitate, wondering whether our gesture will truly make a difference. But deep within, we know that it is those thoughtful acts, motivated by love, that can shape lives in ways we may never fully see.
Your thoughtful support of the Franciscan Missions has not only shaped lives, it has transformed entire communities across the globe. As a missionary partner with us, particularly as a member of our Legacy of Hope Society, you make God’s love come alive, bringing light to people who have long felt that no hope could ever be found.
This issue of our Legacy of Hope newsletter offers another example of how you have made such a difference in the lives of the poor, we Franciscans are privileged to share our lives with.
Within this issue, you will find some heartwarming stories and some useful planning tips when considering your future support of the Franciscan Missions.
We Franciscan friars are truly grateful for all that you have made possible for us and for those whom we serve. Be assured that you are remembered each day in our prayers and at Mass.
The Good You Make Possible
On a warm and windy September night in the city of Mexicali, Mexico, the sound of intense winds pushing against the windows kept Brother Alejandro awake late at night. As drops of water fell on his bed, he knew it would be a bad night at La Familia de Paco.
La Familia de Paco is a home for the dying and for disabled adults who have been abandoned by family and friends. Casa Paco, the House of St. Francis, as it is known by the locals, is a ministry of the Franciscans in Mexico. The friars live with and minister to people whom society has forgotten. They cook, clean and care for the residents who are mostly confined to their beds.
That evening, Br. Alejandro was the only friar at Casa Paco since the other friars were away on retreat. Br. Alejandro began calming frightened residents. He discovered rain pouring into the building through the roof and the old window frames that both needed repairs. He ran to get buckets, pails, and pots from the kitchen to collect the rain, calmly moving from room to room, making sure that all were dry. It was a long night for Br. Alejandro and the frightened residents.
A Friar caring for the dying at Casa Paco, Mexico
Friar Alejandro serving at Casa Paco, Mexico
Brother Mario, director of La Familia de Paco, requested funds to help make the much-needed repairs to the roof of their home.
Because of the generosity of wonderful donors like you, the Franciscan Missions was able to send Br. Mario $27,000 to make the repairs.
The kindness of many benefactors of the Franciscan Missions has made sure the rain will not fall on the friars and residents again.
A Friar caring for refugees in Rwanda.
Donating Appreciated Stock
If you own stock or other investments that have increased in value, contributing them to us can provide important tax advantages for you. When you sell stock for more than you originally paid, you typically owe capital gains tax on the profit. For most taxpayers, the capital gains tax rate is 15%, though it can be as high as 23.8% depending on your tax bracket. By donating the stock directly to the Franciscan Missions instead of selling it, you can avoid paying this tax while helping us serve the poor around the world.
For example, suppose you purchased stock for $2,000 that is now worth $10,000. If you sold the stock, you would owe capital gains tax on the $8,000 gain. Depending on your tax bracket, the tax could be about $1,200 or even as much as $1,900. However, if you transfer the stock directly to the Franciscan Missions, you avoid the capital gains tax entirely.
Most stock gifts can be completed easily through an electronic transfer. It is important to transfer the shares themselves rather than selling them first. If the stock is sold before the donation, capital gains tax will apply.
By taking advantage of this strategy, you may be able to make a larger gift than you ever thought possible, while also reducing your tax burden, freeing up your cash for other purposes, and allowing you to make a life-changing difference to those who depend on our care.
Forgotten Financial Assets Create Lifetime Support for the Needy
If you’re a parent or guardian, perhaps you purchased life insurance when your children were young and added coverage over time. As life changes, you may find you no longer need a policy that was created years ago.
Rather than cashing it in, consider using your policy to create a charitable legacy with the Franciscan Missions.
You could:
- Name the Franciscan Missions as beneficiary: You retain ownership of the policy and may change the beneficiary, borrow against the cash value, or surrender the policy if your needs change.
- Transfer ownership to the Franciscan Missions: You may qualify for an immediate income tax charitable deduction if you itemize, generally equal to the policy’s fair market value. Future premium payments you make may also be tax-deductible.
- Create lifetime income for a loved one: A policy can fund a charitable remainder trust that provides payments for life to a spouse or child. After the trust term ends, the remaining assets will support the Franciscan Missions as you direct.
You may also choose to purchase a new policy to benefit the Franciscan Missions. Life insurance makes it possible to arrange a significant future gift to us at a modest current cost. Also, life insurance proceeds generally pass outside of probate, so your gift can be used immediately.
To learn more about this meaningful opportunity, please contact our Planned Giving office.
Missionary serving meals at soup kitchen in Chile
Friar Dismas caring for physically and mentally challenged children in Rwanda
Tribal children being educated by our missionaries in India
Create a Legacy That Lives On
If you’re a parent or guardian, perhaps you purchased life insurance when your children were young and added coverage over time. As life changes, you may find you no longer need a policy that was created years ago.
Rather than cashing it in, consider using your policy to create a charitable legacy with the Franciscan Missions.
You could:
- Name the Franciscan Missions as beneficiary: You retain ownership of the policy and may change the beneficiary, borrow against the cash value, or surrender the policy if your needs change.
- Transfer ownership to the Franciscan Missions: You may qualify for an immediate income tax charitable deduction if you itemize, generally equal to the policy’s fair market value. Future premium payments you make may also be tax-deductible.
- Create lifetime income for a loved one: A policy can fund a charitable remainder trust that provides payments for life to a spouse or child. After the trust term ends, the remaining assets will support the Franciscan Missions as you direct.
You may also choose to purchase a new policy to benefit the Franciscan Missions. Life insurance makes it possible to arrange a significant future gift to us at a modest current cost. Also, life insurance proceeds generally pass outside of probate, so your gift can be used immediately.
To learn more about this meaningful opportunity, please contact our Planned Giving office. 262-534-5470
If you would like to discover additional ways to support the Franciscan Missions, please scan this code.
Something Just for You: Claim Your Free Booklet
Whether you are already retired or just beginning to prepare for it, this stage of life poses many big changes. As exciting and rewarding as it can be, it seems that there is always some detail that must be attended to.
The Franciscan Missions is pleased to offer our friends an informative booklet titled, “A Baker’s Dozen of Ideas for Retirees: Winning Strategies for a Satisfying Retirement.”
This booklet will give you ideas and strategies to ponder as you experience this season of life.
Reach out to request your free copy and to learn more about planned giving.
3 Ways to Request Your Booklet:
call: 262-534-5470
email: plannedgiving@franciscanmissions.org
write to:
Franciscan Missions
Office of Gift Planning
P.O. Box 130
Waterford, WI 53185
Gratefully in St. Francis
Br. Andrew Brophy, OFM
Executive Director
English 
Español de México 
