From the Desk of Ed Stong
Development Director of the Companions of St. Anthony
As St. Francis of Assisi knelt before the crucifix in the Church of San Damiano more than 800 years ago, he heard the now famous message from God: “Francis, go and rebuild my Church.”
Our friars today are literally building (and renovating) churches for the faithful from North Carolina to Uganda. These projects are vital to welcoming more people of faith into encountering Christ in their communities.
But we also know that rebuilding the Church is more than the laying of stone. Our friars are continually walking with individuals who share enthusiasm about Franciscan spirituality and living a life of humble service – like the young people who attend Assisi on the Chesapeake or pilgrimages to Italy.
As I’ve come to know more friars and witness their service, I’m continually inspired by their unique approaches to rebuilding the Church. After all, St. Francis did also say at the end of his life: “I have done what is mine to do; may Christ teach you what is yours to do.”
Our friars in parishes, counseling centers, retreat centers, soup kitchens, hospitals, schools, and shrines are helping your communities build foundations of faith for their lives.
Through evangelization, service to the poor, and, sometimes, the physical construction of buildings, we see our friars continuing this mission entrusted to St. Francis. As a Companion of St. Anthony, your consistent prayer and financial support bring our friars to communities around the world, fulfilling their call to rebuild.
If you’d like to learn more about planned giving opportunities, please be in touch using the form below.
In Christ and St. Anthony,
Ed
The Companions of St. Anthony is a 501(c)3 Catholic nonprofit organization. Donations are fully tax-deductible.
Additionally, we offer several ways to give that may be better for your planning or annual tax filings. Click on the tabs to learn more.
Will allocations ensure future generations know and love Christ the way you do! This can be as simple as updating your Will to say: “I give or assign X dollars (or X% of my estate) to Companions of St. Anthony, a Catholic 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Ellicott City, MD, EIN#: 52-1800887.”
Making a gift of stocks or mutual funds can reduce or eliminate federal capital gains taxes on the transfer, and can be a tax-wise decision for the donor. For gifts of stock, here are the DTC instructions to give to your stockbroker for transfer: DTCC #0015 / Morgan Stanley, Account #550-084278-063, Account Name: OR OF FR MI CO ST AN OF PA PR USA I.
Individuals 71 or older can donate part of their minimum distribution from an IRA account to make a gift to the Companions. No income tax is incurred if the donation is made directly from the distribution.
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) can be used to support nonprofit organizations like the Companions of St. Anthony. Please note that DAF grants are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.
Do you want to have everything? Give all of yourself to God an God will give all of Himself to you. Thus, not having anything of yourself, you will totally possess God and yourself in Him.