Our Christian Faith is such an important part of who we are as Catholics, as heirs of so great a heritage!  Our Church, the veritable foundation of Western Civilization, has made us who we are today, and through the Sacraments of the Church, we have found direction and purpose and hope for something that truly last even into eternity. This parish has been a place of hope and charity from the beginning, but while our individual memories too quickly fade from the minds of men and women, the legacy we could leave behind is not just historical, but it could also be one that sustains and propels God’s Kingdom into the future. The Legacy Endowment here at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church provides us an opportunity to build upon our heritage as a parish as we build up that future so that our love of Christ and our concern for his Church continues far beyond our lives. What greater birthright can we leave than that, and what better inheritance would we want to pass on than our Faith?  If you want to be a part of this future work, we encourage you to consider donating towards our ongoing work through this important fund. You can make periodic donations small or large, or leave small or great contributions for our parish Legacy Endowment through your wills or through life insurance policies. The fund is managed independently of the pastor and bishop, and it benefits the church (and this parish) directly for generations to come.

The Legacy Endowment will give future generations here at SJE a resource for projects that will continue to make this faith community grow in its task to educate our Catholic Youth, and to honor God through our worship. Memorials will be recorded within The Legacy Endowment Book of Remembrance, and annual Masses will be offered for these, our benefactors. As an endowment, the monies contributed herein will not be taxed by the diocese, and will build up to provide an even brighter future for this great parish. As we reflect upon the legacy we each want to leave behind, The Legacy Endowment is a great way to honor our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ for generations to come here in these Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.

For more information on how to contribute something as a memorial for a loved one or to leave something from your estate, contact the parish directly, or reach out to our parish advocate, Mrs. Sarah Wenzel at sarah@wenzellawfirm.com.

Let us all pray that our efforts here at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church may leave a great legacy of Faith in these Mountains for years to come.  Psalm 121:1-2; Matthew 25:40

Each year millions of Americans support their favorite charities with a donation. In today’s environment, these gifts are more important than ever in helping fund the work of charitable entities like St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.  Many have found that time spent considering the best ways to structure their gifts can help them make meaningful contributions while meeting personal planning goals as well.

You will discover ways to make gifts to the Church you may not have thought possible.

• You will learn how to give in ways that can actually “give back” for a time, providing extra income in retirement years or to help fund educational expenses and other needs.
• You can add meaning to your gift by using it to honor a special friend or loved one.
• You will see how to save money on income, gift, and estate taxes and redirect those amounts for use in ways you choose.
• You will enjoy your giving more, knowing you are investing in charitable interests in ways that allow you to give the most you can at the lowest possible cost.

That’s what effective gift planning is all about. We trust the information presented here will help you maximize the potential of your resources through preserving financial security for yourself and your loved ones while funding the organizations and institutions in which you believe.