Close to 200 people attended the “We Need To Talk: Estate & End of Life Planning Seminar” at Queen of Peace and St. Raphael during the month of November. Experts in their fields gave their time to serve on the seminar panels. Pastors covered funerals and end-of-life decisions.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Father Allan Alaka for hosting us at Queen of Peace, and Father Tony Celino and the Health Ministry for hosting the St. Raphael seminar. A special thanks to Catholic Foundation Planned Giving Committee Chair, Andi Meece, for heading up the two events.

Glenn Davis, an estate planning attorney at ScottHulse Law Firm in El Paso and Las Cruces, Brian Farrish, a founding partner of High Ridge Wealth Management, and Dr. Carlos O. Viesca, an anesthesiologist and a deacon in the Diocese of El Paso, served at Queen of Peace. Attorney Charlie Madrid, Dr. Manny Alvarez, a St. Raphael parishioner and nephrologist, and Kiki Hernandez, an investment advisor with Independent Wealth Network, Inc. provided their input on the St. Raphael panel.

Talking about death and dying can be difficult and uncomfortable, but there is no conversation that is more necessary and profound. Fr. Ron Rolheiser says, “Your death is the last great gift to your family, your Church, and the world.”

The Catholic Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation established in 2001 committed to growing philanthropy in the Diocese of El Paso. We are local and dedicated to improving the community where you live. As your giving helps to better your community, everyone benefits today and in the future.

Think of the Catholic Foundation as your vehicle for your charitable giving. Whether it’s a cash donation, gift of stock, a required minimum distribution for endowment, or a direct contribution for your parish or favorite ministry through the Catholic Ministry Appeal, you can work with the Catholic Foundation to achieve your goals. You do not have to be wealthy to leave a legacy. Gifts in any amount are accepted.

For more information about leaving a legacy, and to request free estate and end-of-life planning resources, contact Major Gifts Officer Sofía Larkin at (915) 872-8412 or slarkin@catholicfoundationelpaso.org.

Join us for a seminar in 2022! They are free and open to the public.

“We are meant to give our lives for others, but we are also meant to give our deaths for them.” — Henry Nouwen