St. John Neumann Church and School in Farragut were recently named as the beneficiaries of a historic gift in an anonymous donor’s estate plan.
The commitment, with a current estimated value of close to $4 million, will be the largest gift in the history of the parish and school when it is realized. Additionally, several contingent assets are included in the commitment.
“St. John Neumann does meaningful work, and my gift can be used for a variety of purposes,” said the donor. “My specific interests include expanding the physical plant, such as helping contribute to a multipurpose fellowship hall (if one does not already exist when the gift is realized) to help accommodate the many parish and school programs. Additionally, I am interested in the maintenance of campus facilities and paying off any potential debt.”
Donors who name St. John Neumann Church and School in their estate plans are referred to as “legacy donors.” Estate gifts can include a wide variety of assets, and there is no minimum amount required, so it is an increasingly popular way to give.
As to what motivated him to make the gift, the donor shared, “After the loss of my spouse, I reassessed my financial situation and was inspired to make this gift. My property adjoins the church grounds, and my spouse is inurned in the columbarium; walking to church and spending time in the prayer garden give me a physical connection to the parish.
“Additionally, one of my children attended the school and then attended Knoxville Catholic High School. I attend Bible study at the school as part of the ‘That Man Is You’ program, and I serve as a eucharistic minister. Getting involved has enhanced my feeling of connection to the parish. Finally, it’s through God that I was able to get to where I am today, so it only seems right to give back.”
Estate gifts are uniquely valuable as they provide future funding for the parish and school. They represent a powerful way to make a lasting commitment and ensure that the Catholic faith is passed on to the next generation.
“I am overwhelmed by this parishioner’s generosity, and I am ecstatic about the extraordinary impact this gift will make on the parish and school when it is realized in the future,” said Father Joe Reed, pastor of St. John Neumann. “This gift will be a special and enduring part of the donor’s legacy, benefiting generations of St. John Neumann families. I am filled with gratitude for this gift and for all the many blessings with which God has blessed our parish and school.”
