By: Mr. Frank Lukash

I was asked to provide insight into why I am a proponent of Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) and specifically why I have multiple ones with Saint Lawrence Seminary (SLS).  So, here it is.

I am 97 years old and come from a family of 6 children – 4 boys and 2 girls.  I was the youngest sibling.  My parents owned and operated a farm in Pennsylvania. They said I would never become a farmer (because I didn’t work hard enough in their eyes). So, they sent me to college.  After graduation, I went to work at the Continental Grain Company where I was a Supervisor in their Communications Department for 37 years. I enjoyed my work and felt blessed each and every day. However, in 1972 I suffered a heart attack and had to take a medical retirement. Now, 47 years later, I still feel blessed and am grateful for all the experiences I’ve enjoyed over my many years.

I have been supporting Saint Lawrence Seminary for the past 18 years. I first learned about Saint Lawrence through an advertisement I saw in a Catholic publication.  I believe that the work of the Capuchins and staff at Saint Lawrence Seminary is vital for the future sustainability of our Catholic Church. Their Mission Statement says it all: “Inspired by the gospel of Jesus Christ and the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Lawrence Seminary provides a residential college preparatory education in a living Catholic community nurturing mature, well-rounded men of faith, who prepare for a life of ministry as priest, religious and lay leaders in the Church and world.”  When I look around at the pews at my Parish church, all I see are “grey-hairs”, like myself. And many pews are empty.  In order to turn this around, we need places like Saint Lawrence Seminary to train young men in faithful obedience and discern their future vocation in service to Our Lord. The transformations of the young men attending Saint Lawrence Seminary is truly remarkable and deserves our support, both financially and spiritually in daily prayer.

As I began to think about my mortality and the various ways I could arrange for my worldly belongings to be distributed, I felt that Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) provided me with the best solution.  First, and foremost, by giving a Charitable Gift Annuity to Saint Lawrence Seminary, I know that they get “every penny” because there are no legal or administrative expenses involved and there are no taxes needing to be paid at maturity.  Plus, I receive a steady income for life.  That’s a double win!

If a friend of mine said he (or she) was contemplating how to distribute their worldly resources, I would enthusiastically suggest they include Saint Lawrence Seminary in that process.  In closing all I can say is, “Keep up the good work, Fr. Zoy and all the staff at Saint Lawrence Seminary – Capuchins and laity alike.”