Mark Goeden graduated from Saint Lawrence Seminary (SLS) in 1979.  Now 41 years later, he is married, has 2 daughters and 3 grandchildren with another “on the way”.  He is very active with his church community in Grafton, WI where he has served in various roles and developed some very important friendships.  He also has been blessed to participate on several mission trips to Haiti, and has established additional friendships as a result.  He works in Milwaukee, WI as a Technology Project Manager and does some home brewing as a fan of craft beers.

Mark has retained close, lifelong friendships with many of his classmates.  He attributes this to the ability to live together in community at SLS.  Because he presently lives close, he is able to visit often.  As a member of the SLS Alumni Association, he stays connected to the Seminary and the Capuchins.  He states that, “Having a 24/7 God-centered environment for young men to develop healthy relationships and discern their call is incredible.”

A number of years back Mark purchased a life insurance policy with SLS as owner and beneficiary.  His annual premium payments to the Seminary are tax-deductible charitable gifts.  He said, “It was attractive to me at that time because it was affordable and allowed me assure that there would be a ‘gift’ from my estate for Saint Lawrence.  Over time this has been augmented with pieces in our estate plan.”  

Mark went on to say that when talking with his alumni brothers, the conversation is often about “giving back”.  While this is indeed important, the primary reason for giving to SLS is for the future of these young men who are discerning God’s call in their lives and the impact they will have on our Church and the people of this world in the future.

He concluded by saying, “Our world is, and always has been, in need of disciples – God-centered individuals serving the world beyond their own needs.  SLS provides the spiritual environment, education and relationship development for young men at the most influential stage of their lives.  These men are then sent forth as Catholics to carry out the mission of discipleship.”

Life insurance, whether a paid-up policy or one with tax-deductible premiums, is a “hidden asset” worth considering to help Saint Lawrence Seminary and the future of our Catholic Faith.