Feed the Hungry Slaad Feat 35
by Judy Held, President, Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana
At some point in life, most of us have probably prayed to God for clarity of purpose. Discerning God's direction in our lives isn't always easy. In fact, some would say it is a rare gift to discover a cause for which you become so passionate that you dedicate a great part of your life to supporting it – both out of service and love for your fellow man.
The Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana is honored to help one man in our diocese continue his support of a cause he greatly believes in, not just during the rest of his lifetime, but forever.
Wm. "Bill" Belinski recently created the Bill and Lori Belinski Family Endowment at the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana after the passing of his wife, Lori, to forever benefit the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Billings.
High school sweethearts from Sidney, Montana, Bill and Lori married in '57. Their first home was Ft. Sill, Oklahoma where Bill completed his Army tour of duty after returning from Japan and Korea where he had served for two years. After Business College and an internship in Miles City, they made their home in Billings where they raised four wonderful children – Janet, Michael, Tim, and Pat – scattered now as far north as Alaska. Charter members of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Bill enjoyed a professional career as a CPA while Lori took care of the home and family as well as volunteering where needed with her warmth and friendly presence.
When Bill and Lori first visited St. Vincent de Paul years ago, they were touched with how generously those in need were provided with food, clothing, shelter, and more. Bill sensed, however, that some were frustrated with monetary issues, simply wronged by circumstance. Drawing upon his expertise as a CPA, he started a financial counseling program at St. Vincent de Paul and coordinated it for years, helping many.
Lifting people up at St. Vincent de Paul, however, isn't primarily about financial counseling, food, clothing or shelter, Bill notes. The greatest need is the most basic, yet the most important of all – being respected, loved, and valued as a human being and a child of God. This is why Bill and Lori valued the mission of St. Vincent de Paul. They understood that offering a spiritual foundation to those whose lives are broken is the true ministry of St. Vincent de Paul. In their later years, Bill and Lori formed a ministry of presence. Simply having a conversation with those who came to St. Vincent de Paul in whatever state of need. They talked with them, prayed with them, always hoping to bring the gentleness of Jesus into their lives – casual conversations between friends. Bill also served many years on the St. Vincent de Paul board of directors as well as the organization's Spiritual Advisor.
Bill said he liked the idea of an endowment being permanent and perpetual. "If just one person gets a sandwich, or a cup of coffee, or feels cared for each day forward because of this endowment, then it will be worth it. Mother Teresa (St. Teresa of Calcutta) says you can't help everybody, but you can help maybe one person today."
Bill generously committed to making annual gifts to the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana to build this fund which will forever support St. Vincent de Paul. All of this fits well into the Bill and Lori's personal financial planning. By allowing us to share his story, Bill has hope that others may be encouraged to do something similar with the Foundation, for a cause they care about. "Most people want to do something for others in a deeper way," he notes.
Bill and Lori were blessed with 62 years of marriage. With the support of their four children, Bill moved forward with making this everlasting and meaningful contribution for the benefit of St. Vincent de Paul. With this endowment at the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana, the Belinski Family will forever serve others with the compassion and love of Jesus.
Inspired?
If you think you might be interested in making a gift that will not only help today but also secure a beautiful future for your parish, school, or favorite ministry (just like in the story on this page), please get in touch with me. I would enjoy hearing what you're most interested in regarding your support of the Catholic Church. I am happy to confidentially discuss your goals, both personal and financial. Together, we can come up with ideas that will best meet your objectives as they relate to our Catholic faith. I look forward to it – here is my contact information:
Judy Held, President
Catholic Foundation of Eastern Montana
PO Box 1345
Great Falls, MT 59403
(406) 315-1765
judy@catholicfoundationmt.org
catholicfoundation.org
Source: http://www.theharvestnews.org/feed-the-hungry-matthew-2535/
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