The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Boston

Charitable Gift Planning

Meet Some of Our Donors

Giving as a Way of Life

Charitable Gift Plans Created With Help of The Catholic Foundation

For Herman Kelter of Lynnfield, it's all about giving back. Kelter, 92, a long-time Lynnfield resident and parishioner at Our Lady of the Assumption Parish in Lynnfield, says that, for him, giving back is a joy. He traces his desire to give to his parents whom he describes as devout Catholics. "They left me with solid Catholic principles that have remained with me my entire life," Kelter fondly recounts.

Today, Kelter's faith remains strong, as does his desire to give to the Church. He serves as a Eucharistic minister at Mass at Our Lady of the Assumption and brings Communion to homebound parishioners each week, driving effortlessly from house to house. Kelter adds that the rewards of giving back extend to his volunteer work as well. He currently volunteers one day each week at Union Hospital in nearby Lynn and for the last few years at Hospice of the North Shore in Danvers. He also sponsors a child through the Christian Foundation for Children and Aging.

"I have been so blessed by the Almighty – my health, the people that I have associated with – I have been given so much that I am compelled to give back," Kelter explains. "Giving back is no effort. It's a joy. That is why I deserve no credit. I enjoy volunteering. Anything I give back is such a joy. There is no greater feeling than when you are doing something great for God."

Indeed, the concept of Christian Stewardship asks us to return a portion of the many gifts that we have received from God. Stewardship is based on the notion that we, as faithful and responsible stewards, should always remember the words of Jesus, "From those to whom much has been given, much will be expected." (Luke 12:48)

Following the death of his wife in 1997, Mr. Kelter established a number of charitable gift annuities with The Catholic Foundation of the Archdiocese of Boston. The Kelters had been married for close to 60 years. The Annual Catholic Appeal is the designated beneficiary of Mr. Kelter's gifts.

Mr. Kelter is the first to acknowledge that prior to his creating his first charitable gift annuity in 1997 he was not especially financially savvy. In fact, it was in the Archdiocesan weekly newspaper, The Pilot, where he initially read of planned giving options relating to the Boston Archdiocese. The article prompted him to request information on how to go about establishing a charitable gift annuity with the Archdiocese, which he has done numerous times since.

"When I first learned of charitable gift annuities in connection with the Archdiocese, it sounded as if they would be as much for my benefit as for the Church. It was obvious to me that anything I gave to the Archdiocese would be the best way for my funds to be used," recalls Kelter.

Simply put, in exchange for gifts of cash, securities, real estate or other assets, the Church agrees to pay those who establish annuities annual, semi-annual or quarterly installments, giving the individual or couple a fixed income source for life. Payments may begin shortly after the gift is made or at a later specified date.

The benefits of creating a charitable gift annuity for the Church are clear, with not only a significant charitable deduction, but also a good rate of return for the annuitant. At Mr. Kelter's age, for example, his annuities pay him a rate of more than 10 percent, and it is guaranteed. "I like the idea of not having to worry about such things," he says.

For Kelter, the reasons for establishing a charitable gift annuity also extend beyond achieving financial peace of mind. "When I give to the Church, I feel that my contributions are going to the right places, to the multitude of ministries here in the Archdiocese of Boston. Knowing that my funds are going to something worthwhile gives me a great inner feeling," says Kelter. "I would say to those who are considering establishing a charitable gift annuity with the Archdiocese that they can be assured that their gift will go to worthy causes and that by creating an annuity they are living their faith. I feel compelled to support our faith and demonstrate my desire to support the Church with my gift."

For more information on creating charitable gift annuities, or to learn more about other gift planning options, call The Catholic Foundation's Leadership Gift Officers Dick Murphy at 617-746-5675 or Michael Rhodes at 617-746-5929.