As we look to the future needs of our Parish we must make sure our primary ministries and programs continue to thrive. Therefore, it is with great enthusiasm that I join with our Parish Finance Committee to inform you about the creation of the Maroochydore – Stella Maris Parish Endowment Fund.

As you may know, an endowment is a fund in which the principal deposit (minimum $20,000 per parish) is permanently invested for growth and never spent down. It is managed by the Catholic Foundation and each year the fund distributes a percentage of the balance back to the Parish (currently 5%). As the fund matures over time through investment growth and contributions, the distributions increase and become a steady stream of annual income for the good works of our Parish.

This Endowment Fund will support the programs and ministries of Stella Maris Parish in perpetuity. My hope is that this Fund will continue to grow significantly with gifts from parishioners over the years. For example, you can be an Eternal Guardian of your faith by leaving a gift to the Maroochydore – Stella Maris Parish Endowment Fund in your Will as a meaningful way to build up the Fund and financially sustain the Stella Maris Parish for generations to come. This is a way for parishioners, who believe in sharing their gifts and reaching out to others, to leave a legacy of care and support far beyond their lifetime. I hope that each of you will prayerfully consider a gift today or in your Will as a special offering to our Maroochydore – Stella Maris Parish Endowment Fund.

Please also consider a gift in your lifetime to launch our parish endowment. You can put an extra cheque marked “endowment” into your giving envelope or put your donation into a plain envelope marked “endowment”.

Thank you for your ongoing commitment and generosity. Please join me in praying that our new endowment fund grows like the loaves and fishes!

God bless

Frs Peter, William and Isaac