Donor
Defining Moments: Planting Seeds
I’ve always defined myself as Catholic— even when I was the kid sitting in the back seat of the car with my arms crossed on the way to Mass.
My defining moment came when the spiritual seeds planted in my youth took root in my heart and my faith began to grow.
That’s why I’m passionate about girls today getting to experience the youth program with Endow— so that seeds are planted in their hearts too.
I would sit in the back seat of the car with my arms folded, and maybe a little pout —staring out the window and letting my parents know that I wasn’t pleased.
My parents were very involved at church, and so I was right in step with them whether I wanted to be or not. Especially in my ‘tween’ years—it was just sit . . . stand . . . kneel. My faith was detached.
When I was a freshman in high school, my parents sent me on a bus trip to a university that hosts summer conferences on living the faith. And that’s where I really experienced Mass in a new way.
That Saturday evening I broke down crying as the Eucharist passed by. I was on my knees—and I had this profound experience of Jesus. I said, “Okay, Lord. I believe.”
For a long time I was analyzing and struggling—where I wanted to be and how I wanted to fit in. That was a defining moment when my faith moved from my head to my heart.
Now that I’m a mom, I feel a pull toward the school my children attend. I offered to volunteer, so the principal invited me to a meeting about Endow’s Girl Genius program.
She saw the potential for a more evangelistic approach to the faith.She wanted the middle school girls to have the small group experience with discussion.
The Girl Genius material is so rock solid. It does an amazing job of integrating activities that really are on their level and jump off the page for them.
I don’t expect to walk in and bedazzle these eleven-year-olds, but I want to connect with them. I’m going to meet them where they’re at, because once upon a time, someone met me where I was.
I always go in armed—I take my rosary bracelet and pray it on the way there. The girls don’t need me. They need Jesus. I’m just there as a rep, and having this little reminder rattling on my wrist keeps me mindful that I’m not alone.
I also take my Bible and show the girls—it’s like my spiritual scrapbook. I encourage them: “Make your Bible a place you want to spend time.” It’s so important to plant those seeds.
JENNIFER BAHAM FACILITATES AN ENDOW GROUP FOR CATHOLIC MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS STUDYING GIRL GENIUS AND IS THE RECIPIENT OF ENDOW’S 2012 JULIA GREELEY AWARD FOR HER SERVICE.
December 2011: Donor of the Month
John Heath
It’s not every day you hear from someone who wants to send you money. But that is exactly what happened last summer when an Endow staffer picked up the phone on the morning after an Endow appearance on EWTN.
Last summer, Executive Director Terry Polakovic and Youth Program Coordinator Brigid DeMoor appeared as guests on Fr. Mitch Pacwa’s program. The two spoke about the mission and message of Endow and the wide appeal it has to women across the spectrum. It was a lively conversation and many people called in to ask questions and express gratitude for a program that educates on the nature and dignity of women. As Terry and Brigid fielded questions and enjoyed some great on-air visiting with Fr. Pacwa and the studio audience, they got the attention of quite a few viewers. John Heath was one of them.
Sixty-three year old John Heath was watching the program from his trailer home 3000 miles away inSan Jose,California. EWTN is a favorite channel; he has numerous shows taped and backed up waiting to be watched. So impressed was he by Endow that he called the office the next day and pledged $5.00 a month. That modest sum – what others might spend on a fancy coffee – would be felt by John. He lives on a fixed income and has to be careful with expenses. But he was moved to partner with an organization he decided was worthy to believe in and he committed to a regular gift. He has kept his promise.
John grew up in the pre-Vatican II era and will tell you he was blessed to be Catholic from birth. In the trailer he shares with his sister, a cat, and a chihuahua, he has a lot of time to think about life. It has had its ups and downs. One of the downs was a ten year span when he was away from the Church. During that time John wandered, developed a drug abuse problem, and hung around with an unsavory crowd. “I haven’t been the most perfect person,” he says as easily as if he were commenting on the weather. “But I shaped up. What I most want now is to be a saint.”
He appears to be well on his way. With the help of his sister, whom he credits with bringing him back to Christ, John is making amends. “I read two chapters from the Bible every day. I pray the rosary and say some other prayers for about 25 minutes.” John has learned that there is no easy road straight to holiness; it is often an arduous journey, but Christ walks every step with the disciple who asks for His help. With his breathing labored from emphysema, John patiently explains that “when I’m humble I’m happier.” Now that he is committed to Christ, John is praying for the women he has known in his previous life who were badly hurt on the streets.
He recently notified the Endow office that he can see his way clear to increase his monthly gift to $10.00. He says he gives to Endow for the sake of all women and the health of society. Jesus is the way. “I’d like to help women lead holy lives.”
Defining Moments
I’ve always defined my life as pretty well organized.
I’m used to my own clean world and having things on schedule.
My defining moment came when I said yes to serving the women in an Endow group at a homeless shelter.
There, among abuse victims, prostitutes, and addicts, whose lives are in disarray,
I saw dignity revealed.
And I saw hearts transformed by the love of God—including mine.
That first night at the shelter, I showed up with a statue of Mary in one hand and an Endow study guide in the other, ready to facilitate a group of women who lived there. When I met the chaplain, Father Michael, he said to me: “You look terrified, Julie.” And I was.
I’m a suburban mom. I don’t frequent homeless shelters. So I really struggled to overcome the fear of being in one. It was so dirty and rough and raw—not at all what I’m used to.
When I introduced myself to the group, I said, “I’m just a mom.” One woman with a wig and perfectly painted nails responded: “Don’t ever say you’re ‘just a’ mom. It’s the most important job in the world.”
That’s how I met Yolanda, who has stage 4 colon cancer. She hopes for a miracle, but the shelter has basically become a place for her to die. Her suffering is unfathomable. Her four kids have practically abandoned her.
Another woman, Kim, had recently gotten out of prostitution. She showed a passion for spontaneous prayer and would say “amen” whenever she felt moved by something. So I asked her to close our group time with a prayer, and it was beautiful. She really spoke from her heart to Jesus.
These women revealed hurts about themselves that have been locked in a dark place for a long time. They became teachers to each other as they realized that their own personal stories really did matter.
As the weeks went on, the experience became less about me and more about watching the women’s hearts be transformed. We talked about dignity—and the women loved this idea, this truth that: “I am made in the image and likeness of God.”
I’ve learned to appreciate things in the sense that I’ve been given so much. God has been generous with me, not because he loves me more, but because he wants me to be generous too.
On the final week of our group study, Yolanda gave me a prayer book with the inscription: “Dearest Julie, never forget you are not ‘just a’ —but blessed with the highest calling for a woman, a mother! Always your sis in Christ, Yolanda.”
And it’s true: None of us is ‘just a’ … homeless person … prostitute … or mom. We are sisters united by the love of our Father in heaven.
Names have been changed to respect privacy.
This month—even today— would you say a prayer for Endow? And would you share your blessing through a financial gift?
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November 2011: Donor of the Month
Karen Morroni
This month we go north of Denver to Boulder, Colorado, the strikingly beautiful mountain town, nestled against the Flatirons and known as the home of the University of Colorado and any number of high tech industries. It still has a small town feel and lately there has been a lot of Endow activity here.
This is the home of Karen Morroni, lifelong Catholic, Endow enthusiast, and occupational therapist at Boulder Community Hospital. Karen learned about Endow from her sister-in-law, Mary Morroni who serves on the Board of Directors.
Mary connected Karen with some great Endow facilitators – Jan Driscoll and Katie Evans – and Karen has stayed with them ever since. “Once I started, I loved it! It’s learning, it’s friendship. And it’s great not to have homework.” Having been through the rigors of Catholic Biblical School which she loved and from which she was graduated years ago, Karen appreciates a group that allows for learning and fellowship without the homework requirement.
Her defining moment came one day during her Endow meeting. “[As we were going through the lesson and sharing], it suddenly hit me. These women are my friends. This is the group of friends I’ve been looking for.” Karen has a busy life populated with many souls, but real friendships rooted in the faith were the missing ingredients. Endow provided them.
“We have really bonded,” says Karen, of the group with whom she has studied The Christian Meaning of Suffering, as well as her personal favorite, Edith Stein: Seeker of Truth. “I love that book; it makes sainthood so real. Truth isn’t always easy. [Edith] really struggled.” One of the things Karen relies on Endow for is communicating the truth. She says, “It’s a wonderful thing to know you are getting the truth; with Endow, you just know it’s going to be rooted in Catholic teaching.”
Karen has committed to monthly giving to Endow. “My love for the study program is the reason why. I want this opportunity to exist for any woman who needs Endow.” Karen reflects the position of the Endow mission when she adds, “No one should be turned away for lack of money.”
Because of her commitment to Endow, Karen has been to the annual retreats and most of the springtime gala events. The next annual fundraising gala, “Evening of Enchantment” will be held on April 14, 2012 featuring keynote speaker Helen Alvare. It promises to be a sparkling evening of friendship and fun, with throngs of party-goers all of whom love and support Endow. Karen wouldn’t miss it.
Something She had to Discover for Herself
I’ve always defined myself as a mother who tries to give my children what they need to grow up well-grounded.
My defining moment was when my daughter started her freshman year at college.
As we stood there on campus, saying our goodbyes, I realized it wasn’t me who gave her the most important thing: her own faith in God.
That’s something she had to discover for herself. And I’m so grateful that Endow was there to help.
I watched as my daughter packed her rosary and her Bible and the crucifix off her wall.
One of her mentors had given her a little book about staying Catholic in college—and she put that in her suitcase too.
Abby has something I didn’t at her age: a sense that her faith is important to her. When I was in college, I never really strayed from the faith, but I didn’t really own it either.
It wasn’t until after I got married and had children that I truly began to grow in my faith. Several years ago, I was invited to learn about Endow and help form a study group. I figured I would help get it started and then bow out.
But when I started studying Letter to Women, I began to see the God-given significance of my role as a woman and a mom in my family and in society. It was life-changing for me, for my marriage, and for my family. I’ve kept going with Endow ever since.
I got Abby involved in Endow’s youth program in middle school and high school—because I realized how girls today are being bombarded with lies about who they are, the way they dress, the way they act, and what is expected of them. Abby learned that the beauty God created in us is so much deeper than that.
At school, she became one of the students who would speak up about these kinds of issues. During her senior year of high school, one of her teachers told me how well-grounded my daughter was and how she spoke up for her beliefs. And when she got into discussions, Abby knew how to defend her faith.
Abby has received so much from Endow—through me and my development as a mom, and through her own Endow groups.
After we got our daughter settled in her dorm, my husband and I dropped her off at the church for Mass before we headed back to the airport to catch our flight. For a moment, I wished we had the time to go with her. Then I realized it might actually be better this way.
It was hard to say goodbye, and yet I couldn’t think of a better place to leave Abby—walking into the church on her own.
Abby’s name has been changed to respect privacy.
This month—even today— would you say a prayer for Endow? And would you share your blessing through a financial gift?
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October 2011: Donor of the Month
Suzie LaVelle
They say that stewardship takes three forms – time, talent and treasure. In stewarding the gifts God has given her, Suzie gives back all three.
If the name Suzie LaVelle sounds familiar, it might be because she has been part of Endow since its beginning and in 2006 Endow was honored to choose her as the first recipient of the Julia Greeley Award. She was selected in part for her passionate work in the Pro-Life movement.
Suzie’s main apostolate is tending the Memorial Wall for the Unborn which is part of Sacred Heart of Mary Parish in Boulder. Erected in 2000, the wall began as a response to the nearby Boulder Abortion Clinic’s practice of sending the remains of aborted fetuses to a local mortuary for cremation. What the mortuary was receiving were the chillingly recognizable bodies of tiny babies who never lived outside the womb. The mortuary agreed to entrust the remains to Father Kemberling, pastor at the time, and he began doing funerals for these “holy innocents.” Suzie was right beside him. She had found her calling. 
Key to Suzie’s work with post-abortive women is the tender message from John Paul II in his 1995 encyclical Gospel of Life. Often they read from the letter where the Pope speaks words of hope and consolation to the woman who has had an abortion.
The Pope acknowledges the grief and shame she may be feeling as she grapples with her participation in an act that is intrinsically evil. But he does not leave her there mired in sorrow and regret. He points her in the direction of forgiveness and assures her of God’s mercy even as he indicates a bright future can still be hers. With God’s grace she may likely become one of the most eloquent defenders of life.
Suzie says that she has seen for herself that this message “touches deep within a woman’s soul and she grabs it and holds on like a life ring.” It is a private moment of grief meeting solace. “When I see God touch them it is a holy moment that I am not even sure I should be a part of.” Yet she never doubts that God placed her in this ministry for His own reasons and that being an instrument of empathy and healing is her call.
“Endow has given me tools I never knew were out there. I’ve learned that the truth is written in our hearts. I’ve been reminded that human dignity comes from God and extends to all persons and cannot be diminished by man.”
In addition to the time invested in this good work and the talent that comes with pouring out her feminine genius on the women she serves, Suzie and her husband, Terry Lavelle, are generous financial donors to Endow. Terry also serves on Endow’s Board of Directors.
She explains, “I want to see this program go to every woman. I have seen women weep when they have felt the love of God. Whatever I can do for Endow, I will. It’s not about me, it’s about God.”
September 2011: Donors of the Month
Fr. Rick Zerwas
and the People of Church of the Incarnation,
Rio Rancho, NM
It’s not like he doesn’t have enough to spend money on. His parish is the fastest growing one in the area and they are in the middle of a capital campaign. Construction is full speed ahead and they plan to open the new church building in the next two weeks.
But when Fr. Rick Zerwas sat down with his tithing committee Monday morning they elected to send a generous check to Endow.
It’s gestures like that that bring a smile to the bookkeeper’s face and make the rest of us sigh with relief as the financial burden is eased a little. It’s also a psychological boost to feel the moral support.
In a phone conversation Fr. Rick says Endow has been a boon to his parish. A few women were trained as Endow facilitators three years ago and study groups are alive and well. Fr. Rick, pastor to the 500+ families who make this parish their spiritual home, appreciates the quality of the Endow materials and how they support and encourage faithfulness to the Church’s magisterium.
“I learned in my last parish,” says Fr. Rick, “that it is important to bring in speakers who can teach competently. People need to hear the message of truth from other voices. They all add to the solidity of the message.”
“Like a lot of things coming out of Denver, Endow can be trusted. You can’t go wrong with orthodoxy,” he says. Asked if his is a parish that is willing to subsidize women who cannot afford the program, he states that it is their position that no one should be denied because of financial strain. Requests are handled in-house with sensitivity and confidentiality. (Endow also makes scholarship money available for this purpose.)
It is clear this pastor is dedicated to his flock and his affection comes through in his voice. “These guys have taught me that the capacity for people to give is great.” He makes it a policy to, as he puts it, “never get in the way of someone’s sainthood.” He means that sacrificing for a noble cause may be exactly what God is calling them to do.
He cites the widow from the gospel accounts who gives her mite. Fr. Rick notes that Jesus does not caution her to save for a future emergency, He points out her pure generosity to His apostles and praises her goodness.
To the people of Church of the Incarnation – thank you for your generosity and goodness. We depend on our benefactors and are grateful to have you among them.
August 2011: Donor of the Month
Patricia Muscari
Read your local Catholic paper. That’s Patricia’s advice as she recalls how she learned about Endow. It was an article in the Denver Catholic Register that advertised a class Sister Timothea Elliot, RSM was giving on Valiant Women of the Bible. “I noticed it was sponsored by Endow which was unfamiliar to me at the time. I signed up and just loved the class; I never missed a single one!” Sister had a wonderful way of putting things together and making the material come alive.
According to Patricia, it was almost as exciting as being back in college. Years ago, at Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross in Washington, D.C., Patricia studied English and Philosophy. It was there she received a classic Catholic education with an emphasis on the Summa Theologiae. It helped form her and from there, marriage and children followed. It was a full life, but serious study didn’t come back on the menu till recently.
Patricia says that finding out about Endow came along at just the right time. She wanted to do more with her faith…feel it more…learn it better…really live it. “Endow education strengthens my religious beliefs.” The next step, after her first class, was facilitator training.
Now she has a small – but growing – study group that meets in her home. She considers her living room conducive to learning and sharing. “It’s roomy and comfortable, plus, it beats being in the parish basement which can get really cold in the wintertime.” They studied The Christian Meaning of Suffering and found the Pope’s words very consoling. “Every one of us has gone through something.”
They have done two studies and in July, Patricia treated herself to Endow Summer School. She found it to be a lively time of learning and fellowship with other believing women from around the country. Now she is eager to share what she is learning with the others. She would love to lead her group through Aquinas for Beginners and hopes the women agree that it would be an important adventure into Catholic thinking.
“Endow puts it on a platter for us,” says Pat reflecting on how the studies are received by her and the other women. She adds that the studies take lofty Church teachings and make them readily understandable and applicable to daily Catholic living.
In Endow, Patricia has found a cause she enjoys supporting. She went to her first fund-raising Gala last May and looks forward to the next one. “It was an awesome event – and the Mass beforehand was just beautiful!”
Talking about why she gives to Endow, Patricia the philosopher says earnestly: “We have to support things that enrich women and Endow is a gem. We can’t afford to lose it now that we have it.”
July 2011: Donor of the Month
“Why would I not do it?” This question popped into the heart of Shar Messaros when asked to chair the 2011 Catholic Women’s Conference. Some people are naturally enthusiastic, inclined to jump in, to answer, perhaps before they think things through. That’s Shar , and the women at Endow couldn’t be happier about it.
Shar Messaros of Erie, Colorado has been part of Endow for years. She met Executive Director, Terry Polakovic at a retreat and when Polakovic asked her to think about becoming an Endow facilitator, she said yes and has been involved ever since. She leads a small group and they have tackled many studies and look forward to more.
“I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes, but Endow has reinforced my dignity as a woman.” She recognizes that many women share that feeling. “Once a woman takes a class, she’s hooked.” Shar says she has loved watching women grow and flourish through the Endow program.
Shar demonstrates that there are many ways to support Endow and she does them all. In addition to facilitating and making a commitment to regular giving, Shar has stepped up to take on the task of chairing the conference. Her knowledge of Endow, her personable style, and can-do spirit made her a perfect choice. But she is quick to give credit to the others on the committee. “This year we have the best team ever!” They think it’s time to invite women to a fresh venue; this year’s conference is at Nativity of Our Lord Parish in Broomfield, Colorado, just south of Boulder and about a half hour north of Denver. “Women will enjoy seeing our part of the state,” says Shar, and her committee members agree.
“Please pray for the women who are coming to the conference,” Shar asks. The conference is slated for September 9/10 and this year’s theme is “The Courage to Love.” Bishop Sheridan of Colorado Springs will be the keynote speaker on Friday night. Concurrent with the pre-conference facilitators’ retreat Friday will be a day-long facilitator training for women desiring to learn how to lead groups.
“We must actively look for new facilitators”, says Shar. “For Endow to be healthy and growing, new leaders are always needed.” She recalls her conversation with Terry Polakovic years ago when Terry approached Shar about becoming a facilitator. “We shouldn’t be afraid to invite women to join us. People are complimented by that. Endow’s future depends on all of us.”
And all of us can do something. “I realized that if I could double what I give, it would make a tremendous difference.”
She encourages other women to follow suit. Shar knows money is tight for many people; she and her husband Mike had three children in college at the time she increased her gift. But Endow has such potential for good and whether a woman offers her time, talent or treasure, everything offered in love is needed and appreciated.
June 2011: Donor of the Month
Shelly Saeman
Shelly Saeman is an enthusiastic Endow participant and recently worked on Endow’s Fundraising Gala, initiating our first-ever live auction. She recently took some time in the middle of her busy schedule to talk with us about what motivates her to support Endow.
How did you come to be associated with Endow?
I was introduced to Endow and met its Executive Director, Terry Polakovic, through my mother-in-law, Carol Saeman, a board member. This was four years ago when I was going through RCIA classes. I was baptized Catholic but didn’t practice any “religious faith” while growing up. When Craig and I met and began dating I started attending church with him… it was a deeply beautiful experience and I, at least in part, fell in love with my husband and my faith watching Craig pray and practice his faith. The Endow studies and the inspirational women of Endow have been nothing less than a blessing in my life and I continue to learn and grow in my faith with these women who are very much my sisters.
Why do you give to the Endow apostolate?
Craig and I give because we so very passionately believe in the mission. We have four girls of our own and now a granddaughter. We hope that our girls and the young women (and men) they surround themselves with will understand and embrace the truth as to what their vocation as a woman really is and embrace feminism as it was meant to be embraced instead of how it is portrayed in the secular realm.
Since you are involved in supporting Endow as a couple, what might Craig say about his willingness to support this cause?
That’s funny…I’m not even sure …he is on the golf course or I would ask him for his own words. He does however support Endow, the mission of Endow and our involvement with Endow.
What has been a happy outcome or story you can share about how Endow impacts women and girls?
Endow has changed my life, my outlook, my views. In embracing the journey, in the way that God has intended, I know I am a better wife, a better mother… a better woman. I believe that Endow impacts other women in the same manner and when I think about how many lives each of those other women touch it makes me hopeful about the endless possibilities.
What would you like to say about your work on the auction at the recent Gala?
Wow – what an honor to have been asked to be on the Gala committee! I was a little nervous when board member, Joanie Todd, first asked if I would help with the Gala this year as I had never done anything like that before… very much outside my comfort zone. Craig and I were asked to host the “kick off” cocktail party and I was asked to work on the auction part of the evening. I can honestly say it was truly one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had… working with a tremendously talented, spiritual group of women to pull off an evening that perfectly magnified the nature and dignity of women.