A Legacy Rooted in Faith By Alma Vega-Rouse

By Alma Vega-Rouse, Director of Advancement

During each baptism ceremony at Saint Michael, the priest uses a silver shell to pour water from the baptismal font onto the newly baptized parishioner. The parishioner is then gifted the shell as a precious memento of this transformative event in their life.

This tradition of baptismal shells is made possible through a planned-giving endowment fund established by a church member who wanted to ensure this small but mighty act of love was supported into the future.

Planned giving is a way for us to ensure the kingdom work and programs that are important to us will continue long after we’re gone. It’s a tangible expression of gratitude and stewardship that turns today’s faith into tomorrow’s blessings.

All Angels Foundation (AAF) stewards Saint Michael’s planned giving program, empowering parishioners to make a lasting impact by aligning their financial legacy with spiritual convictions.

A LEGACY OF FAITH FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

AAF is a separately chartered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization funded by parishioner donations and governed by a Board of Trustees elected by Saint Michael. With a deep commitment to collaboration, transparency, and faithful financial stewardship, the foundation brings the light and love of our church to the world by supporting parish and social initiatives that transform lives.

To remember Saint Michael in their estate plans, parishioners can designate All Angels Foundation through vehicles such as wills, trusts, annuities, life insurance policies, donor-advised funds, or beneficiary designations on 401(k) and other retirement accounts. All gifts are independently managed and invested by the foundation.

Planned giving is a generous act of worship and, for many, a deeply spiritual decision. To align donor intent with long-term ministry impact, AAF offers endowment funds carefully designed to balance the flexibility of unrestricted gifts with opportunities to support specific ministry areas. Each fund includes a broad charter defining its purpose and permissible uses of income, with potential naming rights or sub-funds available for transformative gifts.

EVERY GIFT COUNTS

At its core, planned giving asks, “Who do you want to bless?” God cares more about how many lives we touch than how many dollars we give. Estate planning is an opportunity for every person to invest in what matters most to them. And, you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in the lives of others. Generosity blooms from our hearts, not our wallets, and manifests in many forms.

Each planned gift, no matter the size, is a meaningful act of stewardship and gratitude, shaping the spiritual and community legacy of Saint Michael. When a gift is invested for the future, the principal is carefully preserved while the earnings support the ministry year after year.

Your generosity creates a ripple effect of hope and transformation by joining with the gifts of others to support worship, formation, outreach, music, and pastoral care for generations you will never meet.

THE ALL ANGELS SOCIETY

The All Angels Society honors individuals who have made a documented planned gift to the All Angels Foundation. Qualifying gifts include:

A bequest through a will or living trust
Naming All Angels Foundation as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement account, donor-advised fund, 401(k) or other retirement funds
Establishing a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust
Any other form of planned gift formally documented with the church

Members of this special group share a common bond to help sustain and enhance our ministries and programs, ensuring the church’s mission continues to thrive for future generations.

START PLANNING YOUR LEGACY

Planned gifts provide Saint Michael with lasting stability, enabling the parish to dream bigger, reach farther, and serve more people. Your vision will sustain healing ministries, empower communities, and leave a mark that reflects your love for God and your dedication to His work. Contact Mary Worthington, Major Gifts Officer, at mworthington@saintmichael.org to explore bequests, endowments, or major gifts aligned with your financial goals and your desire to make an eternal impact, or to confirm your membership in the All Angels Society.

SIMPLIFYING ESTATE PLANNING WITH PHILANTHROCORP

To simplify the complexity of estate planning, All Angels Foundation has partnered with PhilanthroCorp, a nationwide will and estate planning organization. PhilanthroCorp offers free, confidential planning services from a biblical perspective to help you develop a tailored estate plan that reflects your needs, values, and financial situation.

WHY PHILANTHROCORP?

No sales pressure: They do not sell insurance or commission-based products.
Personalized guidance: They work with you to design a plan that reflects your priorities.
Strict confidentiality: Details of your estate remain confidential and are not shared with the church.
No obligation: There is no cost or obligation to you, and you maintain complete control over your estate.

PhilanthroCorp’s mission is to help families steward their resources wisely and align their legacy with their faith. Whether you need a new will or want to review and update an existing plan, their team is ready to assist at no cost or obligation. More information on PhilanthroCorp’s services will be provided.

**This article was written by Alma Vega-Rouse and was featured in the 2026 Spring Archangel.