Issuu

Official Publication of Catholic United Financial

Our Journey Catholic September/October 2011 Vol. 116 Issue 5

5,411 volunteer hours What they were working on this summer...

+ Convention Recap

World Youth Day $10,000 in grants helps pilgrims

Keys to Your Kingdom with John Tetzloff

From the President

“...It has often been written that the times when God seems the most distant can be the occasion when we get to know Him the best..” Just last week, Ann, my wonderful spouse of these so many years, asked me why I was speeding up, not slowing down. She reflected that I am gone more, sleep less, and seem to be on the move constantly. “I thought you would be slowing down as you neared retirement, not the opposite.” I just smiled and said, “Well I have a lot to do before I leave.” Then it struck me as so obvious. What makes me think that I get to set the pace? A few months back, my good friend and a fellow employee of Catholic United Financial, Michael Bredeck, gave me a book to read entitled The Lazarus Life, by Stephen W. Smith. Over the years, Mike and I have often exchanged books that we think the other should read. As is often the case, this book had a message that I needed to read. The basic theme is based on the John 11 story of Lazarus. Mary and Martha have come to Jesus and asked him to go and save Lazarus, his friend, who was dying. There was a sense of urgency as he was not long for this world. To the two women’s frustration, Jesus did not rush right to Lazarus. In fact, He did not seem concerned at all as He stayed where He was for two more days. They could not believe that Jesus would not rush to Lazarus’s side and save him that moment. “Where is God? Why doesn’t He do something? Can’t He see we need Him? Doesn’t He care?” These are the questions the author supposed Mary and Martha were asking. Eventually, as we all know, Jesus did come and He did bring Lazarus back to life. But the message was clear: God does not operate on our time, we operate on His. Jesus did linger, He waited until it was time. We do not know from the story what He was doing; all we know is that He lingered for two days. He dictated the time and place and all that was really required from us was patience and hope. It has often been written that the times when

September/October 2011

God seems the most distant can be the occasion when we get to know Him the best. Adversity does bring us closer. Health, financial woes, spiritual struggles, relationship issues all can bring us closer as we call on His almighty strength. God will not disappoint us as hope will be our watchword. On the Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time the Responsorial Psalm was taken from Psalm 103 and it speaks directly to this same topic. The responsorial was, “The Lord is kind and merciful, slow to anger, and rich in compassion.” The Psalm goes directly to the fact that, “He will not always chide, nor does He keep His wrath forever…He crowns you with kindness and compassion.” It’s the same theme, He sets the pace, He sets the time, and He sets the results. It is a message we all need to hear as we run through life trying to get everything done that we think should happen. We become just like Martha and Mary when we wonder why Jesus lingered, why He didn’t do it when we wanted him too. I can see a clear message that I cannot dictate the plan and the time. I would like to close with a prayer that sticks right to the point of this Journey column. A Prayer of John Henry Cardinal Newman God created me To do Him some definite service: He has committed some work to me Which He has not committed to another. I have my mission — I may never know it in this life, But I shall be told it in the next… Therefore, I will trust Him… If I am in sickness, My sickness may serve Him: In perplexity, My perplexity may serve Him; If I am in sorrow, My sorrow may serve Him… He does nothing in vain; He may prolong my life, He may shorten it, He knows what He is about. May the Lord bless you in every way.

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Contents Features

7 10

World Youth Day

Catholic United donated more than $10,000 for young members to attend World Youth Day in Spain. Read what they had to say about the experience.

Relief is in Sight

The Foundation’s disaster response initiative has accomplished more than anyone expected in its first year, to the tune of more than 5,000 volunteer hours.

Convention

Go over the details of our 128th Annual Convention in this brief rundown of the events.

Departments

6 16

Sales News

Find out what’s changed with some of our programs, and learn why insuring your college student is smart.

Keys to Your Kingdom

Estate planning advice from our estate planning guru, John Tetzloff.

Sections

4 14 On the Cover

17 20

Oﬃcial Publication of Catholic United Financial

May/June 2011

Scrapbook

Read news tidbits and see member photos.

Memorials/Anniversaries In memory and in celebration...

Fraternal

Winners of the 2011 Fraternalist of the Year and Young Adult Volunteer of the Year awards profiled.

Vol. 116 Issue 3

Photo: Bob Pearle Photography

Hunting season is almost here! Andy Schmitz of Mankato, Minn., and his dog, Eva, practice bagging those birds on a summer day in Mankato.

5,411 volunteers What they were doing this summer...

World Youth Day

$10,000 in grants helps pilgrims

+ Convention Recap

to Your Kingdom + Keys with John Tetzloff

SFI-00574

news@catholicunited.org

Resolutions of the Association Back cover

Catholic United Financial President/Chairman Michael F. McGovern, Northfield Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann, St. Paul Board of Directors Lead Director Frances M. Barten, Union Hill; George Gmach, Rogers; Joseph F. Kueppers, Mendota Heights; John W. Maile, Cold Spring; Deborah M. Pauly, Jordan; Robert Krattenmaker, New London; Michael Schmitz, Mankato Magazine Staff: Publisher Michael F. McGovern Editor Jared Roddy Staff Susan Detlefsen , Michelle Clark Director of Marketing Steve Wendorf Office of Publication: Catholic United Financial, 3499 Lexington Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 551268098; 651-490-0170 or 1-800-568-6670. Postmaster: Send change of address notice to above. Periodicals postage paid at St. Paul, MN and other locations. Subscription price is 50 cents a year. Official Publication of Catholic United Financial. Published bimonthly. Publication No. 093500

September/October 2011

Scrapbook

How to Contact your Sales Representative: Your Sales Representative’s name and contact information should on the back cover of this magazine. Or, visit www.catholicunitedfinancial.org, or call 1-800-568-6670.

Well-seasoned fundraisers in spicer, Minn. Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic United Financial Council broke in their new white tent and raised their new Catholic United banner for their Hamburger Grill Out Fundraiser at Jahnke Foods in Spicer, Minn. After two June weekend events, the council raised $2,016.71, and earned a $1,000 matching grant from Catholic United, all for their parish’s religious education program. Everyone has fun — even in the rain, thanks to the new tent!

Twin Cities Youth “Elegate” their minds

On July 25, Catholic United sponsored an event called Elegate that had young Catholics waiting in line at the NET Center in West St. Paul, Minn. Singer Audrey Assad rocked the house, and Fr. Mike Schmitz spoke about big-picture questions about our faith. Contact Nate Lamusga in the Fraternal Department for info on events like this to engage your council youth.

Summer Seems Like Only Yesterday... Gilman, Minn.

It was a beautiful, sunny summer day when five councils met in Gilman Minn., for their annual Catholic United Financial Picnic. SS. Peter and Paul Council of Gilman, Annunciation Council of Mayhew Lake, Sacred Heart Council of Sauk Rapids, St. Francis of Sartell, and St. Michael Council of St. Cloud all gathered together at Gilman Community Park on July 24. Kids competed in games like water balloon catch and ring toss for prizes. Members toured the Catholic United Response trailer, while crafts and candy made it an day of fun for the whole family. John and Esther Gapinski were also honored with Catholic United Community Service Awards for 25 years of always being there to lend a hand for their community of Gilman, and their parish of SS. Peter and Paul. At right, with SS. Peter and Paul Council President Daniel Lieser, John and Esther Gapinski receive their certificates with Fraternal Director Kathleen Moriarty and Sales Representative Gary Gall.

Scholarship Applications open Oct. 15! Don’t miss out on up to $500! Visit www.catholicunitedfinancial.org to download and submit your application today!

September/October 2011

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Greater love hath no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.

10 Ye ars

— John 15:13

For most of our generation, the events of 9/11 represent a watershed moment in our personal and national histories. Never before had the world seen such evil perpetrated against humanity with such immediacy and clarity. The emotional impact on all those who witnessed the attacks, whether in person or on television, continues to be felt. I was working in my office in lower Manhattan that day, and witnessed the events unfolding from a couple of blocks away. Stunning and overwhelming only begin to describe what we saw, heard, smelled and felt. I was extraordinarily blessed to survive that day, although dozens of my friends and colleagues did not. Watching the faces of people in the streets that day, as we rushed to an uncertain safety away from the Trade Center, made me better appreciate the bravery and sense of duty inherent in our police officers, firemen and rescue workers who all went into the towers as others were leaving them – their only concern was the safety of others. Many survivors continue to struggle with mental and physical health issues. Every day, still, the toll climbs. Like most Americans, there is a desire to understand “why?” How can such an atrocity take place in the United States? Why were those people victims? What did they do? It is a challenge to our faith. In a sad twist of fate, the very first identified casualty at the World Trade Center was Father Mychal Judge, the NYFD chaplain, who was ministering to those in need. We ask Fr. Mychal Judge

ourselves, “How can God allow this to happen?” There are no answers to these questions just as there are no answers to the same questions about other natural disasters, crimes and catastrophes. At the same time, however, New Yorkers and all Americans banded together that day to help each other. There was no distinction that day between man or woman, black or white, Christian or Jew, wealthy or homeless – we were indeed all equal that day. On one of the worst days in American history, the very best of America stood up and made its presence felt. To this day, there is an enduring respect for our police and firefighters. We discovered – again – that heroes are all around us and that our common bond of being American is something no act of terror can destroy. My fervent hope is that this realization – that in a larger sense, we are all equal – can be nurtured and grown to remain an integral part of our nation’s fabric. That would be a gift from those we lost. The author of this reflection is a Catholic United member who was in New York City on Septebmer 11, 2001.

“Blue Mass” honors first responders at Divine Mercy Parish The Divine Mercy Parish in Faribault, Minn., held a “Blue Mass” in honor of fallen police, firefighters and paramedics. The SS. Lawrence & Anna Council fed all the honored guests during a waffle breakfast that followed, raising money for their local Catholic School. news@catholicunited.org

September/October 2011

Sales News

Kid off to college? Send them prepared

You pack and prepare for a million things when you ship your son or daughter off to college. Along with gathering supplies for the school year ahead, purchasing books and sorting out their class schedule, you’re also figuring out just how it’s all going to get paid for as well. With so many things to think about, and so many new expenses, it’s easy to overlook one thing college students should not start their education without: life insurance. Even before entering college, parents and grandparents should consider insuring their children. Young age and good health make for exceptionally low premiums. Purchasing a product while a child is young can lock in coverage at these low rates, and avoid the possibility of having to qualify as an older or lesshealthy individual. As a child leaves the nest, life insurance coverage is one financial parting gift that can last a lifetime. Students also incur a lot of debt. According to the New York Times students who graduated in 2009 with student loans averaged $24,000 in college debt. Some federal loans will not transfer this debt to you if your child dies before it is repaid, but other types of loans may. Keep in mind that these loans can be outstanding for decades after graduation. Insuring a student ensures their debt does not become yours. Finally, life insurance companies like Catholic United Finan-

September/October 2011

R.E.NEW-ing the Student Life Benefit Program The Student Life Benefit Program (SLBP) has donated thousands of dollars to Catholic Schools and religious education programs since its inception in 2001. But ten years into the program, the consensus at Catholic United is that the benefit has been under-utilized. That’s why for the next 14 months, Catholic United will embark on a pilot program meant to revitalize this program, and renaming it: “R.E.New Fund for Catholic Religious Education,” or “R.E.New Fund” for short. Now, every new member purchase of qualifying life insurance products will earn a $25 donation to that new member’s choice of Catholic school or religious education program. Every quarter, Catholic United will add up all the donations to each school and cut a check that will be delivered by the local Sales Representative. With the R.E.New Fund, schools and religious education will now benefit every time a new member joins Catholic United! The program couldn’t be more simple. Just tell your friends to join Catholic United and remind them to select your school or R.E. when they decide where their donation should go!

How it works: • A new member purchases a qualifying life insurance product from Catholic United Financial • The new member then chooses a school or R.E. program to make a $25 donation to • At the end of the fiscal quarter, Catholic United will total all the donations made for each school and religious education program, and write a check! Provide for your family and for your local Catholic education by contacting your Sales Rep today! cial want young people almost more than any other client. There are many options available and a great desire to work with you to find the right one. Here’s where a professional Sales Representative makes all the difference. A dedicated agent can use their knowledge and experience to weigh the student’s income potential, job market, goals, debt load and need for fu-

ture insurability before suggesting an insurance solution. These considerations are something a website or over-the-counter policy cannot take into account. As your child enters school this fall, take a moment to contact your Sales Representative to discuss financial protection for your college student.

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“Planted and built up in Jesus Christ, firm in the faith.”

magine yourself in the middle of a foreign capitol city, surrounded by a crowd of two million people from 193 different countries speaking more than ten different languages. Imagine the cacophony of sensations and sounds! Now, imagine that all two million are gathered for one purpose: to evangelize the Catholic youth of the world. World Youth Day pilgrim and Catholic United Financial member Tim Mead from Avon, Minn., experienced this exact situation in August, and admitted he found it “freaky.” “It was freaky at first. After awhile it was really cool and I kind of missed hearing the different languages when I got home,” Mead said. Mead and 21 other young Catholic United Financial members took part in World Youth Day 2011 in Madrid, Spain. Organized by the Catholic Church, WYD is an international event held every three years and is meant to “create an atmosphere that shares and reflects on the themes that are fundamental to Christianity.” Catholic United Financial provided 22 scholarships in the amount of $500 each to help defray the travel costs for these young pilgrims. Pilgrim Anna Mueller from Mahtomedi, Minn., and others found unique ways to tackle the language barrier. “On the metro, groups would start singing. Within two minutes the whole car of pilgrims would join in and start singing it in their language. Being able to bond over our faith through song and praise that we were all familiar with helped with the language barriers.” news@catholicunited.org

September/October 2011

Pilgrims from more than 190 countries attended World Youth Day events in Madrid, Spain.

Photo: World Youth Day 2011 Press Office

Pilgrim Anna Mueller from Mahtomedi, Minn., (right) said she was ”excited to share my faith with other young people from around the world.”

September/October 2011

An estimated 2 million young people attended WYD events, about double what organizers were expecting.

Ashley Radatz of Faribault, Minn., said she experienced a new meaning of the “universal Catholic Church.” “It was truly amazing to get to meet everyone from all the countries. They all have such great stories and are amazing people,” Radatz said. “I love how we were all there for one reason. How many other religions can say that two million people gathered to celebrate that religion? Getting to meet people from all over the world simply reassured me that our faith is strong and that young people are greatly involved.” During their time in Spain, the pilgrims braved temperatures in the upper 90s and the challenges of finding food and water among hundreds of thousands of other pilgrims. Many of the pilgrims had time to visit shrines, attend Masses and catechesis sessions with their bishops and, finally, attend events with Pope Benedict XVI himself in attendance on Aug. 20 and 21. In the presence of the Pope “Seeing Pope Benedict was so awesome!” Mead said. “Even though we had to wait for about seven hours in the sun, I would definitely do it again.” “Our group was able to see Pope Benedict on the day he arrived as he was driving to give his opening speech,” said Derek Wiechmann of Freeport, Minn. Derek is a Catholic United member and seminarian of the Diocese of St. Cloud. Wiechmann and his group of 15 college students and teenagers joined tens of thousands of others lining the streets of Madrid to get a look at the Pope. “As Pope Benedict drove by, the crowds roared in cheers and clapping,” Wiechmann said. “To see him in person was unreal – the vicar of Christ ten feet away – it left a lasting impression on me. One chant that will always stick in my head was, ‘Ese es el joven de Tu Papa’ meaning, ‘These are the youth of the Pope.’” The enthusiasm of the crowds surrounding pilgrim Luke McGreal was “incredible,” said the young man from Lino Lakes, Minn. “Our group was within 20 feet of the Popemobile www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Appreciation to Catholic United Many pilgrims wrote letters of thanks to Catholic United for helping them afford the pilgrimage. “This trip was amazing beyond words,” wrote member Cecilia Vandal of Langdon, N.D., after she returned from Spain. “I’m so thankful that Catholic United Financial helped me achieve this goal.” Other pilgrims echoed Vandal’s experiences and appreciation. “My experience at World Youth Day in Madrid will be one I will never forget,” Wiechmann said. Mueller is hoping to attend the next World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as an event volunteer. “Catholic United helped me in supporting my trip financially so I could experience an event that would change my outlook on life, and I am forever in debt for that support.” news@catholicunited.org

Some of the Catholic United pilgrims were able to see the Pope drive by after his arrival in Madrid.

Photo: World Youth Day 2011 Press Office

and Pope Benedict. The crowd of youth began to call out, ‘Benedicto!’ It was exhilarating! Youth were chanting to the Pope in his or her own native tongue.” Radatz was also on the street during the papal visit and experienced a personal moment. “I was in the first row shoved up against the barricade and it was such an amazing moment. He drove by with the windows down and waved then went to the end of the street, turned around and came back. This time he looked right at me and for that moment I felt as though it was only me and him, even though there were over a million people screaming.” Mueller’s moment near the Pope on August 20 was her most memorable of the entire trip. “Before Mass I stood at a gate and prayed to Our Lady that the Holy Father would drive down that road. Before I knew it, he was ten feet in front of me riding in the Popemobile. At that moment I was overcome with emotion and broke into tears of joy. Even though I did not meet the Pope in person, I now feel a special connection to him that will last a lifetime. He will be in my prayers always.”

Anna Mueller from Mahtomedi, Minn., (below center) waits with friends in a crowd of more than one million pilgrims in Madrid, Spain.

Pilgrim Luke McGreal of Lino Lakes, Minn., caught up with Archbishop John Nienstedt of the Diocese of St. Paul/ Minneapolis during World Youth Day festivities.

September/October 2011

Officersâ€™ reports as well as the complete proceedings of the Annual Convention can be found at www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Our 128th Annu 10

September/October 2011

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Friday, August 5 Saturday, August 6

For the 128th year, the delegates elected by the members of Catholic United Financial gathered for a weekend of business, fellowship and a little fun. The 128th Annual Convention of Catholic United Financial was held August 5 and 6, 2011, at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minn. Delegates and staff members took advantage of the familiar campus and good weather to host a successful event. Friday’s events began with registration at 2:30 p.m., Committee meetings at 3:30 p.m. and a praying of the Rosary in the Abbey Church. A procession led the way into 5 p.m. Opening Mass, celebrated by Bishop John F. Kinney of the Diocese of St. Cloud. An evening of entertainment followed Mass, with a banquet, silent auction and casino night giving way to the Young and Young at Heart Delegate Social at Brother Willie’s Pub. The evening ended on a high note as silent auction winners were announced in the casino, and trivia winners collected their prizes at Brother Willie’s. Delegates settled down early the next morning to begin the Association’s business. President and Chairman of the Board Michael F. McGovern called the convention business session to order at 9 a.m. Catholic United Spiritual Director Rev. Msgr. James D. Habiger (who recently celebrated his 60th Jubilee) led the invocation and, after a welcome by Sub-Prior Fr. Jonathan Licari, delivered his spiritual remarks. President McGovern introduced the board and thanked all the people involved in planning the Convention. The preliminary report of the Credentials Committee — 357 accredited delegates in attendance — was made and approved. The floor

Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer can be found in their entirety online, at www.catholicunitedfinancial.org. After Mr. Borrmann’s report, the Credentials Committee revised its final count to 359, which was moved and accepted. Mr. McGovern then introduced the merger vote. He reiterated the Board’s support, then opened the floor for questions. After all questions were answered and a voice vote called, the merger was easily approved by the majority. Borrmann, Gmach and Kueppers were then nominated and re-elected to their respective positions before the session ended. This year’s convention featured a fascinating schedule of breakout sessions. The Farmer’s Guide to Growing Your Councils, for fraternal improvement; Protecting Your Life’s Work and Savings, for personal estate planning advice; and From Inspiration to Illumination, an Introduction to The Saint John’s Bible, where delegates could view the magnificent Saint John’s Bible manuscript. Returning from the breakout sessions, delegates promptly elected four members to the Nominating Committee. Fraternal awards were presented, recognizing star councils and awarding the Fraternalist of the Year, Carol Heltemes of Wadena, Minn., and the Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award to Bridget Walsh of Big Stone City, S.D. (see page 20). Some very slight changes in the Constitution were moved and approved by the Constitution Committee. After a short break, the Good of the Association, Appeals, Resolutions (see back cover) Mission and Election Committees made their reports. All were approved by the delegation.

nual Convention rules were then adopted, followed by a request by Director Joseph Kueppers to change the order of the schedule. His suggestion that the merger vote be rescheduled to the morning session was approved. Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann then took the floor, reading notices to seek re-election from Directors George Gmach, Joseph Kueppers, and himself. After welcoming the first-time delegates to the Convention, Lead Director Fran Barten took the podium to introduce the President for his report. The reports of the President and of the news@catholicunited.org

Before concluding the Convention, McGovern presented the report of the Catholic United Financial Foundation. McGovern announced the next convention would be a one-day affair, held Saturday August 4, 2012, at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. He also announced the intention to hold more Gather4Good events in 2012. President McGovern once again thanked all the delegates, board members and members of the staff for their participation in the Convention. He signed off as Fred Kueppers Jr. of the SS. Peter and Clemens Council led the closing prayer.

September/October 2011

relief

ted i n U lic o h t a gC n i l l ore a c M , . 1 s 201 r y effort n r. i e s e m e v m m i et eco l this su r e r n h i t al ck aid c u o r e t t h s d t d ter fiel e s r e a e h s w i t D ns to a e s s r n e o Resp 0 volunte ey h ce t i , v 0 r d 6 e a slo of s u than s b r y u ho db n 0 a 0 r 4 5, ca s. y y n a a b d h g t n 9 e Arrivi uted more ed over 2 s n o p ib ne es R d e contr e most in nit U c s i l o n y. tho r e v a e to th i v C g o , son ers have aster rec a e s is te en d n d i u r a l o o f m v rce u In its teams of o s re w s t e i n a s and e i t i un m m o c

September/October 2011

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is in sight After its first season of deployments, the Catholic United Response trailer has more than proved its utility in tackling disasters of any scale and has lived up to its billing as a volunteer magnet able to quickly respond to natural disasters anywhere in Catholic United territory. The trailer and its volunteers, were deployed three times this summer, for a total of 29 days on location at work sites in North Minneapolis, Wadena, Minn., and Minot, N.D. In all three cases, the trailer proved to be supplied with just the right equipment, and Executive Director Paul Naumann equipped with just the right knowledge, to get volunteers to work efficiently. As the first flurry of disaster deployments winds down, the trailer and its team have already posted some impressive numbers. In three months, more than 600 individuals, some traveling by bus for more than an hour to reach the work site, labored for 29 days and more than 5,400 hours. “Getting this program finally up and running and seeing it come to fruition after two years of planning, it’s rewarding to see it in action,” Naumann says. “But it’s also emotionally tough, seeing the devastation that we saw. It really hits home about how important news@catholicunited.org

this is and how people can suffer.”

Genesis

Disaster relief for members has always been a pillar of the Foundation’s priorities. It was created, in fact, as a response to the tornadoes in St. Peter and Comfrey, Minn., in 1998. But in 2008, when epic flooding hit the southeastern Minnesota area, Naumann began to rethink just how the Foundation responded to these disasters. Traveling to the Winona area of Minnesota to deliver $1,000 disaster relief checks, Naumann noted the presence of other religious groups on the scene. “Those people we gave checks to, you know, they were happy to get them,” Naumann says. “The money was nice, but I’m not sure it had the same lasting effect. I remember giving a guy a check for $1,000 in southeastern Minnesota, but there was a crew of Baptists in his house doing $20,000 worth of work. That kind of gave us the idea.” Since then, Naumann has worked with the Foundation Board of Trustees to focus the disaster relief portion of the Foundation’s mission into disaster response. Last year, the Board approved the changes to the disaster relief program, ending the $1,000 member grants and officially creating Catholic United Response.

The mantra “Prepare + Respond + Rebuild” guides the disaster response program now. Naumann and some of his volunteers have received training to help parishes and communities prepare by planning ahead for disasters. They respond fast when there is a need, quickly towing the mobile unit to the location. And they begin the rebuilding process immediately, by providing the volunteers with the equipment and the expertise to help affected citizens move forward.

Revving up

Prior to its first deployment in North Minneapolis on May 27, Naumann and some of his volunteer team leaders had received training, but had not actually been on the scene of a disaster. It didn’t take long to learn that “controlled chaos” is about as controlled as one can hope for. Thousands of volunteers descended upon the tornadoravaged section of Minneapolis, while a handful of coordinators tried to break out chainsaw and pick-up teams. “That was a learning September/October 2011

experience,” Naumann says. His teams started slow, learning to assemble hardhats for the first time, oil and gas up their saws and basically start from scratch. No one expected flawless deployments right out of the gate, but the one-day deployment to North Minneapolis provided the volunteers and Naumann their first chance at divvying up resources and working as a team. Just three weeks later, Catholic United Response headed to its first pre-planned deployment in Wadena, Minn. Wadena, too, had been hit by tornadoes — in 2010. “Rebuilding is as important as the initial recovery,” Naumann says. “Long after the first wave of volunteers, we saw that the need remains.” Staying on site for two days and coordinating youth volunteers for the first time, Naumann got his first look at the team-building that occurs during a service project that brings people together. “The girls were facing off against the boys, you know, ‘Our team is number one!’ type stuff,” he says. “It just brought about this bonding.” With just those two short, but sweet and successful assignments, news reports began to circulate about catastrophic flooding heading to Minot.

The first point of contact

As it became clear a disaster response would be needed in Minot, Naumann contacted a local parish to find out who was coordinating the response. He was directed to Deacon Lynn Clancy

September/October 2011

of the Pastoral Planning office of the Diocese of Bismarck. “Paul and Myron [Pauly] were able to get there on the 27th and by the 28th, they were on the scene,” Clancy says. The Diocese organized busloads of volunteers from various parishes throughout the Diocese, but had to rely on Catholic United Response to equip all the willing hands. “They knew what kind of equipment we would need for different tasks and they had everything we needed. They were also knowledgeable about the different phases of what needed to be done,” Clancy added. As volunteers poured in, Naumann began to change another assumption. Throughout his training on disaster preparedness, it had always been said the first responders (police, paramedics, etc.) would coordinate with the volunteer groups. “Minot was a good example of how things don’t go according to the book,” Naumann says. “But it made me realize our first point of contact is not the first responders, but the local Catholic Church.” Naumann says Catholic United Response will still work with emergency managers, but going to the local parish will be its first call. “Think about it, they know best who the most vulnerable people in the community are, and that’s the message we want to get out. We’re not just here to help Catholics, we’re serving everyone.“ It came as a pleasant surprise to some volunteers that this was the case. Erin Hyer, 17, of

Bismarck, N.D., took the bus from Bismarck to Minot 11 times to help out with the flood recovery. “I thought that since it was at a Catholic Church and had that Catholic label on it, that it would only be for Catholics to participate,” Hyer says. “But the Father was thankful to everyone and they were really appreciative of everyone being there.” Catholic United Response impressed everyone with its professionalism, organization and preparation. “Their organization and resources made the volunteer effort so much more productive,” Clancy says. “It’s tremendous, and it’s something we see a need to organize ourselves for the future.” Hyer agreed that Catholic United Response’s presence made the work much smoother. “It was very efficient,” she says. “You guys decided where to drop us off and what we needed, and whenever something else was called for, like lights and a generator for a basement, you were right there. Ten out of ten.”

The real prize

From the standpoint of seeing plenty of volunteers show up and “jump right in the mud,” Naumann says it’s been a great summer. From the standpoint of getting the feet under this brand-new program, well that’s been pretty great, too. The summer has been a learning experience, and as Naumann’s last summer with Catholic United Financial Foundation before retiring September 30, 2011, it www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

remains to be seen where something as simple as a trailer can lead us. Naumann certainly sees a bright future for his infant program. Clancy, too, sees a great future for Catholic United Response. “It was just fantastic to have that equipment made available to us and have it just roll in overnight,” Clancy says. “We’ve got a lot more work up here, in fact, we’d would love to have them come back and help us with.” Naumann says that’s right along the lines of what he’s thinking. “I think it’s still kind of seen as this ‘nice little project,’ but you know, this is a dynamic fraternal benefit. And now that we’re getting out there, people are seeing it and saying, ‘Oh, now I get it.’” Learning through experience has already taught Naumann and his crew to go to the local church first. Naumann also expressed his belief that small-scale events like windstorms could prove just as opportune for deployments. Most importantly, actual deployments have afforded both director and volunteer alike the opportunity to see the true reward for their service: the pride and comaraderie of the workers, and the gratitude of the recipients. As Tanya Scheeler Brisson posted on Catholic United’s Facebook wall, “I would like to express my gratitude for the group from Catholic United Response that appeared today to assist in the cleanup of my parents’ flooded home in Minot. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!”

news@catholicunited.org

Executive Director Paul Naumann Retires

“Disaster response will be my legacy” After more than five years of leading the Paul Naumann Catholic United Executive Director Financial Foundation, Paul Naumann is packing up with a plan to migrate with the rest of the snowbirds to warmer climes. Under Naumann’s leadership since 2006, the Foundation has experienced exceptional growth in its finances and in its visibility and grown into an organization that is making a significant impact on the community every year. When Naumann first arrived in January 2006, he says he struggled to determine a strategic plan and clarify the Foundation’s direction. So he and the Board of Trustees formed an ad-hoc committee to review their plan. “What we got out of that were two focus points,” Naumann said. “Assisting individuals with charitable giving was a clear priority. The second was to remain focused on our grant programs and supporting our parishes and schools with our priority funds.” Armed with marching orders, Naumann went to work. Through his tenure, assets and giving have grown tremendously. The Foundation’s total assets have grown from $1.7 million to $3.4 million and net assets have increased from

$443,000 to $1.5 million. “I made it my priority to personally go out and deliver checks,” Naumann said. “We previously just mailed them out. This increases the visibility and also shows Catholic United really living its mission.” He says of his time at the Foundation, it’s been those check deliveries that have been the most fun for him, too. “When you give a $500 check to a school, you may not think it’s a lot of money. But to see how much it’s appreciated you’d think you gave them $5,000,” he said. Naumann aspires to snowbird status, with his wife, but plans to remain active with Catholic United Response and, he hopes, the annual golf tournament. As he retires on September 30, 2011, he’s pleased with the direction and results attained at the Foundation during his time at the helm. “My legacy I think will be the Catholic United Response,” Naumann said. “But I think we’ve established good relationships with our Sales Representatives, we’re well respected in the parishes and the schools, and our involvement with the Schuler Fund has increased our exposure to the clergy. All of this has helped us continue our mission to our members.”

September/October 2011

Keys to your

Kingdom

Estate Planning with John Tetzloff When a Catholic United Financial Sales Representative meets with a member, one of their goals is to help them “Understand their Assets.” What that means is having a discussion to explain the different types of assets a person has, the tax rules of each asset, and how these assets will ultimately pass to their loved ones upon death. For this article, let’s start with the first step in “Understanding our Assets”: What assets do I have in my estate? This may seem like a simple statement, but many people don’t have a good understanding of the makeup of their estate assets. For that matter, many folks haven’t taken the time to get a “big picture” view of their estate to fully realize what they have and the effect each asset has in their planning. The first type of assets most people have are liquid assets. These are things like checking and savings accounts, money market accounts and certificates of deposit. The most common reason for this type of asset is liquidity, or the ability to spend at any given time. Because of that liquidity, the interest rate on bank products is typically low. For those who tend to “hold” money in bank products for longer than one year or more, there are longer term investments that may have a higher interest rate. By discussing shortand long-term needs, we can help determine where there may be better choices to invest.

Another asset most people have in their estate is their property. This could be real estate, tangible personal property, or investment property such as stocks and mutual funds. While most of these assets are for everyday use, some are designed as investments. As with all investments, it is important to realize the risk-reward concept. Our Sales Representatives frequently have a conversation regarding how much risk a person can take with their investments and then explain what Catholic United has to offer in terms of that risk tolerance. Probably the most common investment assets are the taxqualified type. This would include the 401(k), traditional IRA, deferred compensation and pension plans. Prior to retirement, these investments can prove to be a valuable tax-planning device as well as provide incentives to save. At retirement, a lot relies on their distributions from taxqualified plans to provide their income. A good discussion with your Sales Representative and your accountant on the tax ramifications and rules can be very valuable with all age groups as you plan for retirement and beyond. Another retirement asset is the Roth IRA. The Roth IRA can provide an excellent place to grow

dollars for retirement as well as provide some nice tax advantages along the way. Making sure we have a balance of taxed and nontaxed retirement investments is crucial in the planning process. Two common assets that insurance companies provide are the annuity and life insurance. An annuity is a great alternative to bank products if one needs a longer-term investment. Due to that longer time frame, annuities typically earn more than your short-term investments and have some tax-deferred benefits as well. Life insurance is also a vital piece of a person’s asset mix. We know that life insurance provides the protection for our loved ones when death occurs to replace lost assets, pay debts and keep our family in the same life style. There are also many living benefits to life insurance as well with tax-advantaged cash values and flexibility of premium. Our Catholic United Sales Representatives can assist in determining the correct amounts of insurance for each individual situation. One of the most valuable services Catholic United Financial provides is a comprehensive overview of a person’s estate. In other words, helping that person understand “what they got” and how it all fits together.

John Tetzloff, CLU, FICF, LUTCF, is the Catholic United Financial Advanced Case Specialist and Trainer. He leads estate planning seminars throughout the year and is the host of the “Creating Wealth Beyond Money” radio show, which can be heard Saturday mornings on the Relevant Radio network. He has more than 20 years’ experience in estate planning and financial preparedness. September/October 2011

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Anniversaries

September 2, Cernohous Gerry and Judy (Reinardy) Cernohous of West Des Moines, Iowa, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary September 2, with Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, and an open house hosted by their 4 children and 10 grandchildren. They were married at St. Boniface Church (now St. Elizabeth Seton Parish) in Hastings, Minn.

July & August 2011 Richard Aretz, 86 St. Paul, MN Ss. Peter & Clemens

September 11, Vait

Geraldine Bomsta, 90 Floribert Hoffman, 79 Florentine Sand, 89 Marystown, MN St. Leo, MN Bird Island, MN St. Anthony St. Leo St. Mary

Mona Bonham, 85 Willmar, MN St. Mary

Melanie Hofmann, 91 Leander Schoenecker, 88 Colette Braun, 82 Albertville, MN Pierz, MN Union Hill, MN St. Albert Ss. Mary & Joseph St. John

Marlene Buss, 76 River Falls, WI Fr. Solanus Casey

Robert Juetten, 83 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Irene Dady, 76 St. Paul, MN St. Bernard’s

Kathryn Kane, 89 Irene Schulzetenberg, 91 Robert Byron, 88 St. Paul, MN Waseca, MN Sauk Centre S. Anthony-Maria Hilf Our Lady of Angels Sacred Heart

Gayla Dick, 67 Minneapolis, MN St. Ann’s

Raymond Klaers, 86 Loretto, MN Ss. Peter & Paul

Clarence Ettle, 90 Glencoe, MN Holy Family

Margaret Lepinski, 85 Pauline Stalsberg, 74 Leona Ebeling, 94 St. Cloud, MN Cold Spring, MN La Crosse, WI St. Anthony St. Boniface St. James the Less

Willard Farnick, 69 Delano, MN Ss. Anthony & Ann

Marie Leyendecker, 84 Raymond Terres, 84 Roscoe, MN Cold Spring, MN Holy Family St. Boniface

Vincent Schouviller, 69

Callaway, MN St. Joseph

Linda Sovich, 48 Sauk Centre, MN St. Paul

Dolores Weber, 84 Minneapolis, MN St. Ann’s

Elsie Hellermann, 93 Catherine Paradis, 83 Mildred Bisping, 91 Bird Island, MN Melrose, MN Winsted, MN Ss. Bernard/Elizabeth St. Mary Holy Family news@catholicunited.org news@catholicunited.org news@catholicunited.org

Aurelia Mehr, 99 Agnes Hoppe, 87 Jacobs Prairie, MN Melrose, MN Ss. Bernard/Elizabeth St. Jacob John Mehr, 94 Roscoe, MN Holy Family

Robert Buermann, 90 Elaine Huxford, 77 Paynesville, MN Waseca, MN St. Louis Sacred Heart

Harland Taurman, 85 Litchfield, MN St. Philip Cyrilla Theisen, 88 St. Cloud, MN St. Michael

Elizabeth Trunk, 96 Florence Isenberg, 93 Donald Milless, 88 Worthington, MN Rogers, MN Albertville, MN Mary Queen of Peace St. Mary’s St. Albert

John Donndelinger, 71 Loretta Johnson, 87 Eileen Morrisette, 75 Martin Vait, 62 Sauk Centre, MN Anoka, MN New Trier, MN Melrose, MN St. Paul Ss. Nicholas/Theresa Ss. Bernard/Elizabeth St. Stephen Claude Motschke, 50 George Weber, 94 Gibbon, MN Buckman, MN St. Michael St. Willibrord

Lynn Karpen, 58 Searles, MN St. John the Baptist

Mary Ann Eichten, 87 Richard Lightner, 83 Redwood Falls, MN Lakeville, MN Holy Rosary All Saints Joseph Fink, 78 Eden Valley, MN Ss. Joseph & Mary

Lorraine Frederick, 82 Helen Miles, 87 Rosemary Altenhofen, 82 Gerald Frederick, 83 Hoven, SD Madison Lake, MN Madison Lake, MN Bloomington, MN St. Anthony of Padua Ss. Ann & Wendelinus All Saints All Saints Evelyn Molkenbur, 95 Harold Bethel, 69 Marystown, MN Eden Valley, MN St. Anthony Ss. Joseph & Mary

Lorraine Marthaler, 77 Leonora Sherman, 87 St. Paul, MN West Union, MN S. Anthony-Maria Hilf Holy Family

Irene Griebel, 80 Searles, MN St. John the Baptist

Amy Braegelmann, 40 Roselyn Haggbloom, 84 Josephine Matthies, 84 Adam Stein, 23 New Trier, MN Faribault, MN Jacobs Prairie, MN New Ulm, MN Ss. Lawrence & Anna Ss. Nicholas/Theresa St. Jacob St. Joseph

Richard Bushard, 70 New Ulm, MN St. Joseph

Melvin Giefer, 91 Hampton, MN St. Mathias

Ron and Shirley Pint of Union Hill, Minn., will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary October 30, with an open house for all their friends and relatives from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall in New Prague, Minn.

In loving memory of our deceased members

Clara Rother, 99 Eleanor Henkel, 89 Hampton, MN Luxemburg, MN Ss. Theresa/Wendelin St. Mathias

Gertrude Fischbach, 92 Virgil Meyer, 87 St. Cloud, MN St. Paul, MN Ss. Peter & Clemens St. Anthony

October 30, Pint

Rudolph (Rudy) and Shirley Vait of Sauk Centre, Minn., observed their 65th wedding anniversary with a 10 a.m. Mass on Sunday, September 11, at St. Paul’s Church in Sauk Centre. An informal family reception for the Vaits and their 14 children, 38 grandchildren, 69 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandsons followed.

Martin Mullenbach, 45 Dolores Weinzierl, 91 Red Wing, MN Waconia, MN Ss. Joseph & Mary St. Joseph

Florence Papke, 84 Raymond Linz, 88 Cologne, MN Richmond, MN Ss. Catherine/Joseph St. Bernard

Louise Wemhoff, 63 Winstead, MN Holy Family

Florence Lommel, 99 Harold Roschen, 88 Rochester, MN Kimball, MN Holy Family Holy Cross

Lydia Willenbring, 86 Cold Spring, MN St. Boniface

Rose Gornik, 81 McGregor, MN Holy Family

Rosemarie Lorge, 75 Zimmerman, MN Christ Our Light

Milo Schmitz, 80 Union Hill, MN St. John

Francis Grewe, 91 Minneapolis, MN St. Boniface

Theresa Ludwig, 52 Delano, MN Ss. Anthony & Ann

Dorothy Seurer, 87 Dennis Woratschka, 60 Hoven, SD St. George, MN St. Anthony of Padua St. George

Joseph Winter, 49 Mankato, MN Holy Family

19 1717

March/April May/June 20112011 September/October 2011

Minutes of the

Board of Directors August 5, 2011 The August Board Meeting was held at St. John’s University prior to the Annual Delegate Convention. The meeting started at 11:35 am with Director Mike Schmitz leading the Directors in the Opening Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. All directors were present. Mr. Todd Martin of the Reinhart law firm, who has been representing the Association in its merger discussions, was also present. The agenda with a minor addition was moved for approval by Director Joe Kueppers, seconded by Director Deb Pauly and passed. The previous month’s minutes were moved for approval by Director George Gmach, seconded by Ms. Pauly and passed with a minor clarification in regard to proposed revised Constitutional language. Secretary Harald Borrmann discussed the Investment Reports. New issue yields remain low, but the Association has been able to participate in some additional private placements. The loan portfolio remains stable. Cash is at an optimal level. The spread between yield and annuity crediting rates remains steady though management is prepared to take action with regard to annuity rates should the spread materially reduce. Approval of the Reports was moved by Director Fran Barten, seconded by Mr. Kueppers and passed. Mr. Borrmann presented revised Bylaws for the following councils: St. Mary’s, St. Catherine, St. Isadore, Holy Family, St. Theresa, St. John the Baptist, Sacred Heart (Dent, MN), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. Joseph and St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Sacred Heart (Holdingford, MN). Approval of the revised Bylaws was moved by Mr. Kueppers, seconded by Mr. Gmach and passed. Mr. Borrmann presented the second quarter financial report for the Asso-

Front row from left: Deborah Pauly, President & Chairman Michael McGovern, Senior Vice President & Secretary/Treasurer Harald Borrmann and Lead Director Fran Barten. Back row from left: George Gmach, Robert Krattenmaker, Michael Schmitz, Joseph Kueppers and John Maile.

ciation. Financial strength continues to grow, as assets reached an all-time high. Expenses, after taking into account timing differences, are close to budget, and premiums are on target. Mr. Borrmann updated the Board on the positive auditor’s report of the Pension Plan. Periodic rebalancing between General Account and Equity positions continue as circumstances warrant. Mr. McGovern provided an update of the AFU merger. The effective date will be October 1 with full integration occurring during the fourth quarter of 2011 and throughout 2012. Staff is putting together a comprehensive Integration Plan. Both societies are cooperating. Mr. Borrmann presented the Risk Management update. Several items are of note: A new mainframe computer was successfully installed. Work was completed on replacing the server at the Disaster Recovery site. The remodeling project is under way. Long-necessary replacement work on all exterior entrances and enhanced accessibility for deliveries will result. The whole life product review is finishing up. A new annuity product has been filed to be used if interest rates remain low or drop further. Insofar as the Convention, work continues by the Constitution Committee. Due to the election next year of a new President and CEO/Chairman as well as two Board members, the Nominating Committee will have important work to do. It is expected that several qualified candidates will emerge to sit on the Nominating Committee during the upcoming year. Mr. McGovern had the fol-

lowing President’s remarks: The Association’s self-funded approach to healthcare benefits will afford considerable flexibility as new requirements of healthcare reform roll in during the next three years. Credit union growth continues with a nearly 80% loan to asset ratio, up from 51% in January. Credit union membership has now exceeded 2,000. The credit union audit was acceptable with some minor recommendations that are already being implemented. The legislative season wound up with no specific action taken in regard to annuity suitability. The Foundation will not be at the Delegate Convention, because they are deployed at the flooding disaster in Minot, N.D. Both life and annuity premium sales are on target. Membership is not as high as management would like due to the intentional drop-off in annuity sales. There has been a high correlation between annuity sales and new member growth for several years. Mr. McGovern discussed the Succession Planning issues and will set up a meeting date within the next 30 days. We are also engaged in finding a successor for Paul Naumann, Foundation Director, who is retiring on October 1, 2011. Mr. Kueppers led the Board in the closing prayer and the meeting adjourned at 2:15 pm. Respectfully submitted, Harald E. Borrmann Senior Vice President and Secretary/Treasurer

Board Minutes are abridged. Complete minutes are available at no charge by contacting the Home Office at 1-800-568-6670 or by visiting our website.

September/October 2011

www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

Annual Legal Disclosures Catholic United Financial Privacy Policy At Catholic United Financial (the Association), we are committed to safeguarding your privacy. While the information we collect about you is critical to providing superior products and services, be assured that we are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of the personal information we have. We do not sell or rent to anyone the information you have entrusted to us. To help you understand how we protect your personal information, this notice summarizes the privacy policy of Catholic United Financial and its affiliates, Catholic United Financial Foundation and the Catholic United Financial General Agency, LLC. Another member of the Catholic United Family, Catholic United Financial Credit Union, will provide its own privacy notice. During the continuation of your relationship with The Association, we will advise you of our privacy policy and practices at least once annually, as required by law. Confidentiality & Security Procedures Catholic United Financial understands the importance of protecting and securing your non-public personal information and using it appropriately. We have and maintain strict policies and procedures to protect the confidentiality of your information during all stages of your relationship with The Association. In addition, we maintain physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to guard your non-public personal information. Access to non-public personal information about you is restricted to those employees who need to know that information to provide products and services to you. All employees are trained and required to safeguard such information. Information We May Collect & Use We collect personal information about you in order to provide, administer and service financial products and services, including insurance and annuities. The type of information we collect about you depends on the products, services or benefits you request and may include: • Information we receive from you on applications or other forms, such as your name, address, social security number, birth date, assets and income. • Information you authorize us to obtain, such as medical and hospital records. We want to assure you that medical information Catholic United receives about you will not be disclosed without your authorization, except as required by law. • Information about your transactions with us, such as your contract coverage, certificate values and payment history. • Information we receive from

consumer reporting agencies, such as your credit worthiness and credit history. This type of information will be shared in appropriate situations and only to the extent required for necessary business purposes. Sharing Information Within the Association Family Catholic United regards all of your nonpublic personal information as confidential. However, in the course of conducting our business, there are circumstances in which we may disclose to other parties information we have about you. These disclosures are only made as permitted or required by law. For example, we may disclose the above categories of non-public personal information about you to The Association’s affiliates. We may share your identifying information (such as name, address, telephone number, age and years of membership) and your fraternal relationship information (such as council name) with council officers in order to facilitate fraternal activities. Sharing Information Outside the Association Family We may also disclose the above non-public personal information with nonaffiliated organizations that perform services for us or on our behalf such as reinsurance, fraternal benefits, printing and mailing. We are also permitted to disclose the above categories of information to help us underwrite insurance, process transactions and administer claims that you request or authorize. In addition,

we are required to disclose information about you in certain instances, such as to detect fraud or to comply with an inquiry by a government agency or regulator. Whenever we hire other parties to help us conduct our business, we expect them to maintain the confidentiality of your personal information and abide by all applicable privacy laws. Further, we do not authorize them to use or disclose your personal information for any purpose other than the work they are performing on our behalf or as required by law. Former Customers Should your relationship with Catholic United end, we will continue to limit disclosures of your personal information in accordance with our stated privacy policy and practices just as we do for those with a continuing relationship with us. Accuracy of Your Information Our goal is to keep your information accurate and up-to-date. If you find any inaccuracies in the statements or account information we send to you, we urge you to contact our Member Services Department by calling or writing us at our address below. Catholic United reserves the right to change our privacy policy at any time, but if we do, we will provide a written notice to you. Catholic United Financial • 3499 Lexington Ave. N. • St. Paul, MN 55126 (651) 490-0170 • 1-800-568-6670 • @catholicaid.org • www.catholicaid.org

Our Catholic Journey Statement of Ownership

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September/October 2011

Youth

Giving isn’t always its own reward Fraternalists recognized for their dedication

Fraternal Director Kathleen Moriarty and President Michael McGovern present Carol Heltemes of Wadena, Minn., the 2011 Fraternalist of the Year Award.

The Catholic United Financial Fraternalist of the Year for 2011 is Carol Heltemes from St. Joseph Council #85 in Wadena, Minn. In the past year, Carol coordinated her council’s Join H ands Day project with Boy Scouts from central Minnesota. As Fraternal Secretary, she also worked on the council’s matching grant fundraiser, children’s carnival and a joint picnic with the Bluffton Council. When Wadena and the surrounding areas were devastated by tornadoes in June 2010, Carol worked with the Salvation Army and Red Cross to deliver food to affected residents. She has also been very involved with Cub and Boy Scouts for nearly two decades, and is a board member of the Wadena Food Shelf. Within her parish, Carol serves on the parish council and is a religious education teacher. She encourages the parish youth to work together with adults on volunteer projects, saying, “A person cannot expect volunteers from youth if they don’t see it from the adults.” Carol has selected the Salvation Army of Fargo, N.D., to receive a $250 donation from Catholic United Financial in her honor.

September/October 2011

Bridget Walsh is the 2011 Young Adult Volunteer of the Year. Bridget is a member of Holy Family council #319 in Big Stone City, S.D. Bridget has volunteered her time in her community in many ways, including sandbagging for the local area during past and recent flooding and helping with the “Bowl for Hospice” group. She is the reigning Big Stone Lake Area Princess, an honor student, and very active in drama and band. With her council, Bridget has participated in Join Hands Day projects, including feeding the hungry by filling hundreds of bags of rice for those in need. She helps out annually with the council’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt, youth games at the fall festival, and numerous turkey bingos. Bridget has chosen to donate her gift of $250 to Someplace Safe. An organization dedicated to serving victims and survivors of domestic violence. Congratulations and “Thank you!” to our 2011 Fraternal award winners!

Fraternal Youth Liaison Nate Lamusga and McGovern with Bridget Walsh of Big Stone City, S.D. Catholic United Financial’s 2011 Young Adult Volunteer of the Year.

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Catholic United Kids Cool Kid

Name: Adam Young Age: 10 Hometown: Albany, Minn. School: Holy Family School All about Adam: This month’s cool kid is the young sportsman Adam Young. Adam loves the outdoors around his home in central Minnesota. He lives with his mom, dad, sister, Alyssa, and brother, Andrew. He loves to help his dad out around the house with projects. When he’s not being a mini-Mr.Fixit, he enjoys playing sports like baseball and football, and just being outside. Adam wins a Catholic United prize pack as this issue’s winner. Congratulations, Adam! Be the November/December Cool Kid! Fill out the puzzles on this page as best you can and submit them to Our Catholic Journey. One winner will get a Catholic United prize pack! Include your information, as seen above, a photo (can be returned) and a phone number. Send to: Catholic United Kids, 3499 Lexington Ave. N., St. Paul, MN 55126.

Catholic United Kids

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smeptember/october 2011

ye on the Industry Your sneak peek into current trends of the fraternal life insurance industry

Three Simple Steps to Life Insurance Now that Life Insurance Awareness Month has come and gone, campaign sponsor the Life Foundation encourages insurance seekers to start their search with three simple steps. Step one is “get a sense of how much life insurance you need...Begin by thinking about everyone who depends on you financially, including your spouse, children, parents or other loved ones.” For an online estimate, visit the insurance calculator on the Catholic United Web site. The second step is, “educate yourself about the different kinds of coverage available. Determining the policy that suits you best depends on a number of factors, such as how long you need coverage, how much you can afford, how much risk you can tolerate and how much flexibility you need. A comparison of Catholic United Financial life insurance prod-

ucts is available for review at www.catho licunitedfinancial.org/links/products. Step three encourages families to get help. “Life insurance is one product where an expert’s opinion can make all the difference...work with an insurance agent or other financial advisor you trust who can conduct a thorough needs analysis to ensure that all of your needs will be met.” Friends and family members can find the Catholic United Sales Representative near them by zip code search at www.catho licunitedfinancial.org/links/ findarep. Source: The Life Foundation www.lifehappens.org

Hitting the Brakes: Why do consumers halt the application process? According to LIMRA, an insurance industry trade organization, there are three common reasons why people start a life insurance purchase, but stop mid-process. First, a study conducted in 2009 by the organization found that nearly 20 percent of people who halted the process didn’t want to go through with the medical underwriting portion. Why shouldn’t this stop you from getting coverage? The mini-physical, or paramedical exam, is a standard practice among insurers and is intended to determine medical history, not diagnose or uncover untreated medical conditions. All information gathered by the company is protected by strict privacy requirements.

September/October 2011

In an era of instant delivery of products like music and movies, it is hard for some consumers to understand that the delivery of a life policy could take six weeks or longer. Why shouldn’t this stop you from getting coverage? Life insurance typically lasts decades or even a lifetime, but it shouldn’t feel like a lifetime before you receive your policy. Communication is key. Consumers should feel free to ask their agents or customer service representatives to give them a timeline on when they can expect their policy to be issued. Finally, the majority of the people answered that price was the main reason they put the brakes on the life application process. Ultimately, the cost of the policy was more than they

expected. Why shouldn’t this stop you from getting coverage? The life industry encourages consumers to do their homework. If you see an insurance quote or payment plan in an ad, read the fine print. Sometimes only individuals of a certain age or risk class will qualify for that rate or payment. Start a life insurance application with a realistic expectation of what a policy will cost you. It doesn’t hurt to ask a friend or family member about the coverage they have, including the price tag. Or, ask your Sales Representative for a quote that accurately reflects your current situation. Source: LIMRA, “The Case of Disappearing Customers,” 2009 www.catholicunitedfinancial.org

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