Catholic Education Endowment

What does a mustard seed and yeast have to do with Catholic Education?  Both a mustard seed and a bit of yeast are very small, but containing the potential for expansive life and self-giving, as a tree or as bread.  Both convey the tenacity of the Spirit within each of us, working to bring about the reign of God in our personal worlds and in the larger world.  Both are like children, with awesome potential.  With the right conditions, mustard seeds grow, and yeast leavens the whole batch.

But a mustard seed can be crushed - and pestilence and disease can halt its growth and cause the tiny seed to focus on security and survival, rather than self-giving.  Cold and lack of the right ‘nourishment’ and care can cause yeast to shrivel and die.    Without the right conditions, or with hostile conditions, the life within is stunted, and self-giving shrivels to something less other-directed.

Catholic education is about providing the best possible conditions for the mustard seeds to grow into trees that nurtures life for others.  It’s about providing yeast with the best possible conditions for it to become a leaven in the world of today. 

An endowment gift to Catholic education does just that.  It becomes part of a permanent investment in children and their future, with interest providing financial resources that the mustard seeds may grow.  It is your legacy for the future of the faith.  

It can also gain for you tax benefits. You can also pay tribute to the faith that nourished you by honouring someone significant to you in that way.

Your gift – alone or combined with the gifts of others – can provide a lasting and much needed financial resource for Catholic education across the Diocese. If the mustard seeds could speak, they would be very grateful!

More Information:

• Contact the Bishop of Nelson, the Diocesan Business Office, or your School Superintendent.