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Honoring our History,
Ensuring our Future

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Why establish an endowment fund?​

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The Great Oak Endowment Fund was established in 2007 and named in honor of the beloved Great Oak tree that once stood as a symbol of strength and beauty at St. Catherine's. The Fund amplifies our mission and the impact of our ministries beyond the reach of the annual budget alone. 

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The endowment fund's principal (the Great Oak) is a permanent, growing source of God's abundance. The fruits (investment income distributions), harvested annually are directed by the Vestry for mission-aligned purposes. 

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Our vision - to grow

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The Great Oak Endowment Fund has already strengthened St. Catherine's by supporting capital improvements that enhance our worship, learning and ministry. As the Fund grows, it will provide lasting support for outreach, new ministries and special projects, giving us the flexibility to respond to wherever God is calling us next. Like the Great Oak, your generosity takes root today so that

we can grow in faith, serve others and reflect Christ's love for generations. 

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An invitation to join the Great Oak Society​

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You are invited to join the Society by naming St. Catherine's as a beneficiary of:

  • a traditional IRA, 401(k) and other retirement accounts

  • a bequest provision in your Last Will and Testament

  • a Charitable Gift Annuity or a Charitable Remainder Trust

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Great Oak Society members automatically gain membership into The Bishop C. Judson Child Heritage Circle. Through the Circle,

the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta acknowledges people who make a planned gift to a diocesan parish, the diocese or other

Episcopal institutions.

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The most important benefit of joining the Great Oak Society, however, is the satisfaction derived from making a lasting impact

on the lives served by St. Catherine's. 

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“Inspired by the opportunity to join the Great Oak Society, we have named St. Catherine’s as a 10% primary beneficiary of our retirement funds, a simple 20-minute process. Our gift will ultimately make a lasting difference in the life of this community, which has enriched our daughters and our lives in countless and remarkable ways. As our nest egg grows, so too will the size and impact of our gift on St. Catherine’s future outreach and capital projects initiatives. We hope our participation will inspire other families to join us."

Phil and Lisa Spessard

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