Help Us Prepare New Priests and Brothers for Ministry

In spite of the growing shortage of priests, our province has been blessed with an ever growing number of new vocations.

• 6 student brothers at various stages of their theological education
• 6 novices in their first stage of religious life
• 5 transitional deacons preparing for ordination in 2008
• 1 friar ordained to the priesthood in June 2007.

The path to ministry requires a strong theological background and training. All of our student brothers must complete a Masters in Divinity, with some brothers also pursuing a Masters in Theology.

His Holiness Pope John Paul II once commented that the Catholic Church of the 21st century is the church of the laity. Our young province (25 years old) is struggling to meet the educational needs of these seminarians. Now more than ever, educating and preparing young men for ministry in the priesthood is possible only if the faithful like you help support their education. We ask you to help us continue educating and preparing men for service to the Church and the people of the South.

• The cost to educate each student brother is $30,000. per year. (Includes room, board, insurance, tuition, books and one trip to visit family)
• Initial formation for each brother lasts five years.
• Total cost of preparing each friar for ordination or active ministry os over $150,000.
• Currently (2003-04) 16 brothers are currently in initial formation. The total cost to educate these 16 men for one year is $480,000.

The guidelines listed below contain general information regarding giving options. However, we urge you to seek the counsel of a professional financial advisor prior to making your final decision.
The Southern Dominican Province is a 501(c)(3) Louisiana nonprofit corporation. Contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes. Contributions should be made payable to: Southern Dominican Province.

• Matching Corporate Donations: Many corporations and business will match charitable contributions made to a nonprofit charitable trust or organization. Please consult with your employer to see if such a policy exists.
• Gifts of Cash: A gift of cash is fully deductible in the year the gift is made limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income. Excess amounts can be carried forward for five years.
• Pledges: Extending payment over a period of three years may enable you to make a more substantial contribution, and to design a plan that best fits your needs. We ask that you consider a 10% initial gift. Gifts of over $10,000 may be spread out over a fourth or fifth year/ Pledge contributions are deductible when paid.
• Securities: When you contribute stocks, bonds, or other securities, you are allowed a charitable deduction based on whether the securities qualify as long-term or short-term capital gain property. For long-term securities, the deduction would be the fair market value on the date of the gift, limited to 30% of your adjusted gross income in that year. With any excess carried forward for five tax years. For short-term securities, the deduction would be the tax basis or cost, limited to 50% of your adjusted gross income. We have arranged to sell donated securities for a nominal commission charge.
• Life Insurance: The gift of a life insurance policy can also be a means of obtaining tax benefits, and leveraging your gift dollars to benefit the Province. The irrevocable gift of an existing policy results in an immediate income tax deduction for the fair market value of the policy. The payment of additional premiums after the transfer would yield additional deductions. When a new policy is obtained, the deduction would be for the premiums as they are paid each year. In this case, the Province would be the owner and the beneficiary of the policy.
• In-Kind Gifts: A charitable deduction may be available for the fair market value of in-kind gifts of goods or services.
• Bequest: You may include a provision in your will leaving a gift to the school. This is one of the most common forms of deferred giving, and will result in a charitable deduction for your estate equal to the fair market value of the gift. If you are considering a bequest in your will, you should discuss with your professional financial advisor the comparative advantages of the charitable trust options discussed above.
• Real Estate: Gifts of appreciated real estate that qualify as long-term capital gain property, may provide a charitable deduction for the full market value of the property, limited to 30% if your adjusted gross income, with any excess carried forward for up to five tax years.
• Real Property with Retained Life Interest: You may give your personal residence of farmland to the Province, yet retain lifetime use of the property for yourself and your spouse. This is an irrevocable gift, and results in immediate charitable deduction equal to the fair market value of the Province's remainder interest, subject to a 30% limit.