In an inspiring demonstration of faith, Mr Kevin Hesse 3 years ago established an endowment fund to support youth ministry in the Living Waters Caboolture parish, in perpetuity. Although not a Living Waters Caboolture parishioner, Kevin was a regular visitor to the area for many years and attended mass at Bribie Island. While in the area, he saw a need and decided to do something about it when he became able to do so.
The capital of an endowment fund created through the Archdiocese of Brisbane Catholic Foundation is never used up but grows instead. While some of the interest is used to fund ministry year-on-year, some is retained and thus the fund and its returns grow forever. Thus, more good works can be carried out. Through this eternal gift, Kevin hopes to help shape the future of the Living Waters Parish community in Caboolture and surrounds. This gift is deeply personal for Kevin, and a testament to love and faith cultivated through his involvement with youth ministry as a young man. He recalls, “Meeting my late wife at a youth event was a life-changing moment for me personally; it underscores the value these gatherings give young people – to interact and have activities designed with consultation and advice from current youth leaders.”
Living Waters Parish used the inaugural interest distribution from Kevin’s endowment to send young parishioners to World Youth Day in Portugal in August 2023. He was thrilled at this opportunity to offer young people a glimpse into the global community of faith they are part of. “I hope that seeing how people from other countries live their faith and meeting people of the same age from around the world has been a wonderful learning experience. To see firsthand proof that Christ’s message has penetrated so widely must have reinforced their faith,” Kevin noted.
As part of his endowment, Kevin also made allowance for funds to be allocated to counseling and support for young people facing mental and emotional health issues. He hopes that the integration of Christian values in counseling services will help young people navigate life’s complexities. “Adolescence and young adulthood are challenging enough. We must offer our youth not just guidance but also the assurance that they’re not alone in their struggles. It may be just a friendly ear to listen, or it may be that some serious counseling is required. Either way, a helper who has basic Christian values is more likely to nurture resilient individuals who are faithful to those values,” he adds.
Kevin urges the community to recognise the impact of donating to support funds like this. “Every little bit adds up. It’s about creating a safety net of support to hold our youth in faith and love,” he explained.
The Caboolture Living Waters Parish Endowment Fund is open for anyone to contribute to and will help the parish support youth forever. “It’s not just about writing a cheque. It is about staying connected, understanding the evolving needs of our youth, and adapting our support accordingly,” Kevin said.
Please visit catholicfoundation.org.au/endowments to donate online.