By Marie Galetto, Marketing Manager
In our communities of faith, we develop strong relationships, bonding with others in our shared friendship with Jesus. Such is the bond between Father Saju Joseph and many of his parishioners. We witnessed these connections firsthand when the Foundation opened a Donor Advised Fund in honor of Fr. Saju’s 25th anniversary of ordination. In celebration of his ministry, 54 families donated to this fund. Now Fr. Saju can use this money to grant to ministries and organizations close to his heart.
We recently learned that one dear friend celebrated the ministry of Fr. Saju by leaving a bequest for his fund. Rita Russo met Fr. Saju 16 years ago when he was parochial vicar at Saint Julie Billiart Parish. They started working closely on the San Jose English Cursillo Movement which is a lay movement with the goal to “Be a friend, make a friend and bring a friend to Christ.” And become friends they certainly did!
Their relationship grew from working together on leadership formation to enjoying meals together and even taking a trip to visit friends in Hawaii. Rita was a great teacher and had a passion for farm workers and their causes. She was a Notre Dame Sister for 27 years, and even after that time she lived a simple life with Saint Julie as her inspiration.
“She considered me her son and she became a mother to me. We had frequent meals and great conversations together. Although not married and having no siblings, she ended up with a large extended family of parishioners, friends, children and Cursillistas who admired her. She lived a life that inspired all of us.” – Fr. Saju Joseph
Rita had a way of making others feel special and she inspired the people who were lucky enough to know her in life. She continues to inspire after her lifetime with her generosity. As part of her legacy, she left all of her assets to charity. Fr. Saju’s Donor Advised Fund was one of four recipients of her generosity. Through this beautiful legacy gift, her memory will live on through Fr. Saju’s philanthropy. This is truly FOREVER VALUE.
Interested in leaving a gift to a ministry or organization you love in your estate plan? Learn more about Legacy Giving here >