By Nick Carney
I love hiking and one of my favorite places to go is into the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz mountains. I think redwood trees are amazing. Not because of their overwhelming height or longevity, but because of the strength they are able to sustain. Redwood trees grow in circle groves and live thousands of years. I was always curious about this. How could something live so long? Why a circle? Then I learned that redwood trees grow this way intentionally. Redwood trees are very tall, but their roots are shallow and short, which makes it a bit imperfect and in need of support. The beauty of redwood trees is that they work together in community intertwining their roots for strength. Without the support of each other they would not last.
The key word that I would like to focus on is community. These redwood trees live and thrive as a community. In God’s image we are not made as individuals. We are not made to walk alone. We are made to grow and thrive in community. Too many times we rely on ourselves to accomplish our own tasks. We try to carry our goals, ambitions, or gifts as a silo and that pressure can weigh on us. The name of the Catholic Community Foundation is always cherishing the importance of community and the strength of many people coming together to make an impact. We help create FOREVER VALUE through our Catholic faith, responsible investing, and the funds we grant, but the real strength of this organization is how people are coming together to improve the Catholic community they love through their time, talent and treasure. It is a fulfilling opportunity, for me personally and for the organization as a whole, to act as a connector between Catholic ministries continuing to grow and in need of support and individuals and families who are inspired to give back and are able to give generously. These connections bring people together, intertwining their roots, making the whole community stronger.
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s value the importance of living in community and the different people who make up that community – your partner, your employer, your friends, your church. Let’s celebrate the many and unique ways our community supports and loves us.
This Valentine’s Day, let’s ask ourselves:
- What are the blessings God has given me from my community?
- How I can best support my community through my time, talents, and treasure?
“We are one body, individually members one of another.” -Romans 12:4-8
Nick Carney is the Catholic Community Foundation’s Endowment and Planned Giving Program Manager. If you are interested in learning more about growing your parish’s endowment or leaving a legacy for a ministry or organization you love, contact him at 408.995.5219 or carney@cfoscc.org.