Leaving A Legacy With Lasting Impact

The benefactors of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate are as diverse as the ministries they support. But they all share a common characteristic. They want to partner with the Oblates to improve the lives of people in need.

Terry Martin may not be a missionary as far as the traditional definition. But for more than 40 years, Terry has been a true missionary partner with the Oblates, improving the lives of countless people around the world.

Terry has been a generous benefactor of the Oblates since 1982. When it was time for him to put together his Will, he knew that the Oblates had to be included as a beneficiary, to ensure that his legacy of missionary giving would continue.

“Partnering with the Oblates has been the best decision in my life,” said Terry. “I am honored to include the Oblates in my Will because I know that I will still be doing missionary work with the priests for many years to come.”

Kathryn chose to include the Oblates in her Will as a way of honoring the memory of her late husband Jim. The Oblates taught Jim in high school and made a lasting impact on him, shaping his faith and values that lasted a lifetime.

Mary Ann is remembering the Oblates in her Will because she has visited the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows many times. The Oblates there became dear friends to her over the years, and knowing the Oblates are still praying for her gives her comfort during difficult times.

Terry, Kathryn and Mary Ann are just a few of the Oblate benefactors who have included the Oblates in their Wills. Their generosity will allow the Oblates to preach the Good News, feed the hungry, care for the sick and give shelter to the homeless well after their earthly life has ended.

Many people put off creating their Will because it can be a sensitive subject. But establishing a Will is a true act of charity to the loved ones in your life. Dying without a Will can provide hardships to the people you love most. Lack of a Will can also create confusion on how you want your assets to be distributed.

Your Will is one of the most important documents you will ever execute. A Will can contribute to the financial security of your heirs and beneficiaries. Through your Will, you can also benefit charities and causes you admire like the Missionary Oblates. A Will can also provide tax advantages to maximize the assets your beneficiaries will receive.

As you plan or change your Will, please consider including the Missionary Oblates as a beneficiary.

To help you navigate this process, the Oblates can send you a complimentary booklet, Share Your Blessings. To receive your booklet, contact us at 1-800-233-6264 or charitablegifts@oblatesusa.org
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Fund The Need

The United States Province of the Missionary Oblates often receives funding requests for unexpected expenses and special projects.

Here are a few current special requests for funding:

Education Assistance for Children in Zambia — $10,000

A good education is the best chance for impoverished children in Zambia to escape a lifetime of poverty. The Oblates are hoping to raise $10,000 to give children a chance to improve their lives through education.

Media Support for Evangelization in Baja Mexico — $24,000

The Oblates in the Baja Mission are committed to keeping supporters and donors informed about the ministries and programs offered at the Mary Immaculate Parish in Tijuana. Through articles, newsletters, and videos/reels, the youth and young adults of the area are witnessing the powerful transformation of knowing their Catholic faith. Help continue these efforts in support of the development of these media outcomes. Help buy the necessary equipment and provide stipends to those with these talents and skills.

Unexpected Mission Projects: $22,000

In the Baja Mission in Tijuana, emergency situations can arise on any given day and can be the difference between illness and wellness for the poor. It can be as simple as a new refrigerator, bed, furniture, medical supplies/devices to a new roof. Sponsor one or a few of these opportunities to help people get back on their feet in life.Oblates, contact the Office of Charitable and Planned Giving at 1-800-233-6264.

Please contact your Gift Advisor or the Office of Charitable and Planned Giving if you would like more information on these projects.

From the desk of Fr. David P. Uribe, OMI
Oblate Chaplain Director

Dear Friend,

A Bible verse has come to my mind several times over the past few months: “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.”

Recently I have received many requests from Missionary Oblates looking for funding to expand their work among the poor and needy. It’s a good problem to have. I am filled with joy knowing that there are so many important needs that the Oblates are addressing here at home and around the world. Yes, the harvest is plentiful.

But the laborers at times are few. Our generous benefactors like you allow us to meet our financial responsibilities to our missions in the care of the United States Province. But once these responsibilities are met, we have very little resources to assist other ministries or cover unexpected expenses.

On this page are examples of funding that is needed to cover these additional expenses. I ask that you prayerfully consider making a gift to these projects. If you need additional information, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Charitable Gifts staff at the contact information in this newsletter.

Together, let us work together to be laborers of this plentiful harvest that can improve the lives of so many people in need.

The Importance of Having a Will

“I’m not rich, but I’m comfortable. Now it’s payback time. I’m glad to help others receive something they need.” — Elizabeth, who is remembering the Oblates in her Will.

The Missionary Oblates would be extremely grateful to be included in your Will. Your bequest helps the Oblates bring the Good News of Christ to our less fortunate brothers and sisters.

Here are some quick facts about Wills and bequests:

  • A Will is the best way to make sure your assets go to the people you choose.
  • A codicil is an easy and inexpensive way to change portions of your Will.
  • A Will allows you to distribute the assets you have accumulated during your lifetime.
  • A Will minimizes taxes your estate may owe.
  • A Will should be reviewed annually to make sure it is up to date.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or would like more information.

1-800-233-6264
charitablegifts@oblatesusa.org
442 South De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, IL 62223-1023

Legal Title: Oblate Missionary Society, Inc.
Tax ID: 26-0634043

“My vocation is to be a happy man.”

When Fr. Henry Zayamoë, OMI, was ordained a Missionary Oblate priest on November 8, it was the conclusion of a most unlikely journey to the priesthood.

Father Henry was born in Burma (now Myanmar) where his family was persecuted for being Catholic. When he was 13 his family fled to a refugee camp in Thailand. For six years, the Zayamoë family, two parents and six children, lived in a one-room bamboo hut. It was the most difficult time of Fr. Henry’s life, and also the most inspirational.

“There was a small chapel in the camp and about once a month there would be a priest who came to say Mass,” said Fr. Henry. “It was in the camp that I really started thinking about becoming a priest. I wanted to be that person who filled the gap when a priest wasn’t available.”

In 2013 the Zayamoë family was allowed to immigrate to the United States, settling in Buffalo, New York. They began attending an Oblate parish, Our Lady of Hope, where the Oblates also helped the Zayamoës get accustomed to life in the United States.

Buffalo was the home of the Oblate pre-novitiate program and Henry joined that community in 2016. He then attended the novitiate in Godfrey, Illinois, and went on to study at Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas.

In San Antonio, Fr. Henry was part of the Blessed Mario Borzaga House of Formation where he lived and studied with Oblate seminarians from around the world. Blessed Mario was an Oblate martyr who died in Laos. He was known for a simple philosophy, “My vocation is to be a happy man.”

Today, Fr. Henry is definitely a happy man. He ministers at Mary Immaculate Parish in Tijuana, BC, Mexico, just a few miles south from the American border. Many of his parishioners are immigrants. Father Henry not only cares for their spiritual needs but also helps them get adjusted to life in America.

“The Oblates helped me and my family when we were new to a country,” said Fr. Henry. “Now I get to help other refugees as an Oblate priest.”

A happy man indeed.

Rest In Eternal Peace

The Missionary Oblates are grateful to our friends who have remembered us through a bequest or charitable gift annuity. Please join us in prayer for these benefactors who have been called to their eternal rest with the Lord.

Clara Ahlers
Elfriede Burton
Marie Cain
Delores Daiber-Luczak
Jane Dorman
Lorraine Elliott
Ann Gersheski
Glen & Bessie Grojean
Raymond Heberling
Evelyn B. High
Maureen McNamara
Joanne Morrissey
Edward Svoboda
Mary Jo Thoma
John L. Trovato
Donald & Micheline Weber
Elizabeth P. Zakas