Summer 2015 - Catholic Life Insurance

Summer 2015
A.M. BEST RATING
ALL AMERICAN SCHOLARS
ANNOUNCED
JOIN HANDS DAY
FAITH IN ACTION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear Member:
Safe, Strong, Secure
In April, we met via teleconference with analysts
President/CEO – J. Michael Belz
from the A.M. Best Company, the nation’s leading
insurance industry rating company. We are pleased
to report that for the 32nd consecutive year, we have earned an “excellent” rating.
Please see page 4 for more details.
At the same, Catholic Life Insurance experienced a strong first quarter and we are
on track to meet our financial and fraternal goals. We attribute our success to a
good product mix, a dedicated sales team, and unfaltering member loyalty. On
behalf of all of us at Catholic Life Insurance, we thank you for your support and your
continued faithfulness. It is a pleasure to serve you.
Since we are not content to rest on our laurels, we are in the process of
implementing changes at the Home Office that we believe will result in even
greater service experience for all of our customers. Stay tuned for details.
Service to Others
On May 2, 2015, nearly 1,000 volunteers from Branches and community groups
joined together to make a difference in their churches and neighborhoods. Called
“Join Hands Day,” this national day of service demonstrates what makes us different.
By engaging youth and adults together in service, this day tries to break down the
generational gap. Please see page 15 for project photos.
Future Leaders
Finally, on page 13, we present our 2015 All American Scholars. These 35 graduating
high school seniors were chosen to receive a $1,000 award to help them pay for
their first year of college. We are proud of these young men and women and are
glad to take part in the educational journey.
In closing, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you and your family.
We hope that you will continue to rely on the products and services that we offer
to help you protect your family and to meet your financial goals.
Sincerely,
J. Michael Belz
President/CEO
Thomas (Tom) Berger, FIC
Chairman, Magnolia, Texas
Gladys Haecker
Vice Chairman, Schertz, Texas
Doris Short
Secretary, Arlington, Texas
Tommy Hoelscher, FIC
St. Lawrence, Texas
Robert (Lester). Moczygemba, Sr.
Floresville, Texas
Michael Stolowski
St. Hedwig, Texas
Sandy King
Llano, Texas
Jo Ann Shimek
El Campo, Texas
J. Michael Belz, LLIF
President/Chief Executive Officer
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller
San Antonio, Texas
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR EMERITUS
Most Reverend José H. Gomez
Los Angeles, California
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
J. Michael Belz, LLIF
President/Chief Executive Officer
Colleen Z. Berger, CPA, CGMA
Vice President/Controller
R. Dennis Best, CLU, ChCF, LLIF
Vice President/Director of Agencies
Scott D. Brant, FLMI, ACS, AAPA, AIAA
Vice President/Information
Technologies
Barbara A. Cheaney, CSA, FIC
Vice President/Marketing-Communications
Frank Gentile, AALU, FLMI, MBA
Vice President/Chief Underwriter
Patricia G. Gutierrez
Vice President/Operations
Marty M. Mabe
Vice President/Corporate Secretary
Thomas M. Petri, CPA
Vice President/Treasurer
OFFICERS
Ramiro Flores, RPA
Asst Vice President, Property Manager
Mildred Foerster
Asst Vice President/Operations
Janet Friesenhahn, FIC, CSA, LUTCF
Asst Vice President/Asst Director of
Agencies & Training
Michele Littlefield
Asst Vice President/Accounting Manager
Patrick Massey FLMI, ACS, ARA
Asst Vice President/Programming
Tricia Michalek, FLMI, ACS, ARA
Asst Vice President/Quality Assurance
Johnny Salazar
Asst Vice President/Systems Administrator
Susan M. Skrzycki
Asst Vice President/Operations
Peggy von Kaufman
Asst Vice President/Operations
Kristy Winkler
Asst Vice President/Accounting Manager
Corporate Headquarters: 1635 N.E. Loop 410,
San Antonio, Texas 78209 • Mailing Address: P.O. Box
659527, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9527 • Phone: (210)
828-9921 • Fax: (210) 828-4629 • Toll Free Number:
1-800-262-CLIU
The Catholic Life Magazine (USPS 094-120) is published
quarterly by Catholic Life Insurance, P.O. Box 659527, San
Antonio, Texas 78265-9527. Periodical Postage Paid at San
Antonio, Texas and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER:
Send all address changes to Catholic Life magazine, P.O. Box
659527, San Antonio, Texas 78265-9527.
Editor: Barbara A. Cheaney
Staff Assistants: Briana Frantz, Danna Morgan
Designed and Produced by: Lynn Design
2 | cliu.com
SUMMER 2015
FOR CATHOLIC LIFE INSURANCE MEMBERS
FE ATURE S
FLAG DAY 2015
7
Catholic Life once again honored our nation’s flag with a flag raising
ceremony, and a poster contest.
THE FUTURE OF CATHOLIC LIFE
13
Thirty-five bright young faces received the All American Scholar Award. Join
us as we salute these scholars.
SERVICE TO OTHERS
15
Approximately 1,000 youth and adults rolled up their sleeves and worked
to improve their parish and community on Join Hands Day, a special day of
service sponsored by America’s Fraternal Benefit Societies and Catholic Life.
We invite you to take a peek at some of the projects that were undertaken.
DE P ARTMENT S
IN THE NEWS
4
FAITH IN ACTION
10
TOP PRODUCERS
11
BRANCHES IN ACTION
20
IN THE KITCHEN
23
COV E R
We feature the first-place winning posters from our Flag Day poster contest.
Catholic Life Insurance | 3
IN THE NEWS
 RATING SERVICE AFFIRMS
EXCELLENT STATUS
A.M. BEST COMPANY, AN INDEPENDENT INSURANCE INDUSTRY
RATING AGENCY, HAS REAFFIRMED CATHOLIC LIFE INSURANCE’S
FINANCIAL STRENGTH RATING.
Effective May 18, 2015, A.M. Best rated Catholic
Life Insurance’s financial stability, security and
management performance as A-(Excellent) with a
stable outlook. This is the 32nd consecutive year that
Catholic Life has earned the “Excellent” rating.
The rating is based on a comprehensive quantitative
evaluation of the organization’s balance sheet
strength, operating performance and business profile.
Insurers in the excellent category are considered
to have an excellent ability to meet their ongoing
obligations. Moreover, a stable outlook indicates low
likelihood of a rating change due to stable financial/
market trends
In their financial strength rating rationale, A.M. Best
stated, “The ratings of Catholic Life Insurance reflects
its long-standing position in the fraternal industry,
improved business mix from prior years, and organic
growth in capitalization through continued positive
statutory earnings.”
For the latest rating, access www.ambest.com.
2015 DROLL RECIPIENTS SELECTED
Antoinette Miller of New Braunfels, Texas and Kayla Moscona of Baton Rouge, Louisiana were selected to
receive the 2015 Rev. Msgr. Larry J. Droll Scholarship for Catholic Laity sponsored by Catholic Life Insurance.
This renewable $2,000 scholarship is for Catholic laymen and women pursuing a graduate degree in theology
or religious studies, in order to serve their church in a professional capacity.
Miller is studying to serve the Archdiocese of San Antonio. She attends the University of the Incarnate Word,
seeking an advanced degree in Religious Studies. Miller currently serves as the Middle School Youth Minister at
Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and she is advancing her education to better serve the youth.
Antoinette Miller
Moscona is studying to serve the Diocese of Baton Rouge. She attends Notre Dame Seminary and is pursuing a
Master’s Degree in Theological studies. Moscona currently works at St. Joseph’s Academy as an administrative
assistant, and upon graduation with her Masters she would like to teach in the Ministry and Theology (MAT)
program for teachers of religion.
Each year, this scholarship is awarded to two candidates in need of tuition assistance for additional education
who serve or want to serve their parish as an Administrator, Youth Minister, Parish Coordinator or other similar
role.
Kayla Moscona
This scholarship is geared towards those who have already obtained their bachelor’s degree and who are
either enrolled or wanting to enroll into any Catholic graduate school in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, New
Mexico, Oklahoma or Mississippi. Applicants may also be enrolled in an extension program or in the Catholic
University of America School of Canon Law.
To apply for the 2016 Rev. Msgr. Larry J. Droll Scholarship for Catholic Laity, please view the criteria and
application online at www.cliu.com or contact the Communications Department at (800) 292-2548. The
deadline for the upcoming academic year is February 15, 2016.
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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
As a membership organization, it’s important to us that we do what’s right for you. Help us with this brief Member
Benefits Survey. Complete the attached survey and mail your responses it to us at the address below or
complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/memben:
Member Benefits Survey, C/o Catholic Life Insurance, 1635 N.E. Loop 410, San Antonio, TX 78209
Those completing the survey will have their names placed in a barrel for a drawing for a $50 VISA Prepaid Gift Card. Individuals who
complete the survey online will have their name entered twice into the drawing.
Member Benefits Survey
How long have you been a Catholic Life Insurance member?
If we were to expand our benefit programs, which of the
following would you be likely to use?
Hearing Aid Discount
☐ Most likely would use
☐ 0-2 years
☐ 3-15 years
☐ May or may not use ☐ Would not use
☐ 16+ years
Travel Discounts (hotel, airfare, rental car)
☐ Most likely would use ☐ May or may not use ☐ Would not use
Do you attend your Annual Branch Social?
Computer/technology discounts (laptops, phones, tablets)
☐ Most likely would use ☐ May or may not use ☐ Would not use
☐ I regularly attend
Theme Park/Entertainment Discounts
☐ Most likely would use ☐ May or may not use ☐ Would not use
☐ I attend when I can
☐ No one has invited me to attend
If you do not attend your Annual Branch Social, why do you
not attend?
☐ I do not find value in the event
☐ I unable to attend due to time constraints
☐ I do not attend because the location is not convenient
☐ I have not been invited to attend
☐ Not applicable
☐ Email
☐ May or may not use ☐ Would not use
Other (please specify)
In addition to helping local communities through our Branches,
Catholic Life donates to charitable causes. Please help us by
ranking where you think we should direct our charitable dollars:
Catholic Schools
ACTS Missions
Vocations
What is your preferred method of communications about
upcoming events?
☐ US mail
Dining Discounts
☐ Most likely would use
☐ Phone call
How valuable are the following benefit programs that
Catholic Life offers?
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Right to Life
Catholic Relief Services
American Red Cross
Other (please specify)
Script Save Prescription Drug Savings
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
☐ No value
All American College Scholarship
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
How likely are you to recommend our insurance and
retirement products to others?
☐ No value
☐ Extremely likely
Life Line Medical Screening Benefit
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
☐ No value
☐ Slightly likely
☐ Not likely at all
We appreciate you taking the time to complete the survey.
Name
Annual Branch Social
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
☐ No value
Catholic Schools Sweepstakes
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
☐ No value
Catholic Life Magazine
☐ Very valuable
☐ Somewhat valuable
☐ No value
Address
City, State, Zip
Email address
Phone number
Catholic Life Magazine | 5
IN THE NEWS
In Memoriam
DEMECIO “DEI” CASTILLEJA
Honey Creek Branch Officer and San Antonio areas Agent Dei Castilleja passed away suddenly on June 10. He was He was
68 years old.
Born in Kyle, Texas, Dei received both his undergraduate and master’s degrees in chemistry from Southwest Texas State
University. He became a Catholic Life member while he was employed as a research chemist for Dow Chemical in Freeport,
Texas. When he and his wife, Yvonne, retired to the Texas Hill Country, Dei became active in the Honey Creek Branch. A
strong believer in the power of life insurance protection, he began his sales career with the San Antonio General Agency in
2010. A consistent producer, Dei qualified for Leaders Conference every year that he was eligible.
Besides his wife, his two sons and a daughter-in-law, five brothers and five sisters survive him.
A Funeral Mass was offered June 15, 2015 at St Joseph Catholic Church. Interment followed in the parish mausoleum.
DELANNE WALTERSCHEID
Muenster Branch Secretary-Treasurer Delanne Walterscheid passed away on June 6, 2015. She was 52 years old.
Delanne, who served as the Muenster Branch Secretary-Treasurer for 20 years, was recently re-elected to that post.
A Mass of Christian Burial was offered June 10, 2015 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Burial followed in Sacred Heart
Cemetery.
Her husband, Bert, and their four children survive her.
ROGER BENAVIDEZ
El Campo Branch Vice President Roger Benavidez parted this life on March 14, 2015 at the age of 78.
In addition to his service to the Branch, Benavidez had also served for many years as a Catholic Life Agent. He was a
founding member of the El Campo Branch and was serving as Third Vice President at the time of his death.
A Funeral Mass was offered March 17, 2015, at St. Robert Catholic Church in El Campo. Interment followed at Holy Cross
Memorial Park.
His wife Selia, a daughter, two sons and six grandchildren survive Roger.
MAURICE HAFERNIK
Maurice Hafernik, who served on the Catholic Life Executive Committee in the 1950s, died April 6 in Houston.
Hafernik grew up in Taylor, Texas. He attended St. Edward’s University in Austin until enlisting in the Army following the
attack on Pearl Harbor. He met his future wife, Helene Patricia Volinsky, while waiting to ship out to North Africa. Maurice
enrolled at the University of Texas when he returned from the war.
He became a member of the Catholic Life Executive Committee as the General Field Supervisor in 1954. He served in that
position until 1957. Always a strong Catholic Life supporter, Maurice was instrumental in the founding of the Northwest
Houston Branch #58 in 1971 and served as an officer until his death.
A Mass of Christian burial was offered at on April 10, 2015 at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston.
His three children, six grandchildren and one great-grand child survive him.
C O N T AC T US
Member Service Hotline: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 262-2548
San Antonio Member Service Hotline: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (210) 828-5529
Agent/Branch Officer Hotline: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (800) 292-2548
All Other Calls: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (210) 828-9921
General Fax: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (210) 828-4629
Website: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.cliu.com
General Email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Office Hours: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Friday
6 | cliu.com
FLAG DAY 2015
For the 23rd consecutive year,
Catholic Life Insurance hosted its
annual old fashioned flag raising
ceremony to celebrate Flag Day.
The event took place on Sunday,
June 14th in honor of the 238th
anniversary of the American
Flag. Approximately 200 people
gathered to observe the Flag
Raising and enjoy refreshments.
This year’s event began in the
morning with a Mass, officiated
by Fr. Larry Stuebben, followed by
the flag raising ceremony and a
breakfast social. There was a brass
band playing patriotic music, free
commemorative t-shirts for the
attendees, a balloon artist clown,
and face painters. This year’s Flag
Day Poster Contest winners were
invited to attend and each were
given special recognition
The theme for the 2015 Flag Day
Poster Contest was “Our Flag
Stands for Freedom.” In America,
we are free to grow up to be
whatever we want to be, whether
it is a teacher, doctor, police
officer, fire fighter, artist, and
more. This year we asked all of the
children in grades kindergarten
through 5th grade to create a
poster showing us what they
would like to be when they grow
up. All of the posters feature the
American Flag.
A total of 21 winners were
selected to receive an award
and monetary prize. Catholic
Life would like to thank all of
those who entered the contest,
and we encourage all those
who will be eligible next year to
participate again.
Many Catholic Life members, neighbors, children and families take their seats
to enjoy a special tribute and old-fashioned Flag Raising.
President/CEO J. Michael Belz gives a
rousing tribute to the American Flag, its
rich 238-year history, and its importance
to the people for which it stands.
Attendees sporting their new Flag Day commemorative t-shirt look on as the
Flag is being raised.
Volunteers prepare to hoist the American
Flag up the 120-foot Flag pole in front of the
Catholic Life Home Office.
A cameraman with Catholic Television of San Antonio films the Flag Raising
Ceremony.
A four-piece brass band plays patriotic music
during the ceremony.
The children in attendance- including 2015 Flag Day
Poster Contest winners, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scoutsare brought forth to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
This is a tradition that takes place each year to
include our youngest generation in the celebration.
Catholic Life Magazine | 7
DIVISION A: KINDERGARTEN–1ST GRADE
1ST PLACE
Alberto Villalobos Sanchez
4TH PLACE
William Longoria
2ND PLACE
Julianna Miranda
5TH PLACE
Johnny Guzman
3RD PLACE
Marcella Mendoza
6TH PLACE
Jesse Olguin
DIVISION B: 2ND–3RD GRADE
Honorary Mention
Estefana Estrada
1ST PLACE
Brilynn Emma Conchas
3RD PLACE
William Paipa
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4TH PLACE
Justin Jay Bondoc
2ND PLACE
Mariano Casas
5TH PLACE
Peter Kerutis
DIVISION B: 2ND–3RD GRADE
6TH PLACE
Eduardo Paniagua
Honorary Mention
Manuel Aguallo
DIVISION C: 4TH–5TH GRADE
1ST PLACE
Selah Waltz
4TH PLACE
Amber Castaneda
2ND PLACE
Samuel De La Cruz
3RD PLACE
Camila Morgado
5TH PLACE
Karen Patel
6TH PLACE
Savannah Persyn
Honorary Mention
Kolbe Peters
Catholic Life Magazine | 9
FAI
H IN ACTION
ST. ANTHONY, FINDER OF LOST SOULS.
Most Reverend
Gustavo García-Siller
Catholic Life Insurance
Spiritual Advisor
On June 13, 1691, a small group of Spanish explorers made camp along a river
near a Coahuiltecan Village in what is now Texas. The chaplain of the group,
Father Damien Massanet proposed that the place be named after St. Anthony
of Padua since they had arrived there on his feast day. As the Archbishop of San
Antonio, it should come as no surprise that I have a fond devotion to this saint
who is greatly loved throughout the world.
Saint Anthony often is presented holding the Infant Jesus because his life was
spent bringing Christ to thousands and thousands of people seeking to discover
His forgiveness and peace. He was a renowned preacher in his day, and would
proclaim the Good News of salvation in an understandable, but inspired way.
This young Franciscan priest, radiated holiness and brought sinners to their
knees with a message of God’s love and mercy. He called people to seek and
offer forgiveness. Speaking of the urgency with which Jesus seeks us out in order
to reconcile us with the Father, St. Anthony said, “He loves, He hopes, He waits. If
He came down on our altars on certain days only, some sinner, on being moved
to repentance, might have to look for Him, and not finding Him, might have to
wait. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep
him waiting one instant.”
Saint Anthony is likely best known as the patron saint of the lost. How many
of you have prayed to him to help you find that lost treasure in your life? The
greatest treasures we have are our immortal soul, our life of faith, the love we
share, and the love we receive. If you have lost any of these, it is time to pray to
St. Anthony. He will help you find them, seeking God’s mercy and peace through
reconciliation with the Father.
In the coming year, Pope Francis has called an extraordinary Jubilee that is to
have the mercy of God at its center. The Holy Father has declared that, “It shall
be a Holy Year of Mercy.” We want to live this Year in the light of the Lord’s
words: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” The Holy Year will begin on
the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and end on November 20, 2016.
I encourage you to prepare for this Holy Year by calling upon St. Anthony to help
you find what may be lost in your life. Ask him to walk with you and help you
to calm whatever may separate you from the Father. Let us pray to St. Anthony
that our hearts will be forever changed and that he will, through his intercession,
help us seek God’s grace through the sacrament of Reconciliation. St. Anthony,
Pray for Us.
10 | cliu.com
Top Producers
AS MARCH 31, 2015
LEADING
AGENCIES
1. Case Hollub
2. Jimmy Tirres, CLU, LUTCF
Hollub Agency
Weimar, Texas
San Antonio General Agency
San Antonio, Texas
3. Eugene Smart, CLU, MBA
Smart & Associates
Houston, Texas
LEADING
PERSONAL
PRODUCING
GENERAL
AGENTS
1. Michael Scardino, FIC
Weimar, Texas
2. Steve Nienhaus, FIC
3. Glenn Snoga
San Antonio, Texas
Seguin, Texas
LEADING REPRESENTATIVES
1. T.J. Sbrusch, FIC
Angleton, Texas
2. Elaine Labus
Poth, Texas
3. Geraldine Martinez, FIC
Bastrop, Texas
4. Francis Lutz, FIC
Castroville, Texas
5. Regina B. Heinrich
Houston, Texas
7. Bert Kenna, FIC
Yoakum, Texas
8. Dennis Schraeder, FIC
St. Lawrence, Texas
9. Ricky Schroeder
Windthorst, Texas
10. Linda M. Holubec, FIC
Bryan, Texas
11. Loretta Schmidt, FIC
Fredericksburg, Texas
6. Charlotte M. Grobe
Fredericksburg, Texas
12. E.J. Bayer
Weimar, Texas
Catholic Life Magazine | 11
IS YOUR FAMILY
SUFFICIENTLY PROTECTED?
Catholic Life’s Keeping in Touch
program is well underway. The
primary goal of the program is for
our Agents to make contact with all
members and ensure that we have
their most recent contact information on file. Interestingly, thanks to
the Keeping in Touch interviews, a good number of our members
have determined they need additional life insurance coverage.
They are taking advantage of this important meeting to apply for
insurance and plug gaps in their personal finances.
By R. Dennis Best, CLU,
ChCF, LLIF, FIC, CSA Vice
President/Director of
Agencies
Our agents are meeting with members on a confidential basis and
helping them evaluate their life insurance needs. Some important
questions being answered include:
■ Does your spouse, child, or parent depend on your income? If yes,
you may need additional life insurance.
■ Are you responsible for a special needs child or adult who will be
forever dependent on your financial support? If yes, you may need
additional life insurance.
■ Are there any short-term financial needs such as car loans, home
mortgage, college costs, funeral expenses? If yes, you may need
additional life insurance.
■ Have you co-signed for any college loans for your children? If so,
you could be responsible for repayment if they die prematurely. It
may be a good idea to purchase additional insurance on your child.
Life insurance is a modern day miracle. It provides funds to families
when they need it the most. It is also the most efficient way of
providing for our families when we no longer can. Thanks to
increased life expectancies, life insurance has never been more
affordable. I encourage you to take advantage of the time you spend
with your agent to reevaluate you own needs and take action before
it’s too late.
TIRED OF WATCHING YOUR
MONEY VANISH IN
THE STOCK MARKET?
Don’t kiss your hard-earned retirement dollars goodbye.
Instead, roll them over to a Catholic Life Annuity or IRA
and watch them grow! We’re safe, strong and secure.
3.40
%*
APY
*Includes Current Yield + 1.35% First Year Additional Interest
For Information Call Your Local Agent or the Home Office at:
1-800-262-2548
6/15
*Interest rates are subject to change & vary by plan.
The minimum interest rate guaranteed is 1.50%.
Annuities • IRAs • 401(k) Rollovers
12 | cliu.com
Congratulations to our
2015 All American Scholars
Each year, Catholic Life Insurance awards 35 scholarships worth $1,000 each to graduating
high school seniors who have gone above and beyond in their civic duties and made a difference
in their communities.
The All American Scholar Award was designed to offset tuition costs for young Catholic Life
members attending an accredited college or university in the fall semester immediately following
their senior year of high school. This award recognizes those special individuals who have
dedicated their valuable time and efforts to helping others while remaining devoted to their
academic studies, and Catholic Life Insurance strives to reward this high degree of selfless
commitment.
In 2015, the following students received an All American Scholar Award:
DANIEL CHAN
SUNNYVALE, CA
CHASE CHRISTENSON
SAN ANTONIO, TX
GARRETT COVERT
ST. HEDWIG, TX
CLAIRE DALLMEYER
POTH, TX
RACI DILLARD
MUNDAY, TX
JAYCEE FIKE
FLATONIA, TX
BAILEY HALFMANN
MILES, TX
HOLLY HALFMANN
GARDEN CITY, TX
BRANDON HOELSCHER
TEMPLE, TX
SHELTON HOHENSEE
PAINT ROCK, TX
SARAH JARES
WEST, TX
CLAYTON JASKINIA
FALLS CITY, TX
DALTON KAHLIG
ROSEBUD, TX
CHANDLER KING
WINDTHORST, TX
KOLTEN KNESEK
GONZALES, TX
Catholic Life Magazine | 13
PAIGE KOSUB
ST. HEDWIG, TX
ISAAC KRESTA
EL CAMPO, TX
CAMERON LABUS
FLORESVILLE, TX
KELSEY LABUS
HOBSON, TX
HUNTER MERTA
EL CAMPO, TX
MITCHELL MOCZYGEMBA
SEGUIN, TX
NATALIE NOHAVITZA
EL CAMPO, TX
TAYLOR OLSOVSKY
SCHULENBURG, TX
JULIE RAKOWITZ
FLORESVILLE, TX
TAMERA RAMIREZ
HONDO, TX
BRADLEY SCHOTT
SAN ANTONIO, TX
KENDRA SCHWARTZ
SAN ANGELO, TX
SARAH STLUKA
SHINER, TX
CASSANDRA STRICKER
SPRING BRANCH, TX
ANDREW THUMANN
LITTLETON, CO
LAUREN TRAPP
COLUMBUS, TX
RODOLFO “RUDY” VILLARREAL
ROUND ROCK, TX
DOROTHY WALCH
FREDERICKSBURG, TX
CAROLINE WHITTENBURG
SAN ANGELO, TX
WILLIAM WOLF
WINDTHORST, TX
We would like to thank all of the students who applied this year, and commend all of the scholarship winners
on their outstanding personal achievements!
For more information on our scholarship programs, please visit our website at www.cliu.com
or contact the Communications Department at (800) 292-2548.
14 | cliu.com
JOIN HANDS DAY
is a national day of service designed to
encourage youth and adults to work
together on a project that benefits the
community.
Each year, many Catholic Life Branches
participate in local community service
projects held in celebration of JOIN
HANDS DAY. Nearly 1,000 volunteers came
together this year to rake leaves, distribute
flowers, clean cemeteries, play Bingo, cook
hamburgers, assemble hygiene kits and
shop for needy senior citizens as part of this
organized service effort.
In St. Lawrence, Confirmation students
join the local Branch in designing colorful
wreaths to adorn the graves of the St.
Lawrence cemetery. The wreaths were
blessed by Father Raj and then the students,
their teachers, Branch officers and members
of the cemetery committee placed the
wreaths on the graves. The grotto was also
refreshed with summer plants.
Confirmation students cut ribbons and tie silver crosses in the flowers to decorate
their wreaths. The Branch Officers were very proud of the work done by their young
volunteers.
A few of the young volunteers pause for a quick photo with Branch Officer Sharon
Braden before continuing to place their wreaths on the graves in the cemetery.
Branch Officers Dennis Schraeder and Sharon Braden pose with participating
Confirmation students and their teacher, along with many of the beautiful wreaths
they worked so hard to create.
Catholic Life Magazine | 15
Pilgrims pause for water during the 3.5-mile walk to St. Mary’s Catholic
Church on Good Friday. The Ballinger Branch served refreshments to the
approximately 150 participating pilgrims.
A group of volunteers from “Special Friends” (pictured here) pose after helping
the Bay Area Branch assemble toiletry kits at Mary Queen Church Hall. The
kits, which include items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, and washcloths,
will benefit the Battered Women’s Shelter of Galveston County.
The Holy Trinity Catholic Church Youth Choir (pictured here) was joined
by Falls City Branch volunteers on a project to improve the worship
experience for parishioners. Together they organized music and gathered
musical equipment like hand bells, drums, and other props used for special
Masses.
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Youth group volunteers and their adult sponsors from St.
Patrick’s Catholic Church assist the Brady Branch collect and
sort food donations of beans and rice to benefit Helping Hands;
they helped to reorganize the pantry, as well.
The Floresville Branch partners with Faith Formation and
Knights of Columbus to clean up Sacred Heart cemetery. The
purpose of the project is to bring together youth and adults
to help preserve and show respect for the ancestry of the
community.
Youth volunteers from St. Mary’s School and the Fredericksburg
Branch help out the Standard Stars with their garage sale fundraiser.
The money raised at the event goes toward the Stars’ annual Relay
for Life fundraising goal for the American Cancer Society.
The Richmond Rosenberg Branch hosts a bingo party for the
more than sixty residents at the SPJST Nursing Home. They were
joined by volunteers from the KJZT, RVOS, St. Michael’s Catholic
Church and Altar Society, the Catholic Daughters, and more. A
hamburger lunch, cookies, refreshments, and bingo prizes were
provided.
The San Angelo Branch sponsors the Boy Scout Troop 363 and their four
booths at the local Children’s Fair, set up to help the scouts raise money for
a larger trailer to carry gear for their campouts and other events.
Children from Sacred Heart Catholic School assist the Hallettsville
Branch in giving carnations to all of the loving and hard working
mothers attending Mass at Sacred Heart on Mother’s Day.
Altar servers and CCD students from Blessed Sacrament Catholic
Church were joined by adults from the Poth Branch and other various
organizations to clean up the local cemetery.
Girl Scouts, Youth Ministry, and St. Benedict Branch members
prepare the St. Jerome Catholic Cemetery grounds before Easter
by removing seasonal and faded flowers, planting new flowers
in front of the cross, trimming the shrubs, collecting trash, and
cleaning up the gravesites.
Catholic Life Magazine | 17
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church youth and parishioners help the
Stonewall Branch hand out Mother’s Day bookmarks during their
weekend Masses in recognition of all of the hard working mothers of
the parish.
Volunteers with the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Youth Club join the
Taylor Branch in giving flowers to all of the mothers attending
morning Mass on Mother’s Day as a way to show appreciation on that
special day.
The Boy and Girl Scouts pose after helping out the
Victoria Branch in bagging beans and rice at
the local Food Bank and preparing food items for
distribution to those in need.
St Michael’s Catholic Church youth volunteers and Weimar Branch
members get ready to clean up the Veteran’s Hall after the Spring Festival.
The LaCoste-Devine Branch partners with the Knights of Columbus
and Our Lady of Grace CCD students to prepare a special meal for the
Confirmation Class and their families. The meal consisted of barbeque
chicken, potato salad, green beans and bread, as well as a cake for dessert.
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The St. Mary’s 8th grade class and teachers help the
Gainesville Branch show appreciation for our veterans by
planting U.S. Flags along the church grounds for display over
Memorial Day weekend.
The Junior Catholic Daughters assist the Frelsburg Branch in
presenting carnations to all of the mothers attending Mass at Sacred
Heart Catholic Church on Mother’s Day. All remaining flowers were
then taken to local rest homes to be given to the confined mothers.
A Boy Scout gives a carnation to a mother attending Mass at St. James
Catholic Church. The project, which was hosted by the Gonzales Branch,
was designed to show appreciation for all of the mothers for their hard
work and dedication to their families.
Volunteers pose with a few of the goods collected during a food drive
sponsored by the Scotland Branch. The donations were later given to
the Faith Mission to help feed the needy.
St. Michael’s Catholic School students pose with a Catholic Life
banner to thank the Dallas Branch for sponsoring their field
day activities and lunch.
Westphalia ISD National Junior Honor Society members, pictured here
alongside Westphalia Branch Officers Alfons Wilde and Doris Voltin,
gather at St. Mary’s Cemetery to place flags on the veterans’ graves for
Memorial Day weekend.
Catholic Life Magazine | 19
BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION
First Communicants of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church enjoy a reception
hosted by the Brady Branch. Cupcakes made by the Branch
members and punch were served to all parishioners who attended.
Ballinger Branch Officers Baldwin Halfmann and
Ralph Schaefer present a United States Flag donation
to Ballinger Noon Lions members Stan Bickel and Greg
Schwertner.
Fredericksburg Branch members and their families
enjoy delicious German cuisine during the Branch annual
social held at the Holy Family Parish Center.
Charles Hughes of the Honey Creek Branch presents a new United States Flag
to Girl Scouts Troop Leader Debbie Shea while the troop’s Brownies, Cadets, and
Juniors stand by in attendance.
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Officers of the Kosciusko Branch present
the “Book of Gospels” to Father Stan for
the benefit of St. Ann’s Catholic Church
and parish.
volunteering our time
BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION
Third grade religion students from St. Peter’s Catholic Church collect
goods and funds to donate to ABBA Women’s Center as part of a youth
project sponsored by the Lindsay Branch.
Lili Villegas poses with the Easter Bunny during the
annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the RockneString Prairie Branch, held at the Rockne Museum
and Hilbig Park.
Officers with the Pecan Valley Branch present a new United States
Flag to officials with Holy Name Catholic School for their use.
In Seymour, Director Doris Short inducts
Marty Slaggle as Secretary-Treasurer of the
Rhineland-Seymour Branch during their
annual Branch meeting and social.
Pilot Point Branch Officers join with junior
high and high school youth of St. Thomas
Aquinas Catholic Church to provide and serve
pizza for the Sunday evening parish supper.
Catholic Life Magazine | 21
helping our neighbors
BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION BRANCHES IN ACTION
Boy Scouts received a new United States Flag from the San
Angelo Branch during the Holy Angels Church Festival.
Students from St. Joseph Catholic School pose with Slaton
Branch Officers to thank them for their support through the
annual Catholic Schools Sweepstakes program.
Children participate in the annual Easter Egg Hunt held at the
Windthorst ISD Playground. The Windthorst Branch teamed up with
St. Mary’s Youth Group to sponsor the event, where more than 60
children collected eggs while their parents and grandparents cheered
them on.
A mother, Julianna Hoelscher, receives
the first carnation on Mother’s Day from
Westphalia Branch volunteer Tim Jasper
after Mass at Church of the Visitation.
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Beat the Heat
Keep cool & beat the heat with these
chilled out recipes submitted by our members!
Veggie Roll-Up
2 tbsp. reduced-fat cream cheese
2 tsp. lite mayonnaise
⅛ tsp. dill seeds
⅛ tsp. dried parsley flakes
Dash of garlic powder
Dash of dried basil
1 small carrot, diced
1 small celery rib, diced
1 (7½-inch) flour tortilla
in the
KITCHEN
Chicken Salad
3 cups cooked diced chicken
½ small onion
1 stalk celery
½ cup dried cranberries
Stir together first 6 ingredients. Stir in carrot and celery. Spread on ½ cup chopped pecans
one side of tortilla. Roll up and wrap in plastic wrap; chill. Unwrap 1 cup mayonnaise
½ tsp. salt
and slice. This calcium-rich roll-up will tone bones and teeth.
¼ tsp. pepper
Yields: 1 roll-up
¼ tsp. granulated garlic
Prep time: 10 minutes
½ tsp. dill weed
Evelyn Hartmann
1 tbsp. mustard
Pearland, Texas
In a food processor, mince celery and onion. In a large mixing bowl, mix
all ingredients together. Stir well and add more mayonnaise to reach the
Gazpacho
consistency you desire.
1 hot house cucumber, chopped finely
4 plum tomatoes, chopped finely
½ red onion, chopped finely
2 red bell peppers, chopped finely
3 cups good tomato juice
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp. lime juice
¼ cup good quality olive oil
½ tbsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
3 cloves garlic, chopped
¼ cup packed cilantro, chopped- or 1 tbsp. fresh thyme,
chopped
(You may also use a combination of basil and oregano or
marjoram for flavor.)
Serve on homemade bread, a bed of lettuce or, my personal favorite, in a
half of a scooped-out cantaloupe.
Mix all ingredients together and chill.
Put 1 small can crushed pineapple on top.
Serves 6: about 1 cup each.
Then put sliced bananas on top of pineapple.
Cathy Grahmann, Betty Mueller, Theresa Pechacek,
Beverly Svoboda & Patricia Thompson
Houston, Texas
Put Cool Whip on top of that and put back in refrigerator until ready
to eat.
CALLING ALL
COOKS!
Betty Shimek
Schulenburg, Texas
Banana Split Pie
1 regular pie crust, baked (may also use graham cracker crust)
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese
1 can condensed milk
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add condensed milk and 1/3 cup
lemon juice.
Put in freezer until set.
Martha Cone McCleney
Anderson, Texas
WE WANT YOUR RECIPES! Submit your recipes to us today for a chance to appear as a
featured chef in the next edition of our quarterly Catholic Life Magazine! If your recipe is
chosen for publication, we will send you a check for $15 and a Cooking With Catholic Life
apron. Email your recipe to [email protected], fax to (210) 828-4629, or mail to:
Catholic Life Insurance, Attn. Recipes, P.O. Box 659527, San Antonio, Texas 78265
We would like to thank all of those who share their favorite recipes with us, so that we may
in turn, share them with the entire base of our members and their families, our agents, our
branches, and our own families.
Catholic Life Magazine | 23
P.O. Box 659527
San Antonio, TX 78265-9527
LIFE INSURANCE AGENTS
Eugene Smart
Wilbert Jost
Geraldine Martinez Mike Williams
BE AFFILIATED WITH TOP AGENTS LIKE THESE!
If you or anyone you know is an experienced life insurance agent or a self-motivated individual looking to make a career change or supplement
income, WE WANT YOU! We’re expanding our operations and must hire new agents. As part of our 2015 recruitment campaign, we are offering a
reward of up to $1,000 for new agent referrals who contract with us, and yes, you as a member may refer yourself.
Catholic Life has a diversified individual life insurance and annuity portfolio. We provide our agents unsurpassed field and home office support
and benefits including:
◆ Innovative, lead-generating products like our “Just For Kids” product
◆ Life/Work Balance with the flexibility to work part time or full time,
work from home
◆ Diversified life insurance and annuity product portfolio
◆ Reward and Recognition
◆ A jump-start with our generous Co-Op Marketing Program
(Up to 50% reimbursement)
◆ Professional Development & CE Opportunities
◆ Unlimited Income Potential
◆ Living and Fraternal Benefits
For More Information, Call Dawn Fanfelle, Recruiting Director 1-800-262-2548 ext. 168
*See program guidelines for details.
Guidelines subject to change. 4/15