Summer 2019
Welcome! Msgr. David LiPuma joins the family as President of the OLV Institutions
The Power of Prayer A prayer changed Debby’s life 30 years ago
Second Chances
Foster parents’ courage heals a family torn apart
Welcome to our new leader
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hearty and warm welcome was extended to Msgr. David LiPuma as he arrived at Our Lady of Victory on June 1, 2019, to shepherd our parish and Father Baker’s “City of Charity.” Father David is no stranger to our campus — a connection that goes back to his childhood days. A Depew native, he was baptized by Msgr. Robert Wurtz, previous pastor and administrator of OLV. Years later, he had the moving experience of anointing Msgr. Wurtz the day he died. And Father David was at the Basilica both when Father Baker’s body was moved from nearby Holy Cross Cemetery to the Basilica in 1999 and when he was named Venerable in 2011.
vicar at St. Leo the Great in Amherst, N.Y., and St. Philip the Apostle in Cheektowaga, N.Y. In 1993, he was named acting director of the diocese’s office of worship. From there, he served as priest secretary for three bishops. In 2013, he was named pastor of St. Peter’s in Lewiston, N.Y., a parish and school community he still holds close to his heart! In April of this year, Father David was asked to be the pastor of OLV Parish and President of OLV Institutions by Bishop Richard Malone.
Additionally, Father David served on the board of the Homes of Charity. And now, the torch of leadership has been passed on to him by Msgr. Burkard, his professor and spiritual director at the seminary.
“A daunting challenge” is the phrase Father David used when he was asked to accept this role. “I rely heavily, every day, on God’s grace – and even though I find a ministry daunting, I just trust that it is God’s will for me. When I think about all that Father Baker accomplished and the fact that those services continue to this day, to somehow be a part of it all, is humbling for me.”
Ordained to the priesthood in 1987 by the late Bishop Edward D. Head, Father David served as a parochial
We ask blessings on Father David and assure him of our support and prayers as he carries on Father Baker’s legacy!
A Familiar Face Remains
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lthough Msgr. Paul J. E. Burkard has passed the torch to Msgr. David LiPuma as president of the OLV Institutions, Father Paul will continue to serve as vice postulator for the Cause for Father Baker’s Canonization. We welcome him as he moves across the street from the rectory and in to his new office at 780 Ridge Road in Lackawanna. “Shepherding the Cause for Father Baker’s Canonization has been a blessing and a privilege,” he said. “So to continue in this sacred endeavor is truly an honor.”
Msgr. Paul Burkard, pictured reading some of the hundreds of retirement cards sent to him by friends like you, will continue his work as vice postulator for Father Baker’s Cause for Canonization!
You, our friends, are passionate about Father Baker being declared a saint. So we hope you’ll continue to prayerfully join the efforts in promoting the canonization of such a holy man and priest who left an extraordinary legacy.
the
Message from
CEO
David Kersten
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recently had the privilege of going with Msgr. Paul J.E. Burkard to Florida on his farewell tour to thank our faithful donors for supporting Our Lady of Victory (OLV) throughout the years.
David Kersten, CEO of the Homes of Charity (left), and Msgr. Paul Burkard recently met with loyal friends in Florida.
The more I go on trips of this nature, I gain a better appreciation for our valued benefactors. They come to life in new and exciting ways that aren’t found in reports, data points, or statistics. You hear the reasons why people want to be involved and support the mission of OLV. These stories are what give our work meaning and purpose. As I look into the future, my goal is to keep the communication with our donors going on multiple platforms and provide information to all of our friends in other parts of the country in an effort to encourage them to become true ambassadors for Father Baker’s mission and legacy of caring. Father Baker represents something very special to all of us. He was born more than 160 years ago and his influence continues to resonate today. Thank you for allowing us to carry on his ministry and for giving us the ability to care for children, youth, and families that turn to us in their time of need.
The Power of
Prayer A
year of great change for the airline industry was 1991. In January, Pan American filed for bankruptcy protection, with Delta Airlines stepping in and investing $100 million in the newly restructured company. Even with this investment, though, the financially strapped Pan Am fell short of its restructuring plan and ceased to exist. As all of that was playing out, PanAm’s 7,500 employees learned that they would be without jobs. And that’s when Deborah Drab was reminded about the power of prayer. “My mother introduced me to Our Lady of Victory,” shared Debby at a recent luncheon held in the greater Ft. Lauderdale area. She explained that her mother, Regina, was a loyal benefactor of the Homes of Charity, having learned of the organization from relatives in Michigan. “She had some health problems and they encouraged her to pray to Our Lady of Victory and support the work at the Homes. She was very devout and began praying to Our Lady and eventually supported a Crib Program for the children.”
She was selected as one of a small number of former Pan Am flight attendants to be offered jobs at Delta. Out of gratitude, Debby has continued to support the Homes of Charity through monthly gifts to the Helping Hands Club. “I first thought this organization was simply about praying to Our Lady, but then I began reading all of the materials and saw pictures of the children I was helping. It makes me feel good knowing that I am a little part of helping children and, perhaps, bringing a smile to their faces.”
Debby, pictured second from the left, recently celebrated 45 years of service with co-workers
When Debby shared with her mother that Pan Am was closing and she expected to be out of a job, Regina urged her to pray to Our Lady. “Mom let me know that Our Lady of Victory always answered her prayers and encouraged me to support the children, and then begin praying to her, which I did.” Those prayers were answered!
“It makes me feel good knowing that I am a little part of helping children and perhaps bringing a smile to their faces.”
Last year, Delta honored Debby for 45 years of dedicated service in the airline industry — a long, satisfying career she credits to Our Lady of Victory whom, she feels, answered her prayers. With her upcoming retirement scheduled for this fall, Debby, now a member of the Victory Remembrance Society, looks forward to traveling around the country, plans that include a trip to Lackawanna next May to visit the Basilica.
Visiting Friends in F lorida! In the spring, Msgr. Paul Burkard, Homes of Charity CEO David Kersten and members of our Mission Advancement team made their way through the “Sunshine State,” meeting with a number of loyal supporters. Father Paul’s last such trip before retirement proved a special one, as he was able to spend time with new and old friends alike!
Second
Chances “I am so thankful I had a second chance to show my boys how much I love & care about them!”
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hile second chances in life may be few and far between for many of us, they are, in fact, the driving force and underlying hope that powers Baker Victory Services’ (BVS) Foster Care Program. The direct evolution of the pioneering work done by Father Nelson Baker and his team of religious sisters and nurses at the OLV Infant Home decades ago, the program pairs up loving families with children in crisis. One such family is Lisa and Scott. Lisa, a staff member with BVS’ preschool programs, says that, once she and her husband saw that the agency offered foster care, they quickly signed up. “We love children and we thought that if we could help kids and families, we should.” It wasn’t too long after they had become certified foster parents that they met Jacob, Ethan and Alex. Alex, Ethan & Jacob
The trio had been removed from the care of their father, Matt, who had been going through a difficult time. Unfortunately, the three boys had to be split up, with the
youngest two, Ethan and Alex, going to live in one foster home and Jacob in another. The family was shattered. Lisa and Scott were quick to take in the two young, energetic brothers and, although they were nervous at first, soon bonded with them. While that was happening, though, something truly inspirational was going on: Matt was starting the most important journey of his life, one that would unite his family once more.
“It was always my goal to get them back to me.” “The staff at BVS was great. They helped with my parenting skills and showed me how to be patient,” he recalls. “I had never had that support before.” Matt’s progress was not only noted by our staff, but by Lisa and Scott, who formed a close partnership with him. At first, the three exchanged phone calls and text messages. That communication evolved into supervised visits at Lisa and Scott’s home, and, finally, unsupervised outings. Knowing the ultimate goal is the reunification of children with their biological parents, Lisa and Scott watched bittersweetly. Today, all three boys are back living with Matt, who has changed dramatically! And, while this story certainly has a happy ending, it doesn’t mean Lisa and Scott’s part in it has ended. “I am so grateful to Lisa and Scott for all they did for my boys. I still keep in touch with them. In fact, I just sent them photos of Alex and Ethan,” Matt says with a smile. “I will never be able to repay them for the second chance they gave me and my family.”
70½
OR OLDER
YOU CAN DIRECT UP TO
100,000
$
An Easy Way to Help Our Cause
If you are 70½ or older, rather than simply take your withdrawal thisyear, you can direct your IRAadministrator to distribute a gift from your IRA to our organization. Any amount you transfer counts against your required minimum distribution (RMD), and you can direct up to $100,000 to your favorite causes this year. Making an IRA Rollover Gift is Easier Than Ever • Contact your IRA administrator. Because of the popularity of the rollover, most administrators provide forms and a procedure to help you make a rollover gift. • You can direct a transfer of up to $100,000 to be made this year from your IRA to a qualified charity. • You will pay no income taxes on the amount transferred. Note: Because you are not claiming the transferred amount as income, you will not receive an income tax deduction for your gift. • Please contact us to let us know how you would like your gift to be used.
This information is not intended as tax, legal or financial advice. Gift results may vary.Consult your personal financial advisor for information specific to your situation.
Rollover
Your IRA for Good
Are you frustrated by the required minimum distribution rules? • You must withdraw a portion of your IRA each year based upon your age. • You must pay income tax on the portion you withdraw. • You will face stiff penalties if you fail to withdraw your RMD. By taking a distribution from your IRA this year, you will likely pay more in taxes and may even reach a higher tax bracket. Rolling over part of your IRA’s “required minimum distribution” or “RMD” to a charity like ours can help reduce your tax bill while supporting our cause. You may not be aware that Congress passed a law that gives you another option for your IRA withdrawal. While you must withdraw a certain amount of money from your IRA each year, the IRA charitable rollover gives you a way to avoid paying income taxes and still meet your RMD. Cronan P. Long Mission Advancement Gift Officer Tel: (716) 828-9572 Email: clong@homesofcharity.org
The names and images shown here are representative of typical donors and may or may not beactual donors to the organization. Under federal rules your benefits may be different from this example. Please contact us for your specific benefits. Copyright © 2016 Crescendo Interactive, Inc. Used by permission.
Cindy Lee Appointed CEO of Baker Victory Services (BVS)
Your Light Shines Bright!
The BVS Board of Directors proudly announced in April that Cindy Lee had assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer. Previously serving as Chief Clinical Officer, Cindy will now be responsible for guiding the organization’s mission/vision and delivering on financial objectives through the planning, development, and implementation of a vast portfolio of services/programs. She will also be working to assess the agency’s short- and long-term needs.
Special thanks to all of our friends who sent wax seals back to us in March and April.
Father Baker Day & Friends of Father Baker
Baker Victory Nite 2019 – A Tremendous Success!
• 83rd Annual Father Baker Day – Mass will be celebrated at noon on July 28, 2019, at the Basilica with a reception to follow in the Baker Hall School Cafeteria. • 39th Annual Friends of Father Baker Reception – The event will honor three individuals who embody Venerable Nelson Baker’s compassion for those in need. The event will take place on November 8, 2019, at the Marin Building in Downtown Buffalo. For ticket/sponsorship information, call our special events office at (716) 828-9289.
They were melted into a single candle (pictured, bottom left) that was lit and placed on Our Lady’s altar within the Basilica throughout the May Novena.
A BIG “thank you” goes out to all who helped with the planning, set-up, and implementation of Baker Victory Nite 2019! Our largest annual fundraising event was a great success with more than $153,000 raised and a sell-out crowd of 400 attendees. This year’s event will go down as one of the most successful we’ve ever had, with the funds going to help us deliver on the promise of building a playground for the children of our foster care programs!
Lives You Have Touched... 626
1,807
523
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Youths with developmental and behavioral issues benefited from our specialized schools and educational programs.
Young children received early intervention services and a foundational preschool education.
Children and family members received homebased services with the goal of staying together.
Individuals with developmental disabilities were cared for.