Dan Rich’s faith is what keeps him going. It is his “spiritual vitamins” that he can’t imagine going a day without. In his 82 years his faith has always been an integral part of his life, both in good times and, most especially, in the hard times.

And one of the reasons he has chosen to support Glenmary and its ministry is because he wants to share the gift of the Catholic faith, which he treasures so much, with others who may not know about the Church or have access to a Catholic community.

“I can’t go out and do the Lord’s work like Glenmary missioners and others do,” he says. “So, I want to support those who are doing that work.”

Dan has established two annuities with Glenmary over the past three years. Through the annuity contract, Glenmary agrees to pay the donor a steady income as long as they live in exchange for a gift of cash, appreciated securities or other appreciated properties.

In Dan’s case that income is very beneficial, especially in light of his rising health insurance rates. “I don’t know how I could pay my medical premiums without the income received from the annuities I’ve taken with Glenmary,” he says.

In addition to helping him at this time in his life, the annuities will, eventually, help Glenmary continue its ministry in the home missions. And that, Dan says, is very important to him.

“I came across Glenmary Challenge on our literature rack at my church a few year ago,” he remembers. “I was very impressed by the magazine and by the work that Glenmary does, so I decided to begin supporting that work financially and with prayers.”

That support enables Glenmary priests, brothers and coworkers to continue their present ministry and enables Glenmary as a whole to plan for the future—and for future outreach to rural areas where the Church is still not present.

That there are areas without a Catholic presence was a shock to Dan. Prior to his association with Glenmary, he “was not aware that there were areas here in the United States where the Church wasn’t present and that these mission areas are in such need,” he says.

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Dan moved to San Jose, Calif., in 1953. In both places there are churches “on almost every corner,” he says. So thinking that there were areas of the nation where the Church wasn’t present never entered his mind.

“That’s why I’m so glad I found Glenmary,” he says. “I feel as if I’m helping to share my faith, which has been so important in my life, through my support of Glenmary and its ministry. It gives me a real sense of satisfaction.”

That sense of satisfaction gained by charitable giving can be felt by anyone, he says. “We have to provide for those in need and there are many ways to do that,” he says, “such as financial gifts or simply praying for the success of a ministry.”

“I wish I could do more,” Dan says. “But what I am doing is hopefully making a difference and is helping Glenmary make the world just a little better place.”

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