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  1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, TX 77002  ·   713-222-2593  ·       Give

Christ Church Cathedral
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Planned Giving

Preserving Our Future

As stewards of God’s gifts, we build on the foundation left by those who came before us. We, in turn, have the opportunity, with a bequest to Christ Church Cathedral, to sustain and enhance parish ministries, programs, outreach, and campus for the benefit of future generations. As you reflect on how you will write your legacy, we hope you’ll consider including Christ Church in your estate plans.

The Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund

Without the Endowment, the Cathedral would be a very different place. The Endowment has supported the mission and ministries through good times and bad and has played an integral role in the creation of several outreach facilities such as Omega House, COMPASS, New Hope Housing, and The Beacon. We have been able to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and those who come after us must be able to do the same.

Planned gifts and bequests should list the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund as the beneficiary. All gifts to the Cathedral’s Endowment are used to enhance the good works of Christ Church with investment proceeds.

The Bishop Richardson Society

Bishop J. Milton Richardson, while Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, created the Endowment Fund in 1954. The Bishop Richardson Society was created to honor those who have remembered the Cathedral in their long-term financial planning. The Society also recognizes those who have made lifetime gifts to the endowment above and beyond their annual giving.

To become a member of The Bishop Richardson Society, you need only to let us know that you have made a provision in your estate plans for the church. Neither the amount of the provision, nor the means, are important – only that you have include Christ Church Cathedral in your will or estate plan through a bequest of money, securities, personal property, or real estate; a life income gift (charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust); a gift of life insurance; a life estate; or some other form of planned giving.

If you have indeed included the Cathedral in your estate plans, or are considering doing so, please let our stewardship office know by contacting Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik. New members are recognized each year on Loyalty Sunday at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services and have their names added to the ground plaque near the Cathedral’s front door.

A list of Bishop Richardson Society members can be found in the Cathedral’s Annual Parish Report and on the ground plaque in the Bishop’s Courtyard near the bell tower.

Planned Giving Options

There are many ways to remember Christ Church Cathedral in your estate plans, and only you can choose the method that is right for you. Your legacy to the Cathedral can carry on good works for years to come.

Your Will – Having a will gives you the comfort of knowing that your assets will be distributed the way that you wish. It is easy to add a sentence (codicil) to your will indicating a bequest to the Endowment Fund. Many prefer a general bequest, but you may choose to leave a percentage of your estate, name the Cathedral as an alternate beneficiary, or leave the church whatever is left, once all other specific bequests have been made. Your attorney can give you advice, but you’ll find a few examples in the links below.

  • Sample letter (PDF)
  • Sample codicil (PDF)
  • How to phrase a bequest to the Endowment in your will (PDF)
  • How to make a gift of securities (PDF)

Charitable Trusts - Trusts are one of the most flexible vehicles available for gifting to the Cathedral. You can stipulate how, and where, you would like your gift to be used. In some cases, you can leave a gift to the Cathedral, and an equal amount to your heirs. Most trusts will allow sizable savings on inheritance and estate taxes. Always consult your financial advisers for the details.

Beneficiary Designations – You can make a gift to the church or a “planned gift” to the Endowment Fund without having to retain an attorney to make or amend a will or trust, using a beneficiary designation. With a beneficiary designation, you can make the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund a beneficiary of your bank account; IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) retirement account; brokerage account; donor-advised fund; or insurance policy. The gift becomes effective after your death, and it can be for a specific amount or a percentage amount.

Life Income Gifts – When you give through a charitable gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust, or a pooled income fund, you or your designated beneficiary receives income for life, after which Christ Church Cathedral receives your gift.

Christ Church Cathedral is providing this information for your consideration only. Before taking any of the suggested actions above, consult with your financial advisor, tax accountant,

Need More Help?

If we’ve left you with unanswered questions, contact Minister for Stewardship Karen Kraycirik (713-590-3338).

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Karen Kraycirik
Chief Operating Officer & Minister for Stewardship
713-590-3338 

    Karen Kraycirik

    Chief Operating Officer & Minister for Stewardship
    713-590-3338 |

    Karen was born and raised in Dallas, but after several years in Houston she has come to fully appreciate the Southwest Texas lifestyle and humidity. She studied at the University of Texas at Austin, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2007. Karen began attending services at the Cathedral in 2013, and was baptized and confirmed in the spring of 2014. In previous professional roles, she has developed a broad set of skills with a focus on event planning and customer service. When not at work, Karen enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with her Boston terrier.

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    Christ Church Cathedral • 1117 Texas Avenue • Houston, Texas 77002-3183
    Phone: 713-222-2593 • Clergy and Staff • Support Cathedral Ministries
    Emergency pastoral care line (nights and weekends only) 713-826-5332
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    Christ Church Cathedral
    1117 Texas Avenue
    Houston, TX 77002

    Contact Us
    713-222-2593

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    Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral. We are glad to welcome you to this diverse and vibrant community of faith. Since 1839, we have been a witness to downtown Houston through worship, learning and loving service. We hope that you’ll find inspired preaching, teaching, and worship, and become part of our Cathedral community.

    The Cathedral is open and affirming for people of all races, ages, socio-economic statuses, sexual orientations, and gender identities. Whoever you are, and whatever your story, you are welcome to know God and one another here.

    We’re glad you’re here and we would love to hear from you. At the Cathedral, all are welcome. Please introduce yourself by filling out our virtual welcome card. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at 713-222-2593.

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    Stewardship and Giving: Support Cathedral Ministries

    Generously responding to God’s gifts is a reflection of spirituality and recognition that we are the stewards of his bounty. It is a way of life — something we do day in and day out.

    There are many ways to make financial gifts to support the ministries, pastoral care, education, vitality, and growth of Christ Church Cathedral. We are grateful to donors who graciously make one-time gifts, annual pledges, ongoing planned giving, and who find other ways to offer their help forwarding the work of our ministries.

    Learn more about how you can get involved and support the Cathedral, or offer your time as a volunteer.

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