By Emilie Ng
THEOLOGICAL education for Catholic schoolteachers will be enhanced thanks to a “thoughtful gift” given by a committed Catholic couple in Brisbane.
Dr Felice and Del Zaccari wanted to create a long-lasting positive difference in the lives of students and teachers of Catholic schools.
They approached Brisbane Catholic Education last year with the idea of establishing an endowment fund to assist the next generation of Catholics who will learn from staff that have a “strong theology base”.
In co-operation with Brisbane Catholic Education, the Zaccari Endowment Fund will initially fund at least three scholarships towards a certificate, bachelor degree or Masters of Theology.
Scholarships will be made available later in the year.
Brisbane Catholic Education deputy executive director Kevin Twomey was “delighted” with Dr and Mrs Zaccari’s support for the future of Catholic education.
“This fund will be instrumental in supporting the development of future leaders in Catholic Education in the Archdiocese of Brisbane,” Mr Twomey said.
“At this stage we hope to offer three scholarships for teachers to study theology, and as the fund continues to grows over time, more will be made available.”
The Zaccari Endowment Fund has been set up under the archdiocesan Catholic Foundation, which hosts a group of endowments like the Zaccari Fund that help support the Church’s mission.
The initial gift and earnings are invested for growth and a percentage of the fund will be distributed for charitable purposes each year.
Catholic Foundation director Mary Macuga said the Zaccari’s gift to Catholic education “impacts today, tomorrow and fifty years from now”.
“Their thoughtful gift will become a legacy,” Mrs Macuga
“It will provide a steady stream of funding for theological education for our Catholic school teachers every year.
“We are so very grateful for their generosity.”
Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge also conveyed his sincere gratitude for the Zaccari’s generosity in a personal letter to the couple.
To enquire more about making a gift towards the Zaccari Fund or to learn more about other Endowment Funds please contact Catholic Foundation on 3324 3200.
