THE NEXT GENERATION making a big difference in little ways
What’s Inside
Board of Directors
John Borgen, Richfield, WI
President and CEO
Kristen Mueller, Greenfield, WI
Corporate Secretary
Sandra Dempsey, Milwaukee, WI
Mike Giffhorn, New Berlin, WI
Coral Grout, Winchendon, MA
Joe Kopinski, Greenfield, WI
Al Lorge, Cedarburg, WI
Lisa Mick, Fond du Lac, WI
Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas New Brighton, MN
Susan Obermiller, Green Bay, WI
Bill O’Toole, Pleasant Prairie, WI
Jeff Tilley, Franklin, WI
Spiritual Director
Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki Milwaukee, WI
President’s Message
This has been a year of transformation for Catholic Financial Life. In March, we established the Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands—which includes Catholic Financial Life—launching the “NextGen” fraternal benefit society.
Our vision is to be the innovative leader in fraternal partnerships and consolidation while growing existing business, and engaging more people to enjoy financially secure, purposeful lives.
But we’re not growing just for the sake of growing.
We’re growing to help families financially secure their futures.
We’re growing to enhance quality of life and have a greater impact on the communities where our members live.
And we’re growing to pass our tradition of serving God by serving others to the next generation.
In this issue of Radiant Life, you’ll find updates about what we’ve accomplished toward achieving our vision, including welcoming Woman’s Life Insurance Society in Port Huron, Michigan, to the family of brands in September; and how we expect to complete the merger of Catholic United Financial with Trusted Fraternal Life in January 2025.
The Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands exists to make a difference in the lives of our members, their families, and the community. What we’ve accomplished in 2024 is a testament to our purpose and commitment.
We’re just getting started, and I’m excited for the future as we continue to build the NextGen fraternal benefit society.
Thank you for your membership. It is our privilege to serve you.
God Bless,
The Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands exists to make a difference in the lives of our members, their families, and the community.
John T. Borgen President and CEO
Mensaje del Presidente
Este ha sido un año de transformación para Catholic Financial Life. En marzo establecimos la familia de marcas Trusted Fraternal Life, que incluye a Catholic Financial Life, y lanzamos la sociedad de beneficio fraterno “NextGen.”
Nuestra visión es ser el líder innovador en sociedades fraternas y en consolidación, mientras expandimos nuestro negocio y despertamos el interés de más personas que desean disfrutar de vidas significativas y con seguridad financiera.
Pero no estamos creciendo simplemente por crecer.
Estamos creciendo para ayudar a más familias obtener seguridad financiera para sus futuros.
Estamos creciendo para mejorar la calidad de vida y tener un mayor impacto en las comunidades en las que viven nuestros miembros.
Y estamos creciendo para pasar nuestra tradición de servir a Dios al servir a los demás a la próxima generación.
En esta edición de Radiant Lif e, encontrarás novedades sobre lo que hemos logrado para alcanzar nuestra visión, como dar la bienvenida a Woman’s Life Insurance Society en Port Huron, Michigan, a la
Un mensaje de gratitud
Conforme el otoño se despliega ante mi ventana y se aproxima el día de Acción de Gracias, me encuentro reflexionando sobre las cosas por las que estoy agradecido.
No es una coincidencia, ya que la Ley Canónica me obligó a presentar mi carta de retiro al papa cuando cumplí los 75 años, en marzo de 2024, después de servir 14 años como arzobispo de Milwaukee.
He estado viviendo en la plenitud de los dirección de Dios desde mi niñez. Sentí el llamado de Dios cuando era un niño pequeño. Recuerdo haber estado con mi familia y amigos después de misa un domingo. Un vecino me preguntó qué quería ser de mayor. Iba pasando un sacerdote, lo señalé y dije con valentía: “Querio ser eso”, señalandolo volvi a decir: “Eso es lo que quiero ser. En retrospectiva, fue un momento que marcó el inicio de mi camino de vida en devoción a Dios a través del sacerdocio.
San Pablo nos enseña en Filipenses 1:18-26 que, en todas las cosas, lo importante es que Cristo sea proclamado. Él está luchando con deseos contradictorios; uno es el de estar con Cristo, el otro es el de permanecer con la gente. Siento una gran cercanía con San Pablo cuando expresa sus pensamientos resumidos sobre ese dilema en el versículo 25:
Tengo la plena confianza de que me quedaré y permaneceré junto a todos ustedes, para que progresen y se alegren en la fe...
familia de marcas en septiembre; y cómo prevemos concluir la fusión de Catholic United Financial con Trusted Fraternal Life en enero de 2025.
La familia de marcas Trusted Fraternal Life existe para marcar una diferencia en las vidas de nuestros miembros, de sus familias y de la comunidad; lo que logramos en 2024 es testimonio de nuestro propósito y compromiso.
Apenas estamos empezando, y me entusiasma que en el futuro seguiremos construyendo la sociedad de beneficio fraterno NextGen.
Gracias por tu membresía. Servirte es un privilegio.
Que Dios te bendiga,
John T. Borgen
Presidente
y director general
No es consecuencia en dónde me coloca Dios o lo que ocurra en mi vida; mi propósito es compartir el amor de Cristo y su iglesia con todos aquellos con quienes me encuentre. Y en ese propósito, me siento muy agradecido.
Agradezco dirigir la Arquidiócesis de Milwaukee; los fieles me acompañan en todos los desafíos y las celebraciones.
Agradezco las docenas de personas de fe que me reciben con alegría en sus familias; constantemente me inspiran.
Y agradezco poder servir como su asesor espiritual; su servicio a los demás es testimonio de mi lema episcopal: La vida es Cristo.
Como seguidores de Cristo, somos un pueblo agradecido y nuestra gratitud fluye de la alegría que encontramos a través de nuestra fe.
Ruego que las palabras de las Santas Escrituras penetren en su corazón y los inspiren a vivir momentos de reflexión sobre su propósito de vida y de gratitud a Dios por su dirección.
Por favor, sepa que permanecerá en mis oraciones y en mi corazón mientras juntos seguimos el mandamiento de Jesús de amarnos unos a otros.
Que Dios los bendiga y los guarde.
Muy Reverendo Jerome E. Listecki Arzobispo de Milwaukee Director espiritual de Catholic Financial Life
A Message of Gratitude
As autumn unfolds outside my window and Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on the things for which I am grateful.
It’s no coincidence, since Canon Law required me to submit my retirement letter to the Pope when I turned 75 in March of 2024, after serving 15 years as the Archbishop of Milwaukee.
I have been living in the fulfillment of God’s direction since my childhood. I felt God’s calling when I was just a very young boy. I remember being with my family and friends after Church on a Sunday. A neighbor asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. A priest was passing by, and I pointed to him and boldly said, “I want to be that,” pointing to the priest, and said again, “That’s what I want to be.” Looking back, it was a moment that marked the beginning of my life’s journey of devotion to God through the priesthood.
Saint Paul teaches in Philippians 1:18-26 that in all things, what’s important is that Christ is being proclaimed. He’s struggling with competing desires; one is to be with Christ, the other is to remain with the people. I feel a kinship with Saint Paul as he delivers his summary thought concerning this quandary in verse 25:
And this I know with confidence, that I shall remain and continue in the service of all of you for your progress and joy in the faith ...
It’s of no consequence where God plants me or what happens in my life; my purpose is to share the love of Christ and his Church with everyone I encounter. And for that purpose, I am very grateful.
I’m grateful to lead the Archdiocese of Milwaukee—the faithful walk alongside me through every challenge and celebration.
I’m grateful for the scores of faith-filled people who welcome me into their families—they continually inspire me.
And I’m grateful to serve as your spiritual advisor—your service to others is a witness of my Episcopal motto: Life is Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are a grateful people, and our gratitude flows from the joy found through our faith.
I pray that these words of Sacred Scripture will penetrate your heart and inspire you to moments of reflection on the purpose of your life and with gratitude to God for his direction.
Please know, you will remain in my prayers and heart as together we follow Jesus’ commandment to Love One Another.
God bless you and keep you,
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki Archbishop of Milwaukee Catholic Financial Life, Spiritual Director
It’s of no consequence where God plants me or what happens in my life; my purpose is to share the love of Christ and his Church with everyone I encounter. And in that purpose, I am very grateful.
Live Confidently in Retirement with Guaranteed Income
Creating a guaranteed income stream is important to consider as people plan for retirement, as well as for individuals who are already in retirement, to ensure that they do not outlive their savings. One way to accomplish this is with an annuity.
But what exactly is an annuity and who should consider one?
What is an annuity?
In technical terms, an annuity is a contractual obligation between an individual and a life insurance company where the individual makes a series of payments or one-time payment to the company in exchange for regular payments over the lifetime of the individual.
In simpler terms, an annuity can be compared to social security. Americans pay Social Security over many years through FICA contributions and then receive a benefit for the rest of their lives when they retire. Annuities offer the same comfort of receiving a guaranteed income over a lifetime.
Why consider an annuity?
There are several appealing features to the purchase of an annuity.
First, annuities are protected against market risk. No matter what is happening in the market, with a fixed-rate guaranteed annuity the rate of return is guaranteed.
Another appealing feature is that in an age of fewer pensions offered by employers, an annuity is like funding an individual pension. Annuity payments provide dependable income that can supplement Social Security or can provide a bridge to Social Security in early retirement.
Another feature is the IRS provides a major tax advantage where the growth of the annuity in the accumulation phase is tax deferred, meaning it’s not subject to federal income tax. This feature may be more or less attractive based on the tax rate for long-term capital gains.
But perhaps the most attractive feature of an annuity is it solves the potential risk of outliving savings and other assets in retirement. A simple illustration can explain how outliving financial resources could happen. If an individual has $300,000 and plans to take out $25,000 per year, that person would exhaust assets in 12 years.
But an annuity can be guaranteed to pay for the lifetime of the individual, providing peace of mind and confidence in retirement. In essence, an annuity allows you to create your own paycheck.
Catholic Financial Life is here to help
With every stage of life there are financial concerns to consider. Ultimately, an annuity is the only financial product that can provide an individual with a guaranteed lifetime income.
To inquire about Catholic Financial Life’s annuities, contact your representative or call Insurance Solutions at (800) 965-2547.
Advantages of an Annuity to help build a comfortable retirement fund:
• Guaranteed regular payments for a lifetime
• Confidence an individual won’t outlive financial resources
• Money in an annuity grows tax-deferred
• Protection against volatile markets
• Fixed annuities offer guaranteed rates of return
• Annuities can be structured to meet individual needs
• Option to designate a survivor or spouse for benefits
• Option to pay a death payout to a beneficiary
To learn more about annuities, go to the Financial Wellness Hub—a free benefit to all members. You can access the Financial Wellness Hub at cfl.org/myaccounts when you log in or set up a new account. Be sure to check out the Annuity Series in the Retirement Planning section.
Vive una jubilación tranquila con ingresos garantizados
Es importante que las personas que planean su jubilación, así como quienes ya están jubilados, planeen un flujo de ingresos garantizados para asegurarse de que sus ahorros duren hasta el final de sus vidas. Una manera de lograrlo es con una anualidad.
Pero, ¿exactamente qué es una anualidad y quiénes deben considerarla?
¿Qué es una anualidad?
En términos técnicos, una anualidad es una obligación contractual entre una persona y una compañía de seguros de vida, en la que la persona hace una serie de depósitos o hace un pago único a la compañía a cambio de recibir pagos regulares durante toda su vida.
En términos más sencillos, una anualidad puede compararse con el seguro social. Los estadounidenses pagan al seguro social a lo largo de muchos años, por medio de sus contribuciones de FICA, y después reciben un beneficio por el resto de sus vidas cuando se jubilan. Las anualidades ofrecen la misma comodidad de recibir un ingreso garantizado durante toda la vida.
¿Por qué considerar una anualidad?
La contratación de una anualidad tiene varias características atractivas.
En primer lugar, las anualidades están protegidas contra los riesgos del mercado. Con una anualidad de tasa fija garantizada, la persona conoce con certeza la cantidad que recibirá durante el resto de su vida, sin importar lo que ocurra en el mercado.
Otra característica atractiva es que, en una era en que los empleadores ofrecen menos pensiones, una anualidad es similar a financiar una pensión individual. Los pagos de las anualidades ofrecen un ingreso confiable que puede suplementar al seguro social o puede servir como puente hasta recibir el seguro social, en caso de jubilarse de manera anticipada.
Otra característica es que el IRS ofrece una importante ventaja tributaria con la que el aumento de la anualidad, en la fase de acumulación, tiene impuestos diferidos, lo que significa que no está sujeto al impuesto sobre la renta federal. Esto puede ser más atractivo o menos atractivo, dependiendo de la tasa de impuestos para las ganancias de capital a largo plazo.
Pero quizá la característica más atractiva de una anualidad es que resuelve el riesgo potencial de vivir más tiempo de jubilación del que pueden cubrir los ahorros y otros activos. Una sencilla ilustración puede explicar cómo es posible agotar los recursos financieros. Si una persona tiene $300,000 y planea retirar $25,000 por año, esa persona agotaría sus recursos en 12 años. Pero con una anualidad se garantiza el pago durante toda la vida de la persona, lo que brinda tranquilidad y confianza en la jubilación.
En Catholic Financial Life estamos listos para ayudar
En cada etapa de la vida hay problemas financieros por enfrentar. Finalmente, una anualidad es el único producto financiero que puede ofrecer un ingreso garantizado de por vida a la persona.
Para preguntar por las anualidades de Catholic Financial Life, consulta a tu representante o llama a Soluciones de Seguros al teléfono (800) 965-2547.
Ventajas de una anualidad para ayudar a crear un fondo de jubilación cómodo:
• Pagos regulares garantizados de por vida
• Seguridad de que la persona no agotará sus recursos financieros
• El dinero de la anualidad se acumula con impuestos diferidos
• Protección contra los mercados volátiles
• Las anualidades fijas ofrecen tasas de retorno garantizadas
• Las anualidades pueden estructurarse para satisfacer necesidades individuales
• Opción de designar a un sobreviviente o cónyuge que reciba beneficios
• Opción de hacer un pago por fallecimiento a un beneficiario
Para ver más información sobre las anualidades, visita Financial Wellness Hub, un beneficio gratuito para todos nuestros miembros. Puedes visitar el Financial Wellness Hub en cfl.org/myaccounts cuando inicies sesión o abras una nueva cuenta. Recuerda consultar la serie sobre anualidades en la sección de Retirement Planning.
Don’t Miss These Benefits & Opportunities
As a member of Catholic Financial Life, you have access to value-added member benefits for you and your family, including scholarships, educational resources, contests, and family-friendly activities at discounted prices.
Visit cfl.org/memberbenefits for a complete list of member benefits.
Give Back to Catholic School Teachers
In honor of Catholic Schools Week, it’s time to once again nominate a favorite Catholic school teacher for his or her dedication to helping transform the lives of students.
Catholic school teachers help prepare the next generation for future success and reinforce Catholic values that can help children mature into Christ-like people. Teachers help students live their faith beyond the walls of school buildings and navigate the intersection of faith and culture. So much of what teachers do has a profound impact on the lives of students!
Help us recognize the best of the best by nominating a teacher. The top three teachers will receive a $500 cash prize and their school will receive a $4,000 donation!
Contest winners are announced near the time of Catholic Schools Week, January 26-February 1 and are featured in the 2025 spring Radiant Life magazine.
Nominations are due Friday, January 3, 2025. Visit cfl.org/givebackcontest to submit a nomination and for additional details.
Thank you to Catholic Financial Life for recognizing Catholic teachers who love to come to work each day. We purchased a new commercial dishwasher for our school’s lunch program, a practical but very much needed item we use daily.—Dawn Ihry
Apply for Scholarships
Every year Catholic Financial Life offers tuition scholarships for members who are students in elementary school through college.
Members attending a Catholic grade school are eligible for $200, Catholic high school $500, and any college or university $500 or $1,000 depending upon whether a member attends a two-year or four-year institution.
Over the last five years, more than $1.1 million has been awarded to nearly 3,000 members!
The deadline for the 2025-26 school year is March 31, 2025. Visit cfl.org/scholarship for additional qualification information and application details.
2024 Give Back Contest Winner, Teacher Dawn Ihry, St. Catherine Elementary School, Valley City, ND
Protect Your Pet
A new pet care benefit can help safeguard your furry friend’s health with a 10% off benefit for members. Carefree Pet offers an array of resources and discounts to ensure your pet receives the best care possible. There are three comprehensive plans tailored to meet the unique needs of your furry friend.
Benefits can include:
• Access to unlimited vet support
• Affordable pet insurance options
• Innovative ID tags
• Bundled discounts on pet-care essentials
• Furniture repair and replacement
Visit pet.carefreesavings.com/cfl to fetch your quote and get started today.
Get Answers to Financial Questions
Take control of your financial future with educational tools that will help you make wise financial decisions for you and your family.
The Financial Wellness Hub is a free member benefit that showcases educational material on virtually every financial topic there is … from life insurance and annuities, to loans and investments, to financial planning and retirement, and everything in between.
With easy-to-understand videos, articles and financial tools, you can gain the knowledge you need to confidently make financial decisions.
Access the Financial Wellness Hub at cfl.org/myaccount to log in or set up an account.
Sign-Up for Advent Devotionals
Advent marks the season of preparation encompassing the four Sundays leading up to the celebration of Christmas.
Sign up now to receive daily Advent reflections to help keep the season Christ-centered at cfl.org/advent. And feel free to encourage others who might enjoy reflecting on the celebration of the birth of Jesus this Advent season.
Find the Radiant Cross
There are seven hidden black Radiant Crosses throughout the magazine, just like the one you see here. Correctly identify the location of at least four of the crosses and we’ll enter you in a drawing to receive a $25 gift card. Please note: the Radiant Cross above doesn’t count!
Submit your answers:
cfl.org/radiantcrossgame
Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, email address and the locations of the Radiant Crosses. Good luck. The submission deadline is January 20.
You can continue to receive the Radiant Life magazine in the mail or sign up to receive an email with an online link to the magazine. Go to cfl.org/godigital to complete a request.
No te pierdas de estos beneficios y oportunidades
Como miembro de Catholic Financial Life, obtienes acceso a beneficios de valor agregado para ti y tu familia, como becas, recursos educativos, concursos y actividades familiares a precios reducidos.
Visita cfl.org/memberbenefits para obtener una lista completa de los beneficios para miembros.
Retribución a los maestros de escuelas católicas
En honor a la celebración Catholic Schools Week, es hora de nominar nuevamente a un maestro favorito de escuela católica por su dedicación a transformar las vidas de los estudiantes.
Los maestros de escuelas católicas ayudan a preparar a la próxima generación para lograr el éxito en el futuro y reforzar los valores católicos que pueden ayudar a los niños a madurar y actuar como lo haría Cristo. Los maestros ayudan a los estudiantes a vivir su fe mas allá de las instituciones educativas y a recorrer la unión entre la fe y la cultura. ¡Mucho de lo que hacen los maestros genera un gran impacto en las vidas de los estudiantes!
Ayúdanos a darles reconocimiento a los mejores, nominando a un maestro. ¡Los tres maestros más reconocidos recibirán un premio en efectivo de $500 y su escuela recibirá una donación de $4,000!
Los ganadores del concurso se anunciarán cerca de la celebración Catholic Schools Week, entre el 26 de enero y el 1 de febrero, y se publicarán en la revista Radiant Life en la edición de primavera del 2025.
2024 Give Back Contest Teacher, Laurie Wagner, Holy Family Catholic School, Brillion, WI
Las nominaciones cierran el viernes, 3 de enero del 2025. Visita cfl.org/givebackcontest para enviar una nominación y más detalles.
Aplica a una beca
Todos los años, Catholic Financial Life brinda becas de colegiaturas para los miembros que son estudiantes de escuelas primarias hasta la universidad.
Los miembros que asisten a una escuela primaria católica son elegibles para recibir $200, $500 si es una escuela secundaria católica y $500 o $1,000 si es cualquier universidad, dependiendo de si el miembro asiste a una institución de un programa de dos o cuatro años.
Durante los últimos cinco años, se otorgaron más de $1.1 millones a casi 3,000 miembros
El plazo para el año escolar 2025-26 cierran el 31 de marzo del 2025. Visita cfl.org/scholarship para obtener más información acerca de la calificación y los datos de la solicitud.
Protege a tu mascota
Un nuevo beneficio para el cuidado de tu mascota puede ser una protección para la salud de tu adorable amiguito con un descuento del 10% para los miembros. Carefree Pet brinda una variedad de recursos y descuentos para asegurarte de que tu mascota reciba el mejor cuidado posible. Existen tres programas integrales personalizados para cumplir con las necesidades únicas de tu adorable amiguito.
Los beneficios pueden incluir:
• Acceso ilimitado a asistencia veterinaria
• Opciones asequibles de seguros para mascotas
• Placas de identificación innovadoras
• Descuentos combinados en elementos básicos para el cuidado de tu mascota
• Reparación y sustitución de muebles para animales
Visita pet.carefreesavings.com/cfl para pedir un estimado y comenzar hoy mismo.
Obtén las respuestas a las preguntas financieras
Toma control de tu futuro financiero con herramientas educativas que te ayudarán a tomar decisiones financieras inteligentes para ti y tu familia.
El Financial Wellness Hub es un beneficio gratuito para los miembros que muestra material educativo sobre prácticamente cualquier tema financiero que haya... desde seguro de vida y anualidades, pasando por préstamos e inversiones, hasta planificación financiera y jubilación, y todo lo que se necesita en el camino.
Con videos fáciles de entender, artículos y herramientas financieras, puedes aprender todo lo que necesitas para tomar decisiones financieras con confianza. ¡Y todo disponible en español!
Accede al Financial Wellness Hub en cfl.org/myaccount para iniciar sesión o configurar una cuenta.
Regístrate para recibir devocionales de Adviento
El Adviento marca el período de preparación que abarca los cuatro domingos previos a la celebración de Navidad.
Regístrate ahora en cfl.org/advent y recibe las reflexiones diarias sobre el Adviento para que tus días festivos se enfoquen en Cristo. No dudes en invitar a aquellas personas que podrían disfrutar reflexionando sobre la celebración del nacimiento de Jesús durante el Adviento.
Encuentra el ícono de Radiant Cross
Hay siete íconos negros de Radiant Cross ocultos en toda la revista, como el que ves aquí. Identifica correctamente la ubicación de al menos cuatro de los íconos y participa en una rifa para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $25. ¡Recuerda que el ícono de Radiant Cross de esta página no cuenta!
Radiant Cross Game
Catholic Financial Life
Attn: Marketing
1100 W. Wells St. Milwaukee, WI 53233 cfl.org/radiantcrossgame
Asegúrate de incluir tu nombre, domicilio, número de teléfono, dirección de correo electrónico y la ubicación de los íconos de Radiant Cross. ¡Buena suerte! La fecha límite es el 20 de enero.
Envia tus respuestas: Versión digital
Puedes seguir recibiendo la revista Radiant Life por correo postal o registrarte para recibir por correo electrónico el enlace a la revista en línea. Visita cfl.org/godigital para completar la solicitud.
What’s Happening at Catholic Financial Life
Catholic Financial Life is Number 1 in Social Responsibility and Celebrates 11 Consecutive Years as a Top Workplace
Catholic Financial Life is the first and only company in Southeast Wisconsin to receive the top award for social responsibility and has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel for 11 years straight.
The Social Responsibility Award recognizes one company with an outstanding record of community outreach. Catholic Financial Life made a multimilliondollar charitable impact in 2023, with over $1.6 million raised and donated to local nonprofits and over 78,000 hours volunteered for local charities by members.
Catholic Financial Life stands out among companies for continued commitment to serve the community.
Ballpark Day of Faith
Catholic Financial Life was proud to be the presenting sponsor for the 14th Annual Brewers Ballpark Day of Faith held on June 14 at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Celebrating Mass and tailgating with more than 1,200 believers at a Milwaukee Brewers game was a wonderful way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Catholic United Financial Announces Intent to Join the Family of Brands
Catholic United Financial (CUF) and Catholic Financial Life have been collaborating on various initiatives for many years, so it’s a natural next step and a reinforcement of shared values for CUF to announce its intent to become a brand of Trusted Fraternal Life (TFL).
Delegates for CUF voted 137-6 in favor of the merger at the Triennal Conference on September 14. The TFL Board unanimously voted to approve the merger on September 24.
The merger is expected to take effect January 1, 2025. The result will be an organization with nearly $3 billion in assets and over 215,000 members.
It’s Official: Woman’s Life Insurance Society Joins the Family of Brands
Woman’s Life officially became a brand of TFL on September 1, joining Catholic Financial Life and Degree of Honor in the family of brands.
The merger of Woman’s Life with TFL represents a significant milestone toward building the NextGen fraternal benefit society, serving more “Main Street” families, and making an even greater community impact across the country.
Coming Soon!
The 2025 Fraternal Celebration is officially on the books for September 26-28 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This celebration promises to be like no other as members from every Trusted Fraternal Life brand will gather together.
The family of brands includes Catholic Financial Life, Woman’s Life, Degree of Honor and Catholic United Financial, pending regulatory approval. With well-known speakers and entertainers, local talent, and sessions with leaders from each brand, we will celebrate the ties that bind us into a collective force for good. And how together, we are building the NextGen fraternal benefit society.
John Borgen, President and CEO, Trusted Fraternal Life, and Mike Ahles, President, CEO and Board Chair of Catholic United Financial.
Serving God Through Serving Others
We want to feature your chapter activity in the Radiant Life magazine and on social media, please email high-quality photos and a descriptive write-up to memberengagement@cfl.org.
Chapter WI16 - Green Bay, WI, provided a generous donation of new books and shelves to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School library and these kindergartners are grateful!
houses
Chapter N443 - Hardwick, VT, held a Rosary and May Crowning at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church and had the large statue outside of the church professionally cleaned before the event.
Chapters 151 - Kenosha, 202 - Racine, and 278Paris, WI, partnered with Kenosha Sport Fishing and Conservation Association for a Kids Fishing Clinic, offering kids and families a chance to learn about the importance of fishing, conservation and the local environment. The chapter also collected $525 in donations that were matched by Catholic Financial Life to be used for continuous funding of events.
Chapter WI09 - Chilton, WI, built bluebird
from scratch and installed them at Becker Lake County Park in Calumet County, WI.
Chapter N442 - Somerset, MA, collected more than $2,000 worth of toiletries and socks for the Veterans Association of Bristol County following weekend masses at Our Lady of Peace Parish.
Chapter NO91 - Manchester, NH, participated in a safety workshop where they learned about how to recognize imminent danger and to de-escalate dangerous situations.
Chapter 120 - Watertown/Jefferson, WI, hosted a dinner for Rainbow Community Care and donated $500 to benefit the organization’s mission to support patients and families through their journeys with aging and serious illness.
Chapter 11 - Wisconsin Rapids/ Stevens Point, WI, participated in a fundraiser to support 4-year-old Josephine H. who has B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. With support from the community, more than $2,000 was raised to assist Josephine’s family.
Chapter 150 - Neillsville, WI, assisted with a fundraiser to support the family of an eighth grader who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Catholic Financial Life provided matching funds.
Making a Difference in the Community
We want to share your accomplishments and thoughts with other members. Send your details and high-quality photos to memberengagement@cfl.org.
In Memory of Martha Thiel A Lifetime of Service
For the family, friends, and members of Chapter WI09 - Chilton, Wisconsin, Martha Thiel was a shining example of what a life of service looks like.
Community was at the heart of Martha’s life as she helped lead her chapter for nearly 50 years. She received The Catholic Family Life Insurance Fraternalist Award in 1987. And in 2016, she received The Catholic Financial Life Fraternal Dedication Award for serving as secretary and treasurer for 40 years. She then stayed on another eight years as a chapter activity coordinator.
Martha was also a member of Catholic Family Life Insurance and Catholic Knights prior to their merger. Her husband, Melvin, was an officer in the Catholic Knights Jericho chapter while Martha served in the Catholic Family Chilton chapter. In total, Martha was a member of Catholic Financial Life for 84 years!
Mom would always say, ‘the more you give, the more you get back.’
“My parents set a wonderful example of giving back to the community,” said daughter Lori Werbeckes. “They shared their talents exhibiting and working at the county fair, leading local organizations, and volunteering.”
Martha was also heavily involved in the Knitting Ministry. She crocheted thousands of baby caps and towels that were either donated to local community organizations and hospitals or given as gifts to people who visited her on the family’s dairy farm.
Daughter Betty Halpern remembers Martha’s words of wisdom, “Mom would always say, ‘the more you give, the more you get back.’”
Martha passed away earlier this year at the age of 99, just a few months shy of her 100th birthday. “We will miss our friend,” said Diane Greuel, current Chilton chapter secretary and treasurer.
Martha is presented with the Fraternal Dedication Award in 2016 by Sally Krochalk, Director of Member Engagement.
Celebrating Our Members
Chapter celebrates historic membership anniversaries
Chapter 261 - Cross Plains, WI, celebrated one 25-year, one 50-year, and six 75-year membership anniversaries with Mass and dinner for 32 people. Congratulations to all the members who were honored.
Brothers Glenn and Harold Schlimgen receive a statue of the Blessed Virgin in celebration of their 75-year anniversaries with Catholic Financial Life.
Words of Thanks Scholarship Winners
Dear Scholarship Committee
Dear Catholic Financial,
Thank you so much for awarding me the $1,000 college scholarship. This blessing will help me as I achieve my goal of becoming a physical therapist. I truly appreciate the financial help.
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the Catholic Financial Life scholarship. I am honored to be selected as a recipient, and am so grateful for your generous gift and support. I am committed to making the most of this opportunity, and giving back to the Catholic community in the future, just as you have done for me. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Brian
God bless
Mia
Thank you for the financial aid toward my Catholic education. Having the opportunity to go to a school that puts faith above all is a blessing in itself. The help that you have given me has allowed that blessing to be in my life. This scholarship will have a positive impact on my life. I pray that health and joy may always be with you.
Claire
Do Good Things
Jesus calls us to a life that values and serves others. There are endless opportunities to perform acts of service in your community once you start to look for them. Here are some recent Impact Team initiatives to inspire you!
Being a small private school, there isn’t always a lot of extra funds, but something as small as the idea of our Sunshine Cart can make a huge impact. —Ashley A.
Spreading Kindness
When you do good things, the positive impact spreads and can inspire others—and in this case, the next generation! Madisyn, Cooper and Collin are young students from a small town in Wisconsin who wanted to find a way to spread kindness and brighten the days of their teachers at their Catholic school. With a little help from their parents and a few quick searches on Pinterest, they came up with the idea of creating a Sunshine Cart!
“The kids loved the idea of a Sunshine Cart and were excited to surprise the teachers,” said the kids’ mom, Ashley. “We picked random days and incorporated fun themes to do each month.”
The Sunshine Cart was filled with snacks, drinks and school supplies for teachers and staff. Themes included were “Orange You Glad its Friday?” and “Root Beer Floats.” The kids took turns pushing the cart through the school halls and were thrilled to see the faces in the classrooms light up when they arrived.
“I loved visiting each of the teachers with the Sunshine Cart and seeing them smile!” said Cooper.
The Sunshine Cart was such a success that it continues this school year, with other families signing up to coordinate it each month.
Organize Your Own Impact Team! Let us help you do good things in your community. Gather a team to put on a service project or fundraiser. We’ll provide the resources you need to get started, t-shirts and $150 in seed money. Then you and your Impact Team can get busy doing good things. Go to cfl.org/impactteams for service ideas and information on how to get started.
Since presenting quilts to more than 150 veterans, other areas have reached out to learn how they might host such an event!—Linda M.
Honor Quilts for Veterans
With the help of local quilt groups and two church groups, members and volunteers from Whitehall, WI, spent 18 months sewing more than 200 lap-size, patriotic quilts that were gifted to local veterans during a Flag Day presentation.
Always fun to help others and garden. —Kenneth G.
Where Love Grows
This Impact Team from Stevens Point, WI, bought plants, seeds and tools and spent the day teaching people in their community gardening skills. Extra vegetables will be shared with the local food pantry.
We sold 30 arrangements and raised $600 for our local pregnancy resource center!
—Anne N.
Flowers for Moms and Love for Life
This Impact Team honored moms by arranging and selling bouquets on Mother’s Day at their church in Waunakee, WI.
Two Butts are Better Than One, Averi B.
My little sister and our dog raced to the window when the doorbell rang. They wanted to know who was there. I grabbed my camera and this is the shot I got.
This image sets the stage for multiple interpretations, the mark of a good story-telling photograph.—Joe G.
A Gift Under the Tree, Celia C.
God’s best gift, the perfect kitty!
As sweet and innocent as this Christmas scene seems, the photograph sets the stage for what is surely going to be some feline mischief.—Joe G.
Karma My Horse, Audi F.
This is Karma! Karma is 15 years old. I bought her in 2022! She is a grey mare which is a girl horse. Her breed is a Pintabian. She has a pink nose. She loves treats and would love to be on a calendar so that everyone can see how pretty she is!
Straightforward and bold, the image shows the simple beauty and power of one of God’s most majestic creatures.—Joe G.
The Joseph E. Gadbois “God Bless America” photo contest is an annual event that recognizes the photo skills of both members and non-members. The contest honors Joe’s 41-year career with Catholic Financial Life. This year’s theme was “Our Furry, Feathery, Finny Friends.” Nearly 50 entries were received and judged on quality, composition and alignment with the theme. First-place winners won a $75 gift card, second-place winners a $50 gift card, and third-place winners a $25 gift card.
Feeding Love
Kristen M.
Feeding a pony an evening snack. Making it feel loved and adding joy to a little girl’s day.
A dreamlike quality adds poetic beauty to this simple, yet elegant moment of love and caring.—Joe G.
A Boy and His Dog | Amy H.
Our son Henry is autistic and he was deathly afraid of dogs. When we got Toby, Henry could see what a gentle creature he was, and he no longer had any fears. Sadly, Toby died this past month at the age of 12. But we know his time on earth is a reminder of God’s presence and goodness in gifting animals to our care.
This photo radiates unbounded tenderness and understanding that the viewer is lucky to be part of.—Joe G.
Furry Feathery Standoff | Vickie E.
Two kittens meeting a chicken and having a standoff, which ended up with the kittens and chickens living harmoniously in the chicken coop, by God’s grace.
This captures a moment in time that entices the viewer to imagine the next scene.—Joe G.
Congratulations to the winners!
1100 W. Wells Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FINANCIAL FUTURE
with a Member Benefit
No matter your age or stage of life, making wise financial decisions just got easier. As a Catholic Financial Life member, you have free access to a member benefit—the Financial Wellness Hub—where we put you in the driver’s seat to learn how to make wise financial decisions.
With easy-to-understand videos and articles, topics range from life insurance and annuities, to loans and investments, to financial planning and retirement, and everything in between!
We’ll help you gain the financial knowledge you need to confidently make financial decisions for you and your family.
To access the Financial Wellness Hub, go to cfl.org/myaccount to log in or set up a new account. Or scan the QR code below.