Parishioner memorializes husband through unique insurance policy.
Katina Turner, parishioner of St. Pius X Parish, Edgewood, Kentucky, presented a check for $50,000 to her pastor, Father Baiju Kidaagen, in memory of her husband, Thomas, to be used to increase accessibility to the church by equipping the front door with an automatic opener. During this Jubilee of Mercy, Mrs. Turner sees this door opener as creating a truly “holy door of mercy” allowing people needing mobility assistance graceful access to the church. “Having pushed Tom in a wheelchair I know how difficult it is to open a door, even for anyone just using a cane,” Mrs. Turner said. The funds for the donation came from Mr. Turner’s life insurance policy with the Catholic Order of Foresters (COF).
COF Agent David Zerhusen said that it is the first time in the Diocese of Covington that COF’s Fraternal Legacy Rider,1 which can be added to several new COF life insurance policies, has been paid out. Mr. Zerhusen said that what he likes most about the Fraternal Legacy Rider is that it allows clients, at no additional cost to them, to also name a qualifying Catholic charity of their choice as a beneficiary. With the purchase of a life insurance policy of $50,000 or more, the Fraternal Legacy Rider will provide an additional five percent of the policy’s initial death benefit to a qualified Catholic charity. Qualifying Catholic charities are charities that are listed in the most current edition of the “Official Catholic Directory Anno Domini.”
“I am not aware of another life insurance company that does this,” said Mr. Zerhusen. “I personally know of several hundreds of thousands of dollars that will be donated someday to many Catholic parishes and organizations throughout the greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region as a result of this initiative.” Mr. Turner, a longtime parishioner at St. Pius X, died July 2, following a seven-year battle with Multiple System Atrophy. Father Baiju said that the sacrifices Mrs. Turner made in caring for her husband and the courage Mr. Turner displayed as he battled his illness were an inspiration to him and the parish.
Father Baiju said that Mr. Turner was an active and beloved member of the parish who was especially active as a leader in the Christ Renews His Parish program. Mr. Turner, by example, inspired people to be active in their faith and in their parish, Father Baiju said. The automated door at St. Pius X will be a physical memorial to Mr. Turner but, as written in his memorial booklet, “Tom’s legacy of love and selflessness will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.”
Baiju to make St. Pius X Parish handicap accessible.
1A rider added to your life insurance policy allowing COF to pay one or more Catholic charities a death benefit on your behalf, in addition to your named beneficiary(ies) receiving their designated death benefit. Eligible death benefit face amount starts at $50,000. Charitable contribution death benefit paid to a Catholic charity(ies) not to exceed $250,000. Not available in all states. Fraternal Legacy Rider forms: ICC17-FLR-UL, FLR-UL17, ICC19-FLR-TRAD, FLR-TRAD-19, FLR-TRAD19-FL. Click here to see terms and conditions.