Monsignor Memorializes Brother With IRA Contribution

Msgr. William Belford

Msgr. William Belford has been Pastor of Saint Teresa Church in Staten Island for ten years. Before that, he was Chancellor and Vicar for Clergy for the Archdiocese. He lived in the Cardinal’s Residence and offered Mass each day in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. He was asked about his recent IRA contribution to the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Landmark Restoration.

“It is such a privilege to be a priest of New York, not only to be ordained in St. Patrick’s Cathedral but to come here for a Mass or visit several times a year. I lived through the construction phase of the project and rejoice in the magnificent result. Now, I am glad to make a significant contribution from my IRA to its [St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s] upkeep, and also to honor the memory of my brother Paul who died three years ago from cancer, and to have his name and mine together on one of the pews.”

Msgr. Belford explained how this naming possibility came about. “Every donation is important and, ultimately, is given to God. Any amount is appreciated according to a person’s means. But many large gifts are necessary for a huge project like this one. Memorials and thanks are human traditions that have served many communities. For me, the wisest way to give was through charitable IRA distribution.”

A very meaningful possibility that is available now, for the present and future of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, is for a donor to make a planned gift to the Saint Patrick’s Cathedral Landmark Renovation Project and to have a name inscribed on the side of a pew in the Cathedral. Please contact the Planned Giving Office at 646-794-3317 or Planned.Giving@archny.org to learn more.