Gift Plan Benefits St. Mary's Cemetery

Michael and Sherry Boullion first met in their home state of Louisiana. After marriage and college, their journey eventually took them north to Connecticut, where Mike worked for Knights of Columbus Insurance. With 35+ years of service, Mike retired as Senior Vice President, Field Management, and looked to move south, closer to family and warm weather.

While researching Florida retirement communities, they discovered Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church. From their very first visit, they knew they had found their spiritual home. "They are so loving at Santa Maria del Mar. I love it!" Sherry said. Recalling the first Mass, she added, "I felt like I was home."

Since retiring in 2016, the Boullions have embraced parish life wholeheartedly. Sherry volunteers in so many ministries that friends affectionately call her the "mayor of the church." Mike is active with the parish's Finance Council, Pastor's Advisory Board, and the Knights of Columbus, having attained the fourth degree - the highest rank in the order. He is also a Past Grand Knight of the Flagler Beach Council.

It was through a Knights service project that they first became aware of St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in nearby Bunnell. "Sherry and I always wanted to be buried in a Catholic cemetery," Mike shared. "The church teaches us to pray for the dead, so we want to make it easier for our family to visit us. St. Mary's is close and beautiful, so we purchased a niche in the columbarium." With a laugh, Mike added, "We're going to be interred underneath our current pastor, Father Manny Lopez."

Their connection to St. Mary's Cemetery grew deeper after attending a Catholic Foundation workshop, where they learned about creating an endowment fund over five annual installments. They decided to establish one to care for the cemetery in perpetuity. "That was very attractive to us." Mike explained, "By using my IRA to make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD), we can give more because of the tax benefits."

Wanting to make an immediate difference as well, they also gave a gift to meet the cemetery's current needs. "We are pleased to know that our gifts will help St. Mary's remain a peaceful, prayerful place for generations to come. God provided us the opportunity to accumulate this money, and we are blessed to share it."