Richard and Kathy Sweers, members of the Light of Christ Legacy Society, share how their faith and service led them to include Catholic Charities West Michigan in their future legacy plans.

Who shows up when no one’s watching? In quiet, consistent ways, both big and small, Richard and Kathy Sweers do.

While some give through financial support and others through acts of service, Richard and Kathy are the kind of couple who feel called to do both.

As members of St. Mary Magdalen Parish in Kentwood, MI, and faithful volunteers with organizations like Catholic Charities West Michigan, the Knights of Columbus, Feeding America, and HELP Pregnancy Aid, the Sweerses have spent years offering their time, talent, and treasure in service to others. Now, as members of the Catholic Foundation’s Light of Christ Legacy Society, they’re ensuring that their generosity will continue to make an impact for generations to come.

“We’ve been so blessed in our lives,” Richard shares with a wide grin.

Now, it’s time for us to pass those blessings on to others.”

Their story is a joyful reminder that faith-filled generosity doesn’t require a certain level of wealth or grand gestures — just a willing heart and a commitment to serving Christ through others.

A Path Lit by Faith

Richard and Kathy’s commitment to giving wasn’t a sudden decision. It’s a way of life that formed steadily over time, shaped by faith and family.

Richard was raised Protestant, but converting to Catholicism at age 20 marked a turning point that continues to guide him. “I just felt called [to Catholicism],” he recalls with clarity. “The conversations I had with friends about the faith really pulled me in. The more I learned, the more it resonated with what I believed about God.”

Kathy was raised Catholic and attended West Catholic High School, forever inspired by her mother’s unwavering devotion, even today, into her mid-90s. That foundation helped shape a faith-filled life that only deepened when she and Richard met.

Their shared devotion would then become the heart of a marriage rooted in service.

Since retiring from a 40-year career in operations and supply chain management, Richard has poured much of his time into volunteering —especially through the Knights of Columbus St. Mary Magdalen Council #16223, where he now serves as programs director and calls it one of the greatest blessings of his life.

Richard and Kathy’s passion for service eventually led them to one ministry in particular that captured their hearts: Catholic Charities’ St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutiques.

“We’ve been so blessed in our lives. Now, it’s time for us to pass those blessings on to others.” RICHARD SWEERSLIGHT OF CHRIST LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBER

A Mission That Speaks to the Heart

While volunteering at God’s Kitchen, another Catholic Charities program, Richard learned about St. Gianna’s No Cost Baby Boutiques: a ministry that provides essentials like diapers, clothing, strollers, and more to new and expecting mothers at no cost. Located in Grand Rapids and Muskegon, the boutiques also provide safety classes, in‑home pregnancy counseling, parent support groups, and connections to other community resources.

As they learned more, Richard and Kathy became deeply connected to the mission — especially its focus on walking with women in vulnerable situations with compassion and dignity.

At the heart of that mission is a belief that every life is sacred, and that supporting women in challenging pregnancies is one of the most powerful ways to live out the faith. “Their goal is to make abortion unthinkable,” Richard explains, referencing St. Gianna Beretta Molla, the boutique’s namesake and the patron saint of mothers and unborn children.

What moved Richard and Kathy most wasn’t just the practicality of the program, but the compassion behind it — how they meet families in moments of uncertainty by offering them tangible, loving support.

In 2024 alone, through personal outreach and collaboration with Knights of Columbus and Women’s Guild members and spouses, the couple helped gather more than $19,000 worth of baby gear and clothing for mothers

and children in need — complementing the broader work of Catholic Charities in the community. “You don’t forget the look on someone’s face when they finally get the clothing they need to keep themselves and their kids warm,” Kathy shares. “It’s humbling, and it makes you want to do more.”

They’ve also noticed that fewer people seem willing to give their time — something they hope to help change through their example.

Richard offers a powerful reframe. “I don’t look at any volunteer event as a job. I always tell people that it’s an adventure. You never know what you’ll experience or who you’ll meet.”

Giving With the Future in Mind

As their involvement with Catholic Charities deepened, Richard and Kathy began to reflect not just on what they were doing now, but on how they could ensure that this work would continue for generations to come.

“So far, we’ve done everything we’ve wanted to do in life,” Richard reflects. “Now it’s time to set something aside for the organizations we care deeply about.”

That mindset ultimately led them to the Catholic Foundation of West Michigan, where they learned about the opportunity to make a legacy gift, a gift from their will or estate. After reading about the Light of Christ Legacy Society in the Foundation’s Generous Hearts newsletter (and learning that longtime friend and Foundation trustee Mary Panek was involved), the idea started to take root.

The Sweerses chose to direct future gifts from their estate plans to Catholic Charities West Michigan in support of St. Gianna’s and the organization’s adoption programs, two causes that align closely with their personal values.

With conviction, Richard shares, “Adoption and St. Gianna’s were two causes we knew we wanted to support.

“Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.” LUKE 6:38

We’ve seen the good they’re already doing, and we’re confident that will continue.”

Through their legacy gift, the couple have ensured that their support will remain a part of that work not just today, but well into the future.

Making Their Blessings Count

Richard and Kathy’s approach to giving is something they simply feel called to do, and scripture has always helped shape that perspective. One of their favorite verses, 2 Corinthians 9:7, reminds them of the heart behind their generosity and that giving should not be determined by compulsion, “for God loves a cheerful giver.”

They also carry with them a belief echoed in Luke 6:38: “Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”

The promise that generosity begets abundance resonates deeply with how Richard and Kathy view legacy giving.

But it’s not just about counting blessings. “We should certainly count our blessings,” Kathy reflects. She glances at Richard, who smiles back with quiet adoration. “But we should also make our blessings count,” she finishes.

Richard nods, picking up the thread. “That’s part of what legacy planning means to us. We want people to understand that giving isn’t just about money. It’s about volunteering to build relationships and showing up for one other… being part of a community that cares.”

This conviction is why Richard often encourages fellow Knights of Columbus councils to look beyond the walls of their own parishes. “It’s not enough to just focus on your own community,” he says. “We do more outside our parish than inside. The need is so great, and people are so busy, especially younger members. So we try to lead by example.”

A Light That Endures

Now retired and enjoying their time camping and traveling around northern Michigan, Richard and Kathy are still finding new ways to serve and new people to inspire. Their example has

already left a lasting impression on their parish, their extended volunteer circles, and the many lives touched by their volunteerism with Catholic Charities.

As members of the Light of Christ Legacy Society, Richard and Kathy hope their story encourages others to consider leaving a legacy gift — not just as a financial decision, but as a spiritual one rooted in gratitude and faith.

“We hope people will take the time to pray and discern,” Kathy says gently. “What has God given you? And how can you use that to make a difference?”

She looks toward Richard, and he offers a knowing smile. “You don’t have to be wealthy,” he adds. “You just have to be willing. A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself, your faith, and your community.”

Their legacy is not just written in wills and estate plans: it’s woven into the fabric of the Catholic community they’ve served so faithfully. And it’s one that will continue to shine brightly for generations to come.