• Donor Stories

Cristo Rey: Where Latino Cultures Meet

For decades, Cristo Rey has been the spiritual heart of the Latino Catholic community in Lincoln. Families from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela, and beyond come together here, bringing their traditions into one community of faith. It’s a place where the Eucharist is celebrated with devotion, where friendships are formed across borders, and where parishioners find strength in one another.

“We get to experience all kinds of Latino traditions. There are new dances and food, and we learn about their culture,” Bob says. “We all get along, and it really expands our horizons.” Connie nods and adds, “That’s what makes Cristo Rey so beautiful.” As longtime parishioners, the Munguias felt called to support the community that has given them so much.

Gratitude in Action

Bob and Connie see giving as an extension of the values that have guided their lives: humility, sacrifice, and faith. “We both came from simple beginnings,” says Connie. “We know what it’s like to work hard and be hungry.” Bob laughs, adding that “In summer, kids would go on vacation–we didn’t even know how to spell it. But through God’s blessings and the opportunities He provided, we’re now in a position to help others.”

Establishing the Cristo Rey Charitable Fund was a big moment for Bob and Connie. “Our parish has this dream of building a new church, a place that could have the space for our big, growing group,” says Bob, pausing with pride. “And it’s all well and good to say ‘we want to build a church,’ but there are realities to consider, and funds are at the top of that list.”
The Munguias want their gift to have the potential for immediate impact while also growing into something lasting. By creating a Donor Designated Fund, they’re able to support Cristo Rey for operations today, while setting the stage for the parish’s exciting future. “It’s a way to bless both our people and the parish.”

A Foundation To Build From

For six years, Bob served as a member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. He gained firsthand insight into how charitable giving can be structured to serve parishes, schools, and ministries across Nebraska. Sitting at the table with pastors and financial professionals opened his eyes to the creative ways people were supporting the Church.

“I’d listen to stories of people setting up funds, and I kept thinking, ‘Maybe we could do something like that,’” Bob recalled. “I could see the impact these funds were having, and as I was reaching an age where I had to take required minimum distributions from my IRA, Connie and I realized we could start supporting this dream of a new church for Cristo Rey.”

Instead of pulling money from a traditional IRA, which would become taxable income, he and Connie used a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to direct those funds to the Cristo Rey Charitable Fund. The Munguias’ familiarity with the Foundation gave them the confidence that those funds would grow. “The Foundation is there to make sure your gift goes exactly where you want it to go, and that it lasts,” Connie says.

“It was actually very simple,” Bob shared. “We didn’t have to do anything complicated. Chris and Melanie at the Foundation guided us every step of the way. They made it easy, and they made us feel comfortable.”

Supporting Catholic Education

Many Cristo Rey parishioners work hard in manual labor jobs with irregular schedules and modest pay. Supporting a family can be difficult, and sending children to Catholic school can seem like an impossible expense. That’s why the Munguias have also established an endowment that provides tuition assistance to students who want to continue their high school education at Pius X. “We’ve gotten thank-you letters from families,” Bob says. “It feels good to know that the little bit of money is helping a kid’s future.” 

Similar to the Cristo Rey Charitable Fund, the endowment allows kids to dream bigger. “Our hope is that this fund helps families who want a Catholic education for their kids,” Connie says. “Life can be tough, and the moral foundations young people learn give them the tools they need in challenging moments.”

Anyone Can Give

One of the messages the Munguias hope others will take from their story is that generosity isn’t reserved for the wealthy. “You don’t have to have a suit and tie to make a difference,” Bob said with a smile. “If you can give $5, that’s important. And part of what’s great about a Donor Designated Fund is that anyone can contribute to it. What matters is your heart and your intent.”

That conviction is part of why they appreciated working with the Catholic Foundation. They know how approachable and encouraging the process can be, no matter the size of the gift. “The Foundation sits down with you, explains everything, and makes you feel like your gift matters—because it does,” says Bob. “If you have the means to give, and the Foundation works with all kinds of gifts, I’d recommend contacting the Foundation and talking about the ideas you have. They can make it a reality.”

Looking to the Future

“We believe Cristo Rey has a bright future,” Connie said. “It’s going to keep growing, keep welcoming new families, and keep being a place where people encounter Christ.” The Cristo Rey Charitable Fund is flexible. Whether the Munguias want to use part of the funds to support an existing need, or if they want to donate all of it for the new church, the Donor Designated Fund allows for it. Bob put it simply: “We want Cristo Rey to be strong, not just today, but long after we’re gone. That’s what this fund is about.”

If you’re interested in adding to the Cristo Rey Charitable Fund, or creating your own Donor Designated Fund to support your parish, feel free to contact our team.