Charlie Bush

Lifelong Relationship with Priests Inspires Gift for the Future of Seminarians

As a young man Charlie Bush considered entering the seminary.  Ultimately, he decided to serve his country in the Navy instead.  After the Navy, Charlie became a police officer with the Virginia Beach police force where he served for 25 years.  Now retired, Charlie was looking to give back to all of the pastors who have influenced him throughout his life.

“The experience I had when I visited Rome many years ago as well as the weekly gatherings to celebrate Mass continues to have a profound impact on my life as a Catholic Christian.  Throughout my life I have had the pleasure of knowing many of the pastors in the Diocese.   Their commitment to serving the people of God not only in Virginia, but throughout the world is truly inspiring”, said Mr. Bush.

The commitment from one pastor in particular at Church of the Ascension in Virginia Beach impacted him in a much different way.   “When my brother passed away, it was a hard time.  I could not have gotten through that experience without the support of Father Jim Parke and our parish family”, said Mr. Bush.

To honor the memory of his brother and the many priests who have influenced his life, Charlie decided to set up an endowment fund through a bequest which will serve to

  • Financially support seminarians in major theology (2nd, 3rd and 4th year of theology studies and pastoral year) with their training and education to become priests.
  • Pay for health insurance and stipends for seminarians in major theology.

“We as Catholics must always give thought to the future of our Church.  The foundation we build today will have a major impact on the Church our children and grandchildren will experience.  I am proud to make a gift that will have a lasting impact on the future leaders and parishioners of our Diocese”, said Mr. Bush.

To find out how you can create a legacy of giving for your parish, school or the ministries of the Diocese, please contact Maggie F. Keenan, Ed.D., Director of Planned Giving, (804) 622-5221 or [email protected]