Celebrating a Conversion: Honoring a Milestone Along a Faith Journey

Luanne Heideman Endowment Fund

Thirty-seven years ago, Michael and Luanne Heideman married and set out on a colorful and adventure-filled life, spending years working and living in Japan and here in Atlanta, Georgia. While in Atlanta, their family became very involved at the Cathedral of Christ the King and at St. Pius X Catholic High School, where some of their children attended school. The parish and school communities provided innumerable opportunities for friendship and spiritual development for them.

Although she grew up Protestant, Luanne was an active participant in the greater Catholic community in Atlanta, particularly through her children’s schools and the parish she attended with her family. Having had Catholicism as a major cornerstone of her life since her marriage to Michael, Luanne decided with the support and celebration of her family to officially convert, and she became Catholic.

Michael wanted to commemorate the celebration of his wife’s decision to enter the Catholic Church with something besides physical objects or worldly gifts. Luanne’s spiritual decision was a culminating moment not only in her life, but also for her marriage to Michael and their relationship with their local community. When Michael’s son suggested celebrating Luanne’s decision by immortalizing the very values and principles of service and community Luanne embodied through an endowment fund, Michael knew it was a great fit. He shared, “it’s not a one-time gift—here’s a nice piece of jewelry, congratulations. This is something that lasts forever and helps others, helps the community, helps something that’s very important to her.”

The Luanne Heideman Endowment Fund supports general operating costs, school improvements and expansion, faculty support, and tuition assistance for Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School. For the Heidemans, the fund reflects the values and principles of faith, service, and community around which they built a marriage, life, and family, and it was through their partnership with the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia that Michael Heideman was able to create such a legacy for his wife.

Give to the Luanne Heideman Endowment Fund

This story was originally published in 2023.