The Archdiocese of Vancouver is seeing an increased number of gifts made by bequest. Many Parishes, the Door is Open, the Clergy Care Fund, the Men’s Hostel, and other Catholic entities have benefited from the generosity of individuals who have left a gift in their will.
To honour the faithful who have written a gift into their will, the Archdiocese of Vancouver has established the Catholic Legacy Society. In addition to the spiritual benefits of your generosity, as a member you receive the following: a letter of welcome from Archbishop J. Michael Miller, CSB; a lapel pin to wear at special events; you will be remembered at Masses celebrated for the benefit of the members of the Society; you will receive invitations to special events for members of the Society and other events within the Archdiocese.
The process of leaving a gift of any size in your will is straightforward. Working with your lawyer or notary, you create a will or codicil (revision) to your existing Will. You may designate a specific bequest (i.e. dollar amount or piece of property, stocks, etc.). You may choose to designate a residual gift, meaning to gift all or a portion of your estate to the Church after all your debts and taxes have been paid.
The Catholic Legacy Society is organized under the auspices of the Development Office of the Archdiocese of Vancouver but you can designate in your will how you would like the Archdiocese to use your gift, such as for your parish building fund, for Catholic education, to feed the poor of the Downtown Eastside, to care for aging clergy, or any number of ways important to you.
Gifts to the Church from your will are a lasting witness to your family and friends about the importance of your faith. Gifting to the Church through your will ensures you leave a legacy of faith for future generations.
To find out more about the Catholic Legacy Society, or to receive advice on the proper and legal writing necessary to make a bequest to the Church in your will, please contact the Development Office at 604-683-0281 or email [email protected].
Brett Powell is the director of development for the Archdiocese of Vancouver.