Life has a way of keeping us focused on the next appointment, the next vacation, the next family gathering, or the next milestone. Yet one of the most loving things we can do for our family, and for the Catholic causes that have shaped our lives, is to prepare for a day we hope is still far away.
That is the heart of National Make-A-Will Month each August.
Creating or updating a will isn’t about dwelling on the end of life. It’s about living responsibly today. It’s about making sure your values, your faith, and your generosity continue to make a difference long after you’re gone.
For Catholics, estate planning is much more than a financial exercise. It is an act of faithful stewardship. God has entrusted each of us with blessings—our families, our faith, our resources, and our opportunities. A thoughtfully prepared estate plan allows us to care for those blessings with intention and to pass them on according to our wishes.
A Will Protects What Matters Most
A current will gives you—not the courts—the opportunity to decide what happens to your assets and how your loved ones will be cared for. It provides clarity during an emotional time and helps reduce unnecessary stress, confusion, and expense for your family.
A will allows you to:
- Protect your spouse, children, and loved ones.
- Appoint guardians for minor children.
- Ensure your wishes are clearly documented.
- Simplify the administration of your estate.
- Leave a meaningful legacy to the Catholic causes that have enriched your life.
Without a valid will, state law — not you — determines how your estate is distributed.
According to recent research from Caring.com, most American adults still do not have an up-to-date will. For many, it simply isn’t a priority until a major life event occurs. National Make-A-Will Month serves as an important reminder that the best time to prepare is before a crisis arises.
Your Legacy Can Continue for Generations
Many Catholics faithfully support their parish, Catholic school, ministry, or charitable organization throughout their lifetime. A will provides an opportunity to continue that support for generations to come.
One meaningful option is to include a gift that establishes or adds to a family endowment fund through the Catholic Foundation of Eastern Pennsylvania.
Rather than making a one-time charitable gift, an endowed fund is invested, with annual earnings distributed to the Catholic causes you choose. The fund lasts forever, allowing your generosity to continue supporting your favorite ministries year after year, generation after generation.
In many ways, a Family Endowment Fund allows your family’s Catholic values to become part of its lasting legacy. Long after your lifetime, your children, grandchildren, and future generations can know that your family chose to strengthen the Church and the Catholic cause that meant the most to you.
Questions People Frequently Ask About Wills
Do I need a will if I don’t consider myself wealthy?
Absolutely. A will isn’t just about wealth. It ensures your wishes are followed, protects your loved ones, names guardians for minor children, and can include gifts to the people and charitable organizations you care about.
I already have a will. Should I review it?
Yes. Estate planning isn’t a one-time event. Major life changes—marriage, grandchildren, retirement, purchasing or selling property, changes in tax law, or the death of a spouse or beneficiary—are all good reasons to review your documents. Many professionals recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years.
Can I support my parish or other Catholic organizations through my will?
Yes. Many Catholics choose to include a charitable bequest to their parish, Catholic school, diocesan ministry, or other favorite Catholic organization as part of their estate plan.
What is a Family Endowment Fund?
A Family Endowment Fund is a permanent charitable fund that provides annual support to the Catholic causes your family chooses. Because the fund is invested for the long term, your generosity continues well beyond your lifetime, creating an enduring legacy of faith.
Will including a charitable gift reduce what my family receives?
Every family’s circumstances are unique. Even a modest percentage of an estate can create a significant charitable impact while still providing generously for loved ones. Your attorney and financial advisors can help determine what is appropriate for your family’s goals.
Think Beyond Your Lifetime
It tells the people you love what matters most.
A will does far more than distribute assets.
It reflects the values you lived by.
And it gives you the opportunity to strengthen your family and your faith for generations to come.
This year during National Make-A-Will Month, take time to review your plans — or begin them for the first time. Then consider how your legacy can continue supporting the Catholic causes that have shaped your life.
The Catholic Foundation is available to work alongside you and your professional advisors to help you explore charitable planning options, including Family Endowment Funds, which can preserve your family’s generosity – and your Catholic values – forever.Caring.com revealed that 70 percent of American adults do not have an up-to-date will. Without a will, the government and courts decide the fate of your assets. During National Make-A-Will Month every August, we encourage you to create or update your plans. It’s important to take control so you may protect your family and extend your commitment to your favorite Catholic cause by including a legacy gift in your estate plan.
