Your Last Will and Testament
Historically a Last Will and Testament was a religious instrument, made in the name of God, concerned with the eternal welfare of an individual’s soul and with the distribution of his material goods. By a will, a person bequeathed their soul to God, their body to the Church for proper burial, and their earthly goods as expressions of their gratitude for blessings or favors received while alive from God, priests, their parish church, family, and friends.
A will or trust is one of the most important documents you will ever sign. It enables you to direct how your belongings will be distributed after your death. Planning for our family’s future as well as the future of our Catholic Church is one way in which we can demonstrate our gratitude for the gifts our Lord gives us.
Bequests to the Diocese
Bequests for the benefit of the Diocese should be made to the Most Reverend Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Virginia, and his successors in office. In all instances it is advisable to seek legal counsel before writing a will.
Types of Bequest for the Diocese or a Parish
An unrestricted bequest contributes a specific amount or percentage of money, investments, personal, or real property from your estate.
For example: “I give, devise and bequeath to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington (Tax ID# 54-0967542), the amount of (insert specific amount, residual or percentage of estate). These funds are to be used at the discretion of the Bishop and/or where the need is the greatest.”
A restricted bequest contributes an amount or percentage of money, investments, or real property from your estate for a specific parish or program area.
For example: “I give, devise and bequeath to the Catholic Diocese of Arlington (Tax ID# 54-0967542), the amount of (insert specific amount, residual or percentage of estate). These funds are to be used for the purposes of (list program or purpose to be funded, if any).
For Information about Planning your Will/Trust
Our Office of Development staff are dedicated to serving parishioners who wish to make a gift that will support their parish or favorite diocesan program. Our goal is to help and the best planned gift that fits with an individual’s situation and incorporate it into their overall estate plans. For additional information regarding other charitable gift ideas, please visit our website at arlingtondiocese.planmylegacy.org.
