How to Ask for an Estate Gift: A Pastoral Guide

How to Ask for an Estate Gift

Asking someone to consider an estate gift can feel intimidating, but it does not need to be. At its heart, this kind of conversation is pastoral. It is about helping parishioners reflect on their blessings, their values, and the legacy they hope to leave for the Church they love. When approached with care, estate gift conversations strengthen relationships, deepen trust, and open doors for long‑term parish stability.

Here are simple, practical ways to ask for an estate gift with confidence and clarity.

What This Article Covers

• Key Components of the Estate Gift Ask
  • Start with Gratitude
  • Connect the invitation to Mission
  • Normalize the Topic
  • Offer Clear, Simple Options
  • Share the Impact
  • Invite them to talk to their advisor
  • Honor Their legacy
• Sample scripts for
  • 1-1 conversations
  • Mass announcements
  • Bulletin blurbs

Key Components of the Estate Gift Ask

Inviting someone to consider an estate gift begins with gratitude for the generosity they already show. From there, the conversation becomes an opportunity to connect their faith to the mission of the Church, since stewardship is a form of discipleship and sacrificial giving helps sanctify both the giver and the parish. Normalizing the topic helps parishioners see that legacy gifts are common and accessible, especially when you offer simple options and explain the lasting impact these gifts can have on parish life. Encouraging them to speak with their advisor keeps the process clear and comfortable, and honoring their legacy affirms that their gift is a meaningful act of faith that will bless future generations.

Start with Gratitude

Every conversation begins with sincere appreciation. Parishioners who give regularly, volunteer, or support parish life already demonstrate generosity. Acknowledge that first. Gratitude sets the tone and reminds them that you see their faithfulness long before you ever mention a planned gift.

Example: “Thank you for the way you support our parish. Your generosity helps us serve families, care for our facilities, and continue the mission Christ entrusted to us.”

Connect the Invitation to Mission

Estate gifts are not primarily about finances. They are about stewardship as discipleship. When we invite someone to consider a planned gift, we are inviting them into a deeper expression of their relationship with Christ. Stewardship is the way a disciple responds to God’s generosity. It is a sacrifice that sanctifies. It is the offering of one’s blessings back to God for the good of His Church.

Framing the conversation this way helps parishioners see that legacy giving is not a transaction. It is a spiritual act. It is a way to participate in the mission of the Gospel long after their lifetime.

Example: “Many parishioners want to make sure our parish remains strong for their children and grandchildren. Including the parish in an estate plan is a simple act of stewardship. It is a sacrifice that continues to bear fruit and helps form disciples long into the future.”

This approach keeps the invitation rooted in faith, gratitude, and mission.

Normalize the Topic

Most Catholics have never been asked to consider an estate gift. Many assume it is only for wealthy people. Normalize the idea by explaining that planned gifts come in all sizes and from all kinds of families.

Example: “Estate gifts are very common. Many people choose to leave a small percentage of their estate to their parish or favorite Catholic ministry.”

Offer Clear, Simple Options

Parishioners do not need complex financial tools to make a planned gift. In fact, the simplest options are often the most effective.

Common ways to leave a legacy include:

• A gift (often called a bequest) in a Will (sample legal language to use here)

• Naming the parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy

• A gift through a Donor Advised Fund

• A gift of real estate or appreciated stock

Use Gentle, Pastoral Language

Estate conversations should feel natural, not transactional. Use language that honors the person’s faith and values.

Examples: “Have you ever considered including the parish in your estate plan.” “Many parishioners choose to leave a small legacy gift. Would you be open to learning more.” “If you ever decide to update your Will, you might consider adding a gift to the parish.”

Share the Impact

People give when they understand how their gift will be used. Offer concrete examples of what estate gifts make possible.

Estate gifts can support:

• Faith formation

• Building maintenance

• Evangelization

• Cemetery care

• Scholarships

• Parish endowments

Invite Them to Talk With Their Advisor

Encourage parishioners to speak with their financial or tax advisor to understand the benefits of giving through their estate plan.

Example: “Your advisor can help you understand the tax benefits of leaving a gift to the parish.”

Follow Up With Care

If someone expresses interest, follow up gently. Offer to provide sample bequest language or connect them with the Catholic Foundation for support.

Example: “I am happy to send you the wording people often use in their Wills.”

Honor Every Legacy

When someone decides to leave a gift, celebrate it. A legacy gift is an act of faith and love. Recognizing that generosity encourages others and strengthens parish culture.

Sample Script for a One‑on‑One Conversation

Here is a simple, pastoral script that combines all the guidance above:

“Thank you for everything you do for our parish. Your generosity and involvement make a real difference. Many parishioners have told me they want to help keep our parish strong for future generations. One way some people do that is by including the parish in their estate plan. Estate gifts come in all sizes, and they are very common. Some people leave a percentage of their estate, or name the parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. If you ever update your Will or meet with your advisor, you might consider adding a gift to the parish. I would be happy to share simple wording people often use. Your advisor can help you understand the tax benefits. Thank you again for your faithfulness and for considering this kind of legacy.”

Sample Script for a Mass Announcement

This version is short, warm, and appropriate for a parish setting.

“As you plan for the future, we invite you to consider including our parish in your estate plan. Estate gifts are a simple way to strengthen our parish for the next generation. Many parishioners choose to leave a small percentage of their estate or name the parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. If you would like more information or sample wording, please contact the parish office. Thank you for your generosity and for the love you show our parish community.”

Short Bulletin Blurbs

Here are several options you can rotate throughout the year:

1. Leaving a gift in your Will is a simple way to support our parish for future generations. Contact the parish office for sample wording.

2. Many parishioners choose to name the parish as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy. It is an easy way to leave a lasting legacy.

3. Estate gifts come in all sizes and help strengthen our parish for years to come. Consider including the parish in your estate plan.

4. Your legacy can support faith formation, evangelization, and parish maintenance. A small percentage in your Will can make a big impact.

5. If you plan to update your Will or meet with your advisor, consider adding a gift to the parish. It is a meaningful act of stewardship.

Take the Next Step

Inviting parishioners to consider an estate gift is one of the most meaningful conversations you can have as a parish leader. It is not about pressure. It is about helping people reflect on their blessings, their values, and the legacy they hope to leave for the Church they love. When approached with gratitude, clarity, and pastoral care, these conversations become moments of grace. They strengthen trust, deepen discipleship, and build long‑term stability for parish life across Southern Minnesota.

You do not have to navigate these conversations alone. The Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota offers free planned giving seminars for parishes and Catholic organizations. These sessions help parishioners understand their options, learn simple ways to leave a legacy, and explore how estate gifts can support the ministries that matter most to them. If your parish would benefit from a seminar or if you would like support in having these conversations, we are here to help.

Together, we can encourage faithful stewardship, honor the generosity of our people, and build a future where our parishes thrive for generations.

 

Why this topic? The long-term financial stability of our Catholic organizations was surfaced by interviewees in our 2025 diocesan listening exercise across Southern Minnesota. The Catholic Foundation Board has selected this as our top strategic priority through 2030. Visit our FY27-FY30 strategic plan page to learn more.