Leaving a Legacy of Faith: Understanding Planned Giving

As Catholics, we are called to be stewards of the gifts God has entrusted to us—our time, our talents, and our treasures. Stewardship is not just about giving today; it’s also about ensuring that the ministries and missions that have shaped our faith continue to flourish for generations to come. One of the most meaningful ways to do that is through planned giving. 

What Is Planned Giving? 

Planned giving is the process of making a charitable gift as part of your overall financial or estate planning. It’s a way to extend your faith and generosity beyond your lifetime by supporting the parishes, schools, and ministries that have shaped your Catholic journey. 

Unlike weekly offertory gifts, planned gifts are often arranged through a will, trust, or other financial instruments and take effect in the future. These gifts can help fund parish projects, support Catholic education, provide for seminarians, or sustain outreach ministries that serve those in need. 

At its heart, planned giving is about gratitude—about giving thanks to God for His blessings and sharing those blessings in a way that builds up the Body of Christ for years to come. 

 

Choosing Where to Leave Your Legacy 

When considering where to direct a legacy gift, it’s important to begin with prayer and reflection. Ask yourself: What has made the greatest impact on my faith? 

For some, that answer might be their home parish—the place where they received the sacraments, raised their children, and found community. For others, it might be a Catholic school, a ministry that serves the poor, or a diocesan initiative like seminarian education or Catholic Charities. 

Here are a few points to reflect on as you make your decision: 

• Which ministries or organizations have shaped your relationship with Christ? 

• How might your gift support the next generation in their faith journey? 

• Have you discussed your wishes with family, your parish, or a trusted advisor? 

 

Your legacy is a reflection of your values and your love for the Church. Planned giving allows you to transform that love into a lasting witness of faith. 

Ways to Leave a Bequest 

There are many ways to structure a planned gift, and you don’t need to be wealthy to make a lasting impact. Even a small portion of your estate can make a significant difference in the life of the Church. 

Here are some of the most common ways you can choose to give: 

• Bequest in your will: Designate a specific dollar amount, a percentage of your estate, or a particular asset to your parish, school, or favorite Catholic ministry. 

• Beneficiary designation: Name a Catholic organization as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, IRA, or 401(k). 

• Charitable gift annuity: Provide income for yourself or a loved one during your lifetime, with the remainder supporting your chosen ministry. 

• Donor Advised Funds: A simple, faith-filled way to give. It allows you to make a charitable gift now—receiving an immediate tax benefit—while recommending grants to your parish, school, or other Catholic ministries over time as an ongoing act of stewardship. 

• Endowment or memorial fund: Create a lasting legacy by establishing a fund in your name or in honor of someone you love. 

Each of these methods can be customized to fit your personal circumstances and financial goals, and the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota can help you explore what works best for you. 

Partnering with CFSM 

At the Catholic Foundation of Southern Minnesota (CFSM), we believe planned giving is an act of hope—a way to help ensure that future generations can continue to worship, learn, and serve within a strong and vibrant Catholic community. 

We’re here to make the process simple and accessible, offering education, guidance, and partnership every step of the way. Our team can help you understand the different giving options available. We can even help your parish, school, or Catholic organization host a Planned Giving Seminar, like this recent one here, to guide others through the discernment process. 

If you’d like to learn more about how you can leave the legacy you desire, or schedule a planned giving presentation for your parish or group, please contact us today. Together, we can continue building a legacy of faith that endures for generations. 

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” — Matthew 6:21