As faithful stewards, we carefully manage the blessings God provides to care for our families and support our ministries. Yet, many believers overlook a vital aspect of stewardship: planning how our accumulated assets will serve God's kingdom after we are gone. Legacy giving—often called planned giving—is the act of making a charitable gift through your will or estate plan. It bridges our present devotion with the Church’s future, ensuring that the ministries we love continue to impact generations to come.

 A Final Testament of Faith

Legacy giving is far more than a financial transaction; it is a spiritual milestone. It allows you to extend your lifetime of stewardship into a lasting legacy of faith in action. By naming St. Jude’s in your estate plans, you make a profound statement about your personal priorities and values. It is a powerful way to say that the community of faith which supported you throughout your life remains a vital priority at your life's conclusion.

 Versatile Ways to Shape the Future

Planning a future gift does not require wealth, only intentionality. There are several highly accessible ways to incorporate St. Jude’s into your end-of-life plans without impacting your current finances:

  • Bequest in a Will: You can designate a specific dollar amount, a particular asset, or a percentage of your remaining estate to the Church. Opting for a percentage keeps your gift aligned with your assets as they naturally fluctuate over time.
  • Beneficiary Designations: You can directly name St. Jude’s as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement accounts (such as an RRSP or RRIF), TFSA account, or life insurance policies. This normally bypasses probate entirely.
  • Gifts of Securities: Donating appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to St. Jude’s can be an incredibly efficient way to give, offering unique exemptions from capital gains taxes.

 The Transformational Impact on Ministry

While regular giving funds our daily operations and immediate outreach, legacy gifts are uniquely equipped to secure long-term stability. These gifts are frequently directed into an endowment or trust fund. This creates a permanent foundation that can:

  • Maintain and preserve our sacred physical building and grounds
  • Launch innovative new ministries and community outreach programs.
  • Provide financial security during economic downturns, ensuring St. Jude’s remains a beacon of hope for future neighbours.

 Practical Steps to Begin

Planning for the end of life can feel daunting, but approaching it faithfully transforms it into an act of love. If you are ready to explore this form of stewardship, consider taking these basic structural steps:

 

  1. Reflect on Your Vision: Consider which specific areas of church life—such as youth ministry, music, outreach, building preservation, or general endowments—you are most passionate about sustaining.
  2. Speak with Your Family: Share your charitable dreams openly with your loved ones so they understand your wishes and values.
  3. Consult a Professional: Reach out to a legal advisor or financial planner to update your will or beneficiary forms. Using precise legal wording ensures your gift is directed exactly as you intend.

St. Jude’s has always been built on the faith of those who came before us. By considering a legacy gift today, you join a dedicated cloud of witnesses ensuring that our vibrant message of love, hope, and Christ-centered ministry will endure for decades to come.

St. Jude’s Stewardship Committee

Parish Guilds And Committees
Stewardship Committee