By Garrett Owen • Posted August 14, 2024

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” – 1 Peter 4:10

August is National Make-A-Will Month, an opportunity to contemplate God’s blessings and how we can utilize them to strengthen our faith, family, and financial stability. The occasion is a testament to the importance of thoughtful stewardship and planning for the future, a principle deeply rooted in the teachings of the Catholic faith.

This yearly event encourages us to think about how we can continue our legacy and support the Catholic institutions and charitable causes that play a role in our lives and local communities. The Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia offers a free will-writing tool as a resource to help fulfill our responsibilities to protect and nurture the gifts entrusted to us by God.

The decision to create a will might seem daunting or reflective of a distant future, but it is a profound act of love and foresight. Without a current will, we leave unanswered the critical question of how our possessions should serve our family and faith community after we’re called to our eternal home.

Creating a will with the Foundation’s free tool can be a cornerstone of deliberate, faith-based stewardship. If you already have a will, consider working with your estate planner to include a charitable gift in your plans.

Beyond securing the future of your loved ones, consider the transformative impact of including a bequest to your local parish, school, or Catholic ministry in your plans. Such gestures embody the essence of Christian charity and ensure the vitality of our community for years to come.

Establishing a will is a testament to our values and beliefs. It offers a narrated legacy of our lives, highlighting the importance we place on family, faith, and the future of the Catholic ministry. This document serves as a final affirmation of our dedication to living a life aligned with the teachings of Christ and the mission of the Church.

As we observe National Make-A-Will Month, let us take this moment to act thoughtfully and prayerfully. Whether creating a will or updating your current plans, let us find hope in this opportunity. Embrace this next step not just as an administrative task, but as a sacred duty to steward the blessings granted to us, ensuring they bear fruit for our loved ones and our cherished faith community.

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Garrett Owen is the Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Catholic Foundation of Greater Philadelphia.