Legacy Giving
Estate Planning
Many donors believe that leaving a legacy requires a large gift or assets far beyond what they have accumulated in their lifetime. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.
Naming St. John the Baptist Parish or St. John the Baptist School as a beneficiary is a meaningful and accessible way to make a lasting impact—and the process is often simpler than people expect.
The Diocesan Office for Stewardship and Development is available to guide you through each step and can provide suggested language to share with your professional advisors. While this office is happy to assist, we strongly encourage donors to consult their financial and legal advisors for personalized guidance.
Giving Through Your Estate
Many individuals choose to name St. John the Baptist Parish or St. John the Baptist School to receive a charitable gift through their estate plans. This approach can help donors meet personal financial goals, support cherished nonprofit organizations, and provide for loved ones. In some cases, these gifts may also offer tax advantages. Sample language to incorporate into your estate plan is provided below.
We kindly request that donors share the portion of their estate documents involving our parish or school with the Office for Stewardship and Development. This ensures we can properly acknowledge and steward your thoughtful and generous gift.
Giving through your Estate
Contingent Bequest
A Contingent Bequest if the Testator is not survived by certain individuals:
“If [name/s of primary beneficiary/ies] do/es not survive me, or shall die within ninety (90) days from the date of my death, or as a result of a common disaster, then I give to [St. John the Baptist Parish OR St. John the Baptist School], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here the exact dollar amount, description of property, or percentage of residual estate].”
Residuary Bequest
A Residuary Bequest, after other bequests and expenses have been paid, may be worded:
“I give to [St. John the Baptist Parish OR St. John the Baptist School], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, all [or a portion] of the rest, residue and remainder of my estate.”
Specific Bequest
A Specific Bequest of a certain asset from your estate may be worded:
“I give to [St. John the Baptist Parish OR St. John the Baptist School], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here a description of the particular property].”
General Bequest
A General Bequest of a stated sum of money may be worded:
“I give to [St. John the Baptist Parish OR St. John the Baptist School], a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor, [insert here the exact dollar amount].”
Estate Planning Sample Language
The following is intended to help you and your attorney in drafting a bequest that satisfies your individual interests.
As you consult your attorney on the selection of appropriate wording to reflect your goals and intentions regarding St. John the Baptist Parish or St. John the Baptist School, be sure the parish or school's name appears in all final documents as: “St. John the Baptist Parish OR St. John the Baptist School, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, or its successor.