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Faithful Stewardship: Your Life, Your Legacy
A Faith worth passing on.
Long before you knew Him, Christ knew you. And in His mercy, He placed you in a Church — alongside grandparents who prayed for you, parishes that welcomed you, priests and teachers and neighbours who, often without knowing it, carried His love to your door.
The faith you have today is His gift, handed to you through their hands.
A legacy gift is how you place that same gift into hands you may never see — so that the next generation, too, can come to know the love of Jesus Christ.
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A Letter from Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be faithful stewards of all that God has given us—our time, our relationships, our abilities, and the resources entrusted to our care. Our lives are a gift, and how we live them is a reflection of our gratitude to God.
The inheritance we hope for is eternal life, promised to us in baptism. As we journey together as a people of faith, we are invited to live with open hearts, responding to God’s love through our actions, our commitments, and our care for one another.
Planning ahead for the care of our loved ones and the gifts we leave behind is a meaningful act of love. Creating an estate plan not only brings peace of mind, but it also gives us the opportunity to give witness to our faith, ensuring that our values continue to shape the world after we are gone.
By remembering your parish, the Diocese, or one of our ministries in your estate plans, you are contributing to the ongoing mission of the Church. You are helping to form disciples, serve the poor, and proclaim the Gospel to future generations.
I am deeply grateful for those whose generosity has strengthened our communities over the years. May we follow their example with courage and trust in God’s providence.
Be assured of my prayers for you and your family as you reflect on the legacy you hope to leave.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
† Most Rev. Ronald P. Fabbro, C.S.B.
Bishop of London
Diocese of London: Being a mission-oriented Church that forms disciples of Jesus -
Estate planning is an act of love.It tells the people you love what you wanted for them. It tells the world what you stood for. And for a person of faith, it offers one final, beautiful opportunity to say with your treasure what your heart has always known.
A thoughtfully prepared estate plan:
- Protects your family from confusion, conflict, and unnecessary tax burdens.
- Honours your wishes instead of letting provincial law decide for you.
- Reflects your faith in a way that endures beyond your lifetime.
- Strengthens the Church that has carried you, so it can carry others.
You don't have to be wealthy. You don't have to give it all. Even a small percentage of your estate, joined with the gifts of others, becomes a foundation for the future of our parishes, our ministries, and our diocese.
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Ways to leave a legacy of faith
There is no single "right" way to give. The best plan is the one that fits your life, your family, and the causes closest to your heart. Here are the most common paths:A bequest in your Will
The simplest and most common legacy gift. You can leave a specific amount, a percentage of your estate, or the residue after your loved ones are cared for.
Gifts of securities
Donating stocks, bonds, or mutual funds directly to the Church eliminates the capital gains tax — meaning more of your gift goes to the mission, and less to the tax bill.
Life insurance
Name your parish or the Diocese as owner or beneficiary of a policy. A modest premium today can become a transformative gift tomorrow.
RRSPs, RRIFs, and TFSAs
A simple beneficiary designation — no lawyer required — with meaningful tax advantages for your estate.
Property and other assets
Real estate, land, and other holdings can also become legacy gifts. Our Stewardship Office can help you explore what's possible.
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Planning your Will, with purpose
Nearly half of Canadian adults don't have a Will. Without one, the law decides where your assets go — and your faith plays no role in that decision.
A Will is your voice, preserved. It lets you:
- Provide clearly for your spouse, children, and grandchildren
- Support the parish, school, or ministry that shaped your faith
- Reduce the taxes your estate will owe
- Give your family the peace of knowing exactly what you wished
Sample wording
For a gift to your parish:
"To [Parish Name, City], the sum of $______ (or ______% of the residue of my estate), for its general use."
For a gift to the Diocese:
"To the Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of London in Ontario, the sum of $______ (or ______% of the residue of my estate), for its general use."
We strongly encourage you to work with a lawyer when preparing your Will. We're happy to provide additional language if you'd like to direct your gift to a specific ministry.
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Funeral & end-of-life planning
Your legacy isn't only what you leave behind — it's also how you say goodbye.
Planning a Catholic funeral in advance is one of the kindest gifts you can give your family. It spares them difficult decisions during their grief, ensures the rites of the Church are honoured, and offers a final, public witness to your faith in the Resurrection.
Visit our Catholic Cemeteries page for details.
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We’re Here to Help
Our Stewardship and Finance teams are available to guide you:
Andrew Jardine, Chief Financial Officer
☎ (519) 433-0658 ext. 222 | ✉ [email protected]Bridget Corneil, Director of Stewardship
☎ (519) 433-0658 ext. 270 | ✉ [email protected]
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Your Legacy of Faith
Every gift, large or small, leaves an echo of faith that carries forward to future generations. By remembering your parish or the Diocese of London in your estate plan, you help ensure that the Gospel is proclaimed, the poor are served, and disciples are formed for years to come. -
