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"Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Luke 12:34
Planned Giving: A Legacy of Faith
Planned giving—also called legacy giving—is a meaningful way to support the mission of the Church both during your life and long after. It's a reflection of thoughtful stewardship—an act of faith, hope, and love—ensuring that the values and ministries close to your heart continue to thrive for generations to come.
While regular giving (such as the Sunday offertory or annual appeals) supports the Church’s daily ministry, a planned gift is a special commitment. It often involves prayer, conversations with loved ones and advisors, and can be structured to take place now, over time, or through your estate.
In alignment with Goal VI of the Diocesan Pastoral Plan: Embracing a Future Full of Hope, planned giving helps build a strong, faith-filled future rooted in transparency, trust, and service.
Ways to Make a Planned Gift
There are many ways to create a legacy gift:
A bequest in your Will
A gift of securities (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, GICs)
Naming the Church in a life insurance policy
Donations from RRSPs or RRIFs
Gifts of real estate or other property
Every gift, no matter the size, makes a lasting difference.
Wills and Bequests: Planning with Purpose
A Will is a legal document that ensures your estate is distributed according to your wishes. Without one, Ontario law determines how your assets are divided—which may leave out the Church and other causes you care about.
Why Create a Will?
Ensure your family and faith priorities are honoured
Potentially reduce your loved ones’ tax burden
Provide clarity and peace of mind for your executor
Leave a lasting legacy for your parish and ministries you value
Types of Bequests
General Bequest: A fixed amount, a percentage of your estate, or a specific asset
Specific Bequest: A gift for a particular purpose (e.g., youth ministry, church repairs)
Residual Bequest: A portion (or all) of your estate after other commitments are fulfilled
The Impact of Your Legacy Gift
At Your Parish
Support youth, family, and outreach programs
Maintain and improve parish buildings
Fund capital improvements or expansion projects
Across the Diocese
Support retired and infirm priests
Fund programs for newcomers, the poor, and the vulnerable
Invest in vocations, seminarian and lay formation, and missionary outreach
Sample Wording for Your Will
To help you begin the conversation with your lawyer or notary:
For a parish gift:
“To pay to [Parish Name and Municipality], the sum of $___ or ___% of the residue of my estate, for the general use of the parish.”For a diocesan gift:
Planned Giving Brochure
“To pay 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.”Gifts of Securities
Donating publicly traded securities is one of the most tax-efficient ways to give in Canada. When donated directly to the Church, you:
Avoid capital gains tax
Receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the gift
Example:
You bought shares for $25,000. They’re now worth $50,000.If sold and donated as cash: you’ll pay tax on the $25,000 gain
If donated directly: no capital gains tax, and you receive a $50,000 tax receipt
Charitable Donation of Shares Authorization Form
Donating Appreciated Securities (from BMO Nesbitt Burns)Gifts of Life Insurance
A life insurance gift is a powerful way to leave a meaningful legacy—often much larger than what you could donate during your lifetime..Option A: Church is Owner and Beneficiary
Assign a new or existing policy to the Church
Continue paying the premiums
Receive annual tax receipts for premiums paid
Option B: Church is Beneficiary Only
You retain ownership of the policy
Name the Church as the beneficiary
No tax credit during your lifetime, but your estate receives a tax receipt for the full value of the gift
Who Can Make a Planned Gift?
Planned giving is for everyone, not just the wealthy. Many faithful Catholics make a gift to the Church after caring for their loved ones. Your gift—large or small—can have a lasting impact.
When Should I Start Planning?
The best time to plan is now:
You can make informed, prayerful decisions
You gain peace of mind and can maximize tax advantages
You ensure your values are clearly reflected in your estate
Without a plan, more of your estate may go to taxes rather than to the people and causes that matter most.
Tax Benefits
Canada offers generous tax credits for charitable donations—during your lifetime and through your estate. Planned gifts can help:
Offset capital gains tax
Reduce tax on RRSPs/RRIFs
Maximize the amount given to both loved ones and charity
Please consult a financial advisor, accountant, or lawyer for the best strategy for your situation.
Catholic Funeral and End-of-Life Planning
As part of your legacy, we also encourage you to pre-plan your Catholic funeral and burial. This act of faith:
Brings comfort and clarity to your loved ones
Publicly expresses your belief in the Resurrection
We’re Here to Help
If you have any questions or would like to explore a legacy gift please reach out to either:
Andrew Jardine
Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of London
☎ 519-433-0658 X 222
✉ [email protected]
Bridget Corneil
Director of Stewardship, Diocese of London
☎ 519-433-0658 X 270
✉ [email protected]Your Legacy of Faith
By including the Church in your estate plans, you express your faith in a tangible and lasting way. You help the Church grow, serve, and proclaim the Gospel—today and for generations to come.
Thank you for considering this sacred and meaningful way to give.
Thank you for considering this meaningful way to give. -
