Office of Development - Estate Planning Seminars

Is God part of your financial life?

Did you know the bible has more verses on money and possessions than it does about heaven and hell combined? Clearly, an important issue with God – but is it with us?

As Catholics, it’s important to recognize the truth about money and possessions. Everything we have is a gift from God. That certainly takes the “me” out of the equation, doesn’t it? We can then begin to recognize how blessed we are as we take inventory of all that God has given to us. As Christian stewards, we receive God’s gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord.

The Office of Development of the Archdiocese of Hartford directs its attention to just such matters. As part of its many services, it offers free seminars which encompass various aspects of life planning and stewardship options.

To whom are you going to leave your assets? Your spouse? Your children or family? Your parish or favorite charity? Planning one’s final arrangements can be difficult but the alternative is often far worse if left undone. If you die unexpectedly without a will, the state decides what happens to your children and estate. A will provides peace of mind and enables you to allocate funds to your parish, a religious order, a Catholic school or whatever ministry or charity is important to you.

Establishing a living will includes advance directives that address ethical and religious matters if you become incapacitated such as last rites and receiving the Eucharist before death, nutrition and hydration, terminal illness, etc.

The development team emphasizes proactive management of assets and offers estate planning strategies for the future. Seminar participants receive a wealth of information such as how to give and receive an income back for life or a term of years and how to increase personal giving potential by managing your assets wisely.

Other topics include charitable gift annuities, wills, living wills, trusts and much more. At a minimum, most individuals need a will and a financial power of attorney. Many individuals or married couples may also need a trust or similar arrangements.

Through its seminars, the Office of Development provides guidelines and direction in these matters. Each seminar features a guest attorney who discusses important facts and legal issues and addresses questions or concerns of participants. In addition, each participant receives an invaluable free packet of useful items. Refreshments are also served. Come and join us for our next seminar!

The Office of Development of the Archdiocese of Hartford is pleased to provide this service as part of its ministry for the Archdiocese of Hartford.

For more information on the many ways in which you can create a legacy of your faith through giving, call 860-541-6491 X 162.

For information on the department and its work: Ted Bruttomesso Director of the Office of Development Archdiocese of Hartford 134 Farmington Avenue Hartford, CT 06105 860-541-6491 ext. 162 (o) tbruttomesso@aohct.org

For the latest, up-to-date resource information on charitable gift planning, including building your gift plan, how to give, ways to give, essentials to know, professional advisors, bequest language and much more, click here.