By Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello

During the early part of Generations of Faith, and as we continue campaigning throughout the parishes of Brooklyn and Queens, our pastors are often asked by people about the different ways they can support their parish.

While many parishioners have made traditional pledges, others have supported this important initiative in different ways. Some have made pledges and fulfilled them with gifts of securities, retirement plan contributions, or even through purchasing life insurance policies. Others have decided to make a gift to their parish and Generations of Faith through a bequest in their will.

Some of these ways of giving, like bequests, might cost you nothing now, but it will give you the satisfaction of knowing that you have properly provided for your parish and our Catholic community long into the future.

Planned gifts can benefit the Church while helping you to save taxes, increase your income and pass more onto your heirs.

Simply stated, an individual can name the Catholic Foundation as a beneficiary to be designated for his/her parish campaign, at a predetermined amount of money or a percentage of your overall estate. Your parish will receive the percentage you predetermined of your estate that is left after the bills and specific bequests have been allocated.

If you’re considering a gift of stock, a revision to your will or if you are creating one for the first time, I hope you will consider including Generations of Faith via the Catholic Foundation for Brooklyn and Queens.

Of course, you should definitely speak to your financial advisor for specific information and tax advice.

All it takes is a quick phone call to add a charitable gift to your estate planning.

As you contemplate your support of Generations of Faith and your planning, please feel free to contact Nick Vendikos, director of development for the Catholic Foundation at 718-965-7375 ext. 1624 or nvendikos@cfbq.org for any assistance.

Msgr. Gigantiello is the diocesan Vicar for Development.