Lent is a season that invites reflection, intention, and responsibility. As Catholics, we use this time to examine our lives, simplify what is unnecessary, and recommit ourselves to living out our faith in concrete ways.
At Catholic Charities of New York, Lent is also a natural moment to reflect on stewardship, not only how we give today, but how we plan responsibly for the future. One important and often overlooked aspect of stewardship is estate planning.
Why Estate Planning Matters — Especially During Lent
Estate planning is not just a financial exercise. At its core, it is about ensuring that the values you hold most deeply continue to guide the use of your resources. Creating or updating a will, reviewing beneficiary designations, and making intentional decisions about your assets are practical steps that bring clarity and peace of mind.
Lent, with its focus on discipline and intentional living, is an ideal time to take these steps. Planning ahead allows you to care for your loved ones while also considering how your faith can continue to serve others beyond your lifetime.
Legacy Giving as an Act of Stewardship
Including Catholic Charities of New York in your estate plans is one way to extend your commitment to mercy and service into the future. Legacy gifts help sustain programs that provide food, shelter, legal assistance, counseling, and vital support to New Yorkers in need, today and for generations to come.
Importantly, legacy giving is not limited to those with large estates. Even a modest planned gift can have a lasting impact and can be structured in ways that are flexible and revocable during your lifetime.
Practical Ways to Get Started
There are several straightforward ways to include Catholic Charities of New York in your estate planning:
- Adding a bequest in your will or trust
- Naming Catholic Charities of New York as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy
- Updating an existing estate plan to reflect your current intentions
We also offer access to free, secure estate planning tools that can help you create or update a will at your own pace.
Our Commitment to You
As Chief Advancement Officer, I want to emphasize that conversations about planned giving are always confidential, respectful, and centered on your goals. Our role is to provide clear information, answer questions, and support you as you make decisions that align with your faith and priorities.
This Lent, I encourage you to consider estate planning as part of your broader commitment to stewardship, a practical step that reflects thoughtful preparation and enduring generosity.
Your planning today helps ensure that Catholic Charities of New York can continue to serve the most vulnerable among us well into the future.
For more information about Lenten legacy giving and estate planning resources, we invite you to explore our planned giving options or contact the Planned Giving Office for a confidential conversation.
Peggy O’Neill
Chief Advancement Officer
Catholic Charities of New York
