In every act of love and service, we reflect God’s grace. For Catholics, generosity isn’t merely a virtue, it is a calling. The Church teaches that all we possess is ultimately a gift from God, entrusted to us not for personal gain alone, but to build a more just, compassionate world. This vision is at the heart of Catholic social teaching, and it forms the foundation of our call to stewardship.

Stewardship: A Sacred Responsibility

Stewardship is one of the cornerstones of Catholic life. It invites each of us to recognize that our time, talent, and treasure are not truly ours, but gifts to be shared in service to others. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the goods of creation are destined for the whole human race” (CCC 2402).  Our generosity, therefore, is a response to the divine trust placed in us.

But generosity is not limited to the here and now. Planned giving—bequests, charitable trusts, retirement account designations, and other legacy gifts—offers a profound way to live out our faith beyond our lifetime. It is an enduring act of stewardship that ensures our values continue to shape the world even after we’re gone.

Catholic Social Teaching: Love in Action

Catholic social teaching is clear: we are called to care for the poor, to uphold the dignity of every person, and to work toward the common good. These teachings compel us to see our financial decisions as moral choices. How we use our resources is a reflection of our priorities and our faith.

Planned giving is a powerful way to align our financial lives with these teachings. It allows us to invest in organizations that embody the Gospel, like Catholic Charities of New York.

A Legacy of Compassion with Catholic Charities of New York

For over a century, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York has served as the hands and feet of Christ, reaching out to those in need regardless of background or belief. From feeding the hungry to sheltering the homeless, supporting immigrants to advocating for the vulnerable, Catholic Charities of New York lives out the principles of Catholic social teaching every day.

When you include Catholic Charities of New York in your estate plan, you become a part of this vital mission. You join a legacy of faithful stewards who have chosen to use their blessings to bring healing and hope to future generations.

Start Your Legacy of Faith Today

Planned giving is not just for the wealthy, it is for anyone who wants their life and values to make a lasting impact. Whether it’s a simple bequest in your will or a more structured charitable trust, your gift can transform lives while offering potential tax benefits for you and your heirs.

To learn more about how you can leave a legacy of faith, visit our planned giving website at CatholicCharitiesNY.giftplans.org

There, you’ll find tools and resources to guide you in your stewardship journey, including sample bequest language, information on different types of planned gifts, and ways to contact our team for personalized assistance.

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Luke 12:34

Let your legacy be a testament to the love and mercy you’ve shown in life. Through planned giving, you can ensure that your faith continues to bear fruit—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.