“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children…”

– Proverbs 13:22 (RSV)

Our time here on earth is temporary, and as Catholics we live in anticipation of the wonderful, eternal life to come with God in Heaven.

Remembering the Church and leaving a gift in your will is to make a commitment to future generations that they too may know God through His Church. With a will or bequest, we can make sure our treasures are put to good use to look after Christ’s flock and to grow the kingdom here on earth. Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen this mission, and supports your local parish and the Archdiocese.

Supporting your local parish

Leaving a will or bequest can support your local church in many ways. This includes:

  • Supporting formation for children and young people, such as through sacramental programmes and youth ministry.
  • Providing pastoral care to the sick, elderly and those who can’t attend Mass.
  • Helping families and others in need, both spiritually and materially such as with food and clothing parcels.
  • Providing resources for volunteers and ministry leaders.
  • Programmes for adults, including faith formation.
  • Resources for worship, including music and audio/visual equipment so that parishioners can participate in Mass.
  • Looking after and maintaining buildings and other sacred spaces.

You can specify in your will or bequest what areas you would like it to help with particularly, or leave it for your church’s leaders to decide how best to use your gift.

Supporting our Archdiocese

Leaving a will or bequest can also support our Archdiocese which your parish is a part of. This includes:

  • Church Mission – marriage ministries, youth ministries, migrant ministries, and more. Find out more here.
  • Seminarian training, religious clergy formation & development. Find out more here.
  • Catholic education and development of Catholic schools. Find out more here.
  • Catholic Social Services – providing help to those in our communities in need, including social work advocacy, support and short-term interventions, programmes such as Seasons for Growth and Game On!, refugee home preparation, prison and hospital chaplaincy, and clergy healthcare coordination. Find out more here.
  • Maintenance of Sacred Heart Cathedral.

Supporting the Catholic Foundation

The Catholic Foundation, established by Cardinal Tom Williams, has for nearly half a century been a pillar of support for the Archbishop and the Archdiocese of Wellington. With $11 million distributed and a $14 million fund, the Foundation has truly made a difference.

But the work isn’t finished. Your bequest or membership isn’t just a donation; it’s an opportunity to join a lasting family, as the principal remains invested while the income generated funds good works. This ensures your generosity endures in perpetuity, helping to secure the future of our faith.

To learn more, visit catholicfoundation.org.nz, or contact Foundation secretary Kathy Whelan on 021 666 405.

Next steps: setting up a will or bequest

Setting up a will or bequest is a major decision with long-term implications – a decision you can’t retroactively change from Heaven.

Pray, and speak with your family and loved ones about how you would like to support them and the Church with a will or bequest. You can also speak with someone from your parish, and your lawyer(s) and financial advisor(s).

If you would like to add a bequest to the Archdiocese of Wellington into your will, the Archdiocese can arrange a complimentary solicitor’s appointment if you wish.

Call 04 496 5187 for more information.