By Greg Pope, National Foundation Board
A good definition of stewardship is ‘economic behavior influenced by spiritual direction.’ Economic behavior is simply a reflection of our deepest beliefs and commitments. If every check you’ve written and credit card transaction of the past year or two were to be scrolled like the ending credits on a motion picture, the audience would have a good idea about your story — and certainly, your priorities.
Financial stewardship is far more than annual gifts given to good causes. It should extend beyond our lifetime, influencing and encouraging the next generations.One of the greatest gifts we can give our children and grandchildren is a well-planned estate. This includes pre-arranged funeral plans, an up to date last-will-in-testament, and an organized, comprehensive list of investments and assets.
Many neglect this important work because, frankly, we don’t often think about death, plus it can be cumbersome work. Conversely, it also brings immense satisfaction and joy as we make plans which will benefit family, friends, and causes that are close to our hearts.
How can we encourage our fellow Conference members and Parish faithful to consider these important acts of stewardship?It’s as simple as asking a question. In our requests for support and letters of thanks to current donors we can simply ask, “Have you considered remembering our Parish and the good work of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in your estate plans?”
“But what if someone leaves us a large sum of money?” The National Council can help. We have a Foundation which can steward funds on behalf of Diocesan Councils and local Conferences. The funds and investment returns can be held exclusively for local benefit.
Those who support the Society do so not out of obligation, but because they truly wish to lift up the most vulnerable and help those who Jesus called out as blessed! The satisfaction which comes from sharing this joy with our family through a gift from their estate is something many would treasure, but something (or someone) must first prompt them to consider the opportunity.