X

Planned Giving

Structured Giving to Support St. Joseph Congregation

There are numerous ways of supporting St. Joseph Congregation: donations of time to our various activities and committees; participation at Mass as a member of the choir, or the ministers of hospitality (ushers), or as lectors or Eucharistic ministers; or perhaps teaching our parish youth the catechism of the Catholic Church; and of course financial support. The parishioners of St. Joseph's have a long history of generosity, as is clearly visible in our beautiful campus of buildings. The following is a list of methods of financially assisting St. Joseph's in our community mission.

Gifts of Cash

The most common way of supporting St. Joseph's Congregation is an outright gift that can come in the form of a cash gift, or a planned gift that generates income.

Most cash giving at St. Joseph's is through annual commitments that are fulfilled on a weekly, monthly or annual basis, or through some other regular  timing. That support can be provided via cash or checks delivered to the parish office or via the weekly collection at Mass, via the mail or via electronic payment. One-time donations can be made in a similar manner or via our secure, online giving tool.

If you are a parishioner and have not made your annual commitment, please prayerfully consider doing so. If you have already pledged, please make sure you are meeting that commitment to St. Joseph so we can maintain our budget and fulfill our parish misssion. All outright gifts are tax deductible as provided by law.

Securities

Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds are the most common type of Securities in a person's financial portfolio. If you are looking to give Securities, it's important to know if they have increased or decreased in value since you purchased them. If your Securities have increased in value over time, giving the Securities directly will enable you to avoid capital gains taxes while potentially providing a charitable deduction for the fair-market value of your gift.

In circumstances where your Securities have depreciated, you may be better off selling them and donating the proceeds. This allows you to receive a deduction for your capital loss plus a charitable deduction for the amount given.

Estate Planning Through Your Will

"The Christian, above all others, should realize that we come into life with empty hands - and it is with empty hands that we leave it. Actually we can possess nothing-no property and no person-along the way. It is God who owns everything, and we are but stewards of his property during the brief time we are on earth." - Billy Graham

A will is your legal document that ensures your estate is distributed and your family is cared for as you direct. With a will, your wishes are carried out. Without a will, the state makes all major decisions. No charitable gifts can be made from your estate without such designations through a will.

You can make a gift to St. Joseph's through your will by designating a percentage of your estate, a specific sum of money, or a specific asset (such as securities or property). Contact an attorney to prepare a will that reflects exactly what you want it to say.

Life Insurance

Most people purchase Life Insurance to provide for their children, to protect their home mortgage, or to secure retirement funds. As people age, they often find that they no longer need financial protection in these areas. If that describes you, consider how your Life Insurance policy could help St. Joseph's. Contact your financial advisor for assistance.

IRA Contributions

Parishioners over 70 ½ years of age can contribute directly from a qualified IRA to St. Joseph's. In recent years the U.S. Congress has made these contributions completely tax-free (IR-2014-117). See your financial advisor for current status and assistance.

St. Joseph Congregation does not provide advice or opinions on financial planning or your tax situation.

If you are considering structured giving, please notify Debbie at the parish office at 414-771-4626.