How do you make a will?
August is Make-A-Will Month—a reminder that planning for the future is not only practical, but an opportunity to reflect the faith and values that have shaped your life.
Every life leaves a legacy.
Sometimes it’s found in the values we pass on to our children and grandchildren. Sometimes it’s reflected in the kindness we’ve shared, the communities we’ve strengthened, or the faith we’ve lived each day.
For many Glenmary supporters, that legacy also includes helping ensure the Church continues to grow in places where it is needed most.
Faith Takes Root One Community at a Time
In some parts of rural America there was no Catholic parish until Glenmary arrived.
One Tennessee faith community first gathered for Mass in a local library before worshiping in a borrowed church. Another began with Mass celebrated in a parishioner’s carport while families worked together to build a permanent home for their growing parish. Today, those communities celebrate baptisms, prepare children for First Communion, welcome adults into the Church, and gather each Sunday around the altar as vibrant parish families.
These are just a few examples of how Glenmary’s mission continues to bring Christ’s presence to communities across rural America.
Growing Faith for the Next Generation
A parish is more than a building.
Across Glenmary’s mission areas, children prepare for the sacraments, families gather for faith formation, and parishioners work together to strengthen their communities. Many parishes also provide food assistance, youth programs, scholarships, and other outreach that reflects Christ’s love in practical ways.
Those moments may seem ordinary, but together they become something extraordinary—a lasting witness to the Gospel.
A Legacy That Lives Beyond Our Lifetime
Glenmary’s mission has grown through the faith and generosity of countless supporters over nearly a century.
Every church built, every child prepared for First Communion, every family welcomed into parish life, and every act of compassionate outreach reflects the generosity of supporters who believed this work should continue.
Many friends of Glenmary choose to include the mission in their estate plans as one way of ensuring that future generations will continue to encounter Christ through Glenmary’s ministry.
Each planned gift reflects a desire to pass on the faith, strengthen the Church, and help Catholic communities continue to grow where they are needed most.
Your Next Step
If you’ve been thinking about creating or updating your will, Make-A-Will Month is a wonderful time to begin.
Through Glenmary’s partnership with FreeWill, individuals can create a legally valid online in about 20 minutes. If you have a will, Glenmary offers language for including Glenmary in your estate plans; you can also make Glenmary the beneficiary of your IRA, donor advised fund, life insurance policy and other assets.
Whatever your stage of life or giving journey, making a plan is a meaningful way to care for those you love while reflecting the faith and values that have guided your life.
If you have questions about estate planning or would like to explore how your legacy can support Glenmary’s mission, email Christina Waddle, Planned Giving Officer or call Christina at (513) 881-7441. She would be happy to answer your questions or provide additional information—without obligation.
