Wills & Bequests

A bequest is a gift through a will, made after your death from the property you owned.

Many people have an interest in making a substantial gift to the ministry which has nurtured their faith. This may include their parish, school, or Diocesan ministries such as seminarian education, priest retirement, etc. The federal government encourages these gifts or bequests, by allowing an unlimited estate tax charitable deduction.

To include a bequest for your parish or the Diocese of Madison in your will, please use the following language:

"I give, devise and bequeath to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison, whose principal office is located at 702 S. High Point Road, Madison, WI 53719 for the benefit of (your parish, school, Diocese, or other agency or ministry of the Diocese) ..."

There are three ways you can make a bequest:

1. Specific Bequest — You designate a specific dollar amount, specific percentage, or specific property to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison.
2. Residual Bequest — Your estate will pay all debts, taxes, expenses, and specific bequests. The remaining amount — the residue — will be transferred to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison
3. Contingent Bequest — A contingent bequest becomes effective only if a certain event, or series of events, occurs. For example: How would you like your property to be distributed in the event your heirs die before you do? If you have not named a contingent beneficiary, and that event were to occur, your property will pass under the laws of the state in which you live (as if you had no will at all). Many people name a charitable organization such as Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison as contingent beneficiary.

Codicils — A codicil is an addendum to your will which specifies a change you make to your original will. If you already have a will, you can add a bequest for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison by completing a codicil. Your attorney can assist you.

Saying "Thank You"

Sometimes people include a bequest for their parish or the Diocese of Madison and we learn about it only after their death. We are so grateful to them, for they have helped to assure a brighter future for many, and we would have enjoyed expressing our gratitude while they were living. For us it is important to say "thank you" and, when possible, to do so in person and tell us about your wishes.

The importance of using professional counsel

We always encourage prospective donors to seek the advice of professional counsel concerning the best giving option for them. We would welcome the opportunity to provide you or your attorney with additional information on any of the methods of giving described here. The information presented here is an overview based upon current tax laws; it does not purport to be definitive. We hope it will help you find the most mutually advantageous way to create a leave a legacy through the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison.

If you decide to include the Roman Catholic Diocese of Madison in your planning, please let us know. We want to say "thank you" and to thank God for you.