Generosity from Generation to Generation
Since its founding, St. Stephen’s has been sustained by parishioners who chose to remember the parish in their wills. This page is simply here to help you understand what a legacy gift is, how it works, and why it matters — at your own pace, and with no obligation of any kind.
On This Page: Why It Matters | Terms & Language | Key Documents | Questions & Answers | Downloads
Why Legacy Giving Matters: A Lasting Impact, for Generations to Come
A legacy gift is one of the most meaningful ways to provide for the long-term future of St. Stephen’s. Gifts of every size — large, small, and in between — help our endowment grow, which in turn generates steady income for ministry and for the care of our beloved buildings.
The Language of Legacy Giving: Legacies, Bequests & Wills
A few terms come up again and again in legacy giving. Here is what they mean, in plain language.
Legacy
Something of value handed down from one generation to the next — typically money or property left to a person or charity through a will.
Bequest
The legal term for a gift — cash, stocks, annuities, jewelry, art, and the like — passed on through a will or trust after the donor's death.
Will
A legal document that directs how a person's assets are distributed after death, ensuring they go where the person intends.
The Key Legacy Giving Documents
Alongside a will, two other documents are well worth having: a power of attorney, which names someone to make decisions if you are unable to, and an advance directive, which guides your loved ones and physician on the care you would — or would not — want.
Frequently Asked Questions
THE BASICS – WILLS, BEQUESTS & ESTATES
Anyone with assets — real estate, savings, a vehicle, or other property — benefits from a will, regardless of age. Parents of minor children especially need one, so they can name legal guardians.
Without a will (known as intestacy), a court-appointed representative manages the estate, and the closest living
relatives usually inherit — which may or may not match your wishes. A will also speeds up probate, the court process of settling an estate.
Not necessarily. Free will forms accepted in Massachusetts are available online; they must be witnessed by two unrelated people and, ideally, notarized (notary fees are usually small). Anyone with a large estate, minor children, or business interests is strongly encouraged to work with an estate-planning attorney — it’s worth calling a few to compare fees.
Yes — a will can be updated at any time.
Yes. An advance directive guides your loved ones and physician on the care you would (or would not) want. A power of attorney names someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you are unable to. Both forms are available online; it is wise to review the advance directive with your family and doctor, and to have an attorney review the power of attorney.
GIVING A LEGACY TO ST. STEPHEN’S
Since its founding, St. Stephen’s has been sustained by parishioners who remembered the parish in their wills. These bequests — large, small, and in between — have helped our endowment grow, which supports ministry and the care of our buildings.
St. Stephen’s gratefully receives bequests of cash, stock, annuities, and other financial gifts.
Yes. A restricted bequest may be used only for a specific purpose; an unrestricted bequest gives the parish flexibility to meet needs as they change over time.
It is never required, but it is helpful for the parish to know — with the understanding that a will can always be changed.
“…all persons [are] to make wills while they are in health, arranging for the disposal of their temporal goods, not neglecting, if they are able, to leave bequests for religious and charitable uses.”
Take These With You
Every piece on this page is available as a printable PDF — easy to read at home, share with family, or pass along to a friend.
Legacy Giving FAQ
The full “Generosity from Generation to Generation” question-and-answer guide.
Estate Plannning Documents
Wills, powers of attorney & advance directives at a glance.
Learn at your own pace
There is no form to fill out here and nothing you need to decide today. We simply
hope these materials are a helpful place to begin — for you, your family, and the
future of this parish we love.
Questions? The parish office is always glad to talk.
413.448.8276 · mail AT ststephenspittsfield.org (email)