Free Will

As 2025 begins, I’m reminded of God's love for our entire Catholic community. Thank you for your faith and support in this new year.
 
As Catholics, we are called to serve God and share His love with others. As it’s put plainly in 1 Corinthians 16:15: “Your every act should be done with love.”
 
This time of year is a moment to cherish our loved ones, engage in thoughtful stewardship, and plan for the future. One step I encourage our parish family to take is to create your will. 
 
Your will puts your love into action by supporting the people and ministries you love. It’s a powerful, lasting testament of your faith.
 
St. Bernard is pleased to offer this online will-writing tool, sponsored by the Diocese of Joliet. In just 20 minutes, you can create a free plan that reflects your faith and protects your blessings. 

 
While creating your plan, please prayerfully consider including a gift to St. Bernard. Your legacy can be one of love and provide lasting support to our ministries and the communities they serve.
 
Blessings,

Click here to go to the Freewill Website

Don’t Myth Out! Know the Truth About Wills

Before you dismiss the idea of needing a will, changing it if you have one or making a gift in one, check our list of busted myths below.
Myth 1: I’m not rich, so I don’t need a will.
Reality: If you own a home, a car and/or anything else of value—or simply have money in the bank—you should have a will. Otherwise, the state where you reside will decide who gets your assets when you’re gone…and it may not be who you want.
Myth 2: I’m young, and wills are only for people well into retirement.
Reality: Every adult should have a will. You know how important it is to provide for not only your spouse or partner but for children, pets and possibly friends and extended family members. Don’t cause rifts among your loved ones or let the state decide!
Myth 3: Creating a will is time-consuming and expensive.
Reality: Creating a will has never been so convenient and affordable. If the cost is a concern, you can create a simple estate plan using free tools online. A good estate planning attorney is often worth the price if you have a large estate, complex assets or unique circumstances.
Myth 4: Once I make a will, it’s forever. I can never change it.
Reality: You can change your existing will or even create an entirely new will whenever you like (and are mentally competent to do so). Relationships and circumstances change over time, so you should review your plans periodically.
Myth 5: My loved ones might get upset if I want to give part of their inheritance to a nonprofit that is important to me.
Reality: They may be more supportive than you expect, especially once they learn that including the Diocese in your estate plan can make a huge impact and extend your values beyond your lifetime. Have a conversation with them or leave a legacy letter with your will that thoughtfully explains your wishes.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: Giving a gift in your will doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. You could choose to give just a percentage of your estate to benefit the Parish. Even a small percentage can make a major difference while having a minimal effect on your heirs.

As Catholics, we are called to plan ahead and share the blessings of our lives with our loved ones and future generations.  There are many ways to be a steward of your blessings and God’s love, and one is estate planning. Estate planning helps you to feel prepared for your own future, and passes the legacy of our Catholic faith onto the next generation.
St. Bernard is excited to share a free, online will-writing tool with our community, courtesy of the Diocese of Joliet and FreeWill.

• ¨ Estate planning is the best way to pass on your values and your valuables. Protecting your faith and your assets at the same time.
• ¨ Planning a gift in your will for St. Bernard and your other favorite charitable organizations costs nothing today, and turns your faith into action for generations to come!
• ¨ FreeWill’s online tool takes less than 20 minutes to comp
• lete, and is valid in all 50 states. It’s also totally free to use, no strings attached.
• ¨ FreeWill can be used with more complicated estates by creating a list of documented wishes that can be brought to an attorney, saving you time and money at the lawyer’s office.
• ¨ FreeWill also provides free tools to create an Advance Healthcare Directive and Durable Financial Power of Attorney, two important documents in estate planning.
• ¨ Visit FreeWill.com/DioceseofJoliet to get started today!