Planned Giving | Christ Church Cathedral

Preserving Our Future

As stewards of God’s gifts, we build on the foundation left by those who came before us. We, in turn, have the opportunity, with a bequest to Christ Church Cathedral, to sustain and enhance parish ministries, programs, outreach, and campus for the benefit of future generations. As you reflect on how you will write your legacy, we hope you’ll consider including Christ Church in your estate plans.

The Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund

Without the Endowment, the Cathedral would be a very different place. The Endowment has supported the mission and ministries through good times and bad and has played an integral role in the creation of several outreach facilities such as Omega House, COMPASS, New Hope Housing, and The Beacon. We have been able to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us, and those who come after us must be able to do the same.

Planned gifts and bequests should list the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund as the beneficiary. All gifts to the Cathedral’s Endowment are used to enhance the good works of Christ Church with investment proceeds.

The Bishop Richardson Society

Bishop J. Milton Richardson, while Dean of Christ Church Cathedral, created the Endowment Fund in 1954. The Bishop Richardson Society was created to honor those who have remembered the Cathedral in their long-term financial planning. The Society also recognizes those who have made lifetime gifts to the endowment above and beyond their annual giving.

To become a member of The Bishop Richardson Society, you need only to let us know that you have made a provision in your estate plans for the church. Neither the amount of the provision, nor the means, are important – only that you have include Christ Church Cathedral in your will or estate plan through a bequest of money, securities, personal property, or real estate; a life income gift (charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust); a gift of life insurance; a life estate; or some other form of planned giving.

If you have indeed included the Cathedral in your estate plans, or are considering doing so, please let our stewardship office know by contacting our CFO, Patrick Saccomanno (713-220-9759). New members are recognized each year on Loyalty Sunday at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. services and have their names added to the ground plaque near the Cathedral’s front door.

A list of Bishop Richardson Society members can be found in the Cathedral’s Annual Parish Report and on the ground plaque in the Bishop’s Courtyard near the bell tower.

Planned Giving Options

There are many ways to remember Christ Church Cathedral in your estate plans, and only you can choose the method that is right for you. Your legacy to the Cathedral can carry on good works for years to come.

Your Will – Having a will gives you the comfort of knowing that your assets will be distributed the way that you wish. It is easy to add a sentence (codicil) to your will indicating a bequest to the Endowment Fund. Many prefer a general bequest, but you may choose to leave a percentage of your estate, name the Cathedral as an alternate beneficiary, or leave the church whatever is left, once all other specific bequests have been made. Your attorney can give you advice, but you’ll find a few examples in the links below.

Sample letter (PDF)
Sample codicil (PDF)
How to phrase a bequest to the Endowment in your will (PDF)
How to make a gift of securities (PDF)

Charitable Trusts - Trusts are one of the most flexible vehicles available for gifting to the Cathedral. You can stipulate how, and where, you would like your gift to be used. In some cases, you can leave a gift to the Cathedral, and an equal amount to your heirs. Most trusts will allow sizable savings on inheritance and estate taxes. Always consult your financial advisers for the details.

Beneficiary Designations – You can make a gift to the church or a “planned gift” to the Endowment Fund without having to retain an attorney to make or amend a will or trust, using a beneficiary designation. With a beneficiary designation, you can make the Christ Church Cathedral Endowment Fund a beneficiary of your bank account; IRA, 401(k), or 403(b) retirement account; brokerage account; donor-advised fund; or insurance policy. The gift becomes effective after your death, and it can be for a specific amount or a percentage amount.

Life Income Gifts – When you give through a charitable gift annuity, a charitable remainder trust, or a pooled income fund, you or your designated beneficiary receives income for life, after which Christ Church Cathedral receives your gift.

Christ Church Cathedral is providing this information for your consideration only. Before taking any of the suggested actions above, consult with your financial advisor, tax accountant,

Need More Help?

If we’ve left you with unanswered questions, contact our CFO, Patrick Saccomanno (713-220-9759).