Aug. 19, 2015

By Scott Lalone
Executive Director, Development Office

We all know the importance of a Will and what purpose they serve.  It’s just taking that first step.

With August being National-Make-A-Will Month, what better time than now. Do not let state laws determine who will inherit your property/assets.

Over the years the so many individuals have had bequests through their Wills or trusts and had the diocese, their parish, Catholic school, Catholic Charities, Missionary Projects of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, the Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg and other ministries and institutions of the Diocese of Ogdensburg as one of their final beneficiaries.

Other donors who have been called home to God in the past several years have used Charitable Gift Annuities as well as their Wills to provide for the future of the diocese.

In commemoration of their faithfulness and the commitment of those today and tomorrow who will make such gifts, in 2008 the Memorare Legacy Society was established. It is through this society that the Diocese of Ogdensburg will thank donors for their support of the diocese, parish or school, a diocesan program/ministry, the Bishop’s Fund Appeal or to a Missionary Project of the Diocese of Ogdensburg.

The Memorare Legacy Society honors and recognizes the generosity and vision of those who have chosen to leave a legacy to the Diocese of Ogdensburg through estate or deferred gifts.  

One qualifies for membership by designating a portion of his or her assets to pass at death to the any of the above mentioned.  These gifts may be accomplished by a simple statement that you have remembered the Church in your will or similar document such as a trust, life insurance policy, charitable gift annuity, designation of an IRA or 401(k) or any other more complex transactions. 

Members of this society are those who have informed the Diocese of a planned gift that, in the future, will benefit the Diocese of Ogdensburg or any of its Parishes or programs.  This ensures a continuous commitment of care to their Church, to the Church’s vision and to the charitable works that flow from her missions through their thoughtful planned gift. Members’ names will not be made public unless they specifically give their consent to do so.

A special thank you to current members of the Memorare Legacy Society: Monsignor Joseph Aubin of Plattsburgh, Therese Bruyere of Ogdensburg, Reverend Daniel Chapin, Reverend Douglas Comstock of Alexandria Bay, Elizabeth Kelly of Plattsburgh, Mrs. Judith Kelly of Lady Lake Florida, Helen Knepp of Ogdensburg, Reverend Arthur LaBaff, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Lalone of Ogdensburg,

Aso, Reverend Gilbert Menard of Plattsburgh, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Pearson of Watertown, Monsignor Leeward Poissant of Keeseville, Deacon and Mrs. William Frances Raven of Black River, Deacon Bernard Slate of Clayton, Miss Kathleen St. Denis of Plattsburgh, Reverend Bryan Stitt of Malone, Reverend Richard Sturtz of Schroon Lake, Mr. Joseph Tebo of Ogdensburg as well as several who prefer their intentions to remain anonymous.

It is easy to become a member of the Memorare Legacy Society.  Requesting a brochure to be sent to you or by simply completing the membership form below and returning it makes you an automatic member.