By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – August is recognized as national “make-a-will” month, an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of estate planning. With less than one-third of Americans having a valid will, the Diocese of Jackson invites the community to take proactive steps in securing their future and their legacy using the free service – My Catholic Will.
“Creating a will can often feel like a daunting task, one that many of us tend to put off to do some time in the future,” says Rebecca Harris, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Jackson. “However, viewing this process from a different perspective might make it easier to approach. Think of creating your will as a way to establish a lasting legacy for your loved ones and even your Catholic faith.”
While many expect to live well into the future, not being legally prepared for the end could lead to significant issues. Ambiguous or absent final wishes could result in conflicts among beneficiaries. Those who die without a valid will risk having the distribution of assets decided by state law.
The Office of Stewardship and Development aims to simplify the process of estate planning for those across the diocese. In partnership with My Catholic Will, the diocese is offering a free online service that allows individuals to create a legal will in under 20 minutes in most cases. This service is available to everyone in the diocese and can be accessed by visiting https://mycatholicwill.com/jacksondiocese. The site also features a living will builder, enabling individuals to outline their medical wishes should they become unable to communicate or make decisions for themselves.
“Taking the time to create your will not only provides peace of mind but also helps secure your legacy,” Harris said.
Even those who currently have a will can take this month as a reminder to update their wills.
“I’ve had a will for decades now,” said Bishop Joseph Kopacz. “It continues to evolve as time goes on.”
In a recent video on “Make-a-Will” month, Bishop Kopacz emphasizes the importance of being intentional and mindful about what matters most to us. For those who are devoted to their faith, their parish, their school, and their diocese, a will provides numerous ways to support these commitments.
Additionally, the diocese also offers a free “Funeral and Financial Planner Guidebook” to assist in the estate planning process. For questions about wills or other planned gift options, Harris is available for assistance at rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.
National “Make-a-Will” month serves as a reminder to all individuals, regardless of age or wealth, to consider their estate planning needs and take the necessary steps to ensure their wishes are honored.
