CHARLOTTE — August is Make-a-Will Month, a national initiative encouraging people to focus on something profoundly important: creating or updating their will.
Regardless of age, a last will and testament is a powerful document that enables you to protect your loved ones, distribute your property, and leave a legacy to the Church in western North Carolina – either to your parish, Catholic school, Catholic ministries such as Catholic Charities, the diocese, or the diocesan Foundation.
John and Rosmarie Monahan are among those who planned ahead in their will, and as a result, enabled the work of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte.
Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development, remembers first meeting John Monahan when they were both members of Our Lady of Assumption Parish in the late 1970s and worked together on various parish projects. Kelley recalls Monahan having discussions with him and other diocesan development office staff in 2015 about his plans to remember Catholic Charities and his parish, St. Therese, in his will.
“I was aware of the deep connection John and his wife Rosmarie had with the Church. Since they did not have children, the Church had become their family. Leaving a bequest in his will was a way for him to honor Rosmarie’s memory and their shared mission to support those in need. Their devotion to giving back inspired me and everyone who knew them,” Kelley said.
The Monahans’ legacy continues to shine through this planned gift, enabling Catholic Charities to provide vital services and support to countless people in need.
Make-a-Will Month is an ideal time to honor the Monahans and consider how to follow their example by celebrating our faith and extending the spirit of generosity into the future, Kelley said. “The Christian life is rooted in the virtues of charity and generosity, reflecting the infinite love extended to us by Jesus. As Catholics, we are called to lead lives filled with compassion and generosity, reflecting our faith through action.”
For those seeking to leave a lasting legacy that reflects their Catholic faith, values and love for others, the diocese offers a unique opportunity to join the Catholic Heritage Society, a special group of people who remember the Church in western North Carolina in their estate plans. The Catholic Heritage Society now numbers more than 1,600 members.
— Virginia Garramone
Plan ahead
Interested in making a planned gift or setting up an endowment to benefit Catholic Charities, your parish or Catholic school? You can make a gift through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust or annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash or securities.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..