Estate Planning

The genius of Saint Francis of Assisi is that his life and message appeals to everyone. He founded the First Order for the friars, the Second Order (with Saint Clare of Assisi) for women, and the Third Order for single and married lay people.

Requirements for membership in the Third Order (today called the Secular Franciscan Order) were simple and basic. Some of the requirements included dressing modestly, fasting, remaining faithful to one's religious duties, observing justice and the law, paying one's debts, giving alms, caring for the sick and writing a will!

The requirement of writing a will was important to Saint Francis because if one died without a will, the State or King could claim the property. The rich became richer and the poor became poorer, and nothing would or could be handed down to descendants or to the poor and needy.

As a good steward of the property and goods which God has given you, it is important to plan your estate. This is generally done by making a will which distributes your property and goods to the people, institutions, and the charities you wish to remember. A will also allows you to perpetuate your good works for the good of your family and the charities you care about.

If you have thought about making a will but cannot seem to make the first move, we can provide a little help. We offer the booklet, Simple Steps in Preparing a Will to you at no charge. For your free copy, please fill out and send the form below or contact us by phone or email.

Online Order Form - Simple Steps in Preparing a Will

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