My Dear People, For nearly 2,000 years Christianity has been present in Wales. As geographical, social, cultural and religious boundaries have changed the Catholic Church has been a constant presence responding to changing times and needs. In 2016 the Archdiocese of Cardiff celebrated the Centenary of its formation from the roots of the former Diocese of Newport. I am humbled and privileged to serve as the 7th Archbishop.
Whilst my role is to shepherd and lead the Archdiocese, I am very aware that role is not restricted to the present. Shepherds are called to look ahead when leading the sheep. Planning for the future is vital for the Church to grow and thrive, to continue to respond to the changing times and needs. Parishioners have long been generous in providing financial support through regular gifts or by leaving a Legacy that has helped form the Archdiocese we are all part of today.
Our circumstances change as we move through life. The importance of making a will is recognised but often neglected.
If you are considering making a Gift to the Church the following pages detail some examples of our commitments as a Diocese and how we would ensure a lasting gift is best used. I would strongly urge you to speak to one of the team at Archbishop’s House so that we update you on progress of our current projects and to take professional advice before making such a commitment.
In working together our Church has a positive future and will remain the firm foundation of our daily lives despite the seemingly increasing speed of change in other areas.
Any Gift that you wish to consider will help the Church continue the good you do during your life. ‘Let the good you do live after you.’
Over 1,000 people are baptised each year in the Archdiocese, with a similar number attending First Communion.
The Clergy will celebrate over 200 weddings but also hold over 1,000 funerals and nearly 15,000 people attend mass each Sunday.
Places
We come together in churches across the Diocese every day to bring the holiness of God into our own lives. In Communion with each other, we catch a glimpse of the truth that the glory of God is humanity fully alive. In celebrating the Eucharist, we remember that Jesus is indeed, the Way, the Truth and the Life for all people. And in Reconciliation we experience God’s tender Mercy, restoring lost holiness.
The Diocese is responsible for our church buildings and in recent years we have had to complete a number of major projects in order to ensure they remain safe and fit for purpose. Each project is different and no two projects are funded in the same way. In addition to using funds held by the Diocese we have combined resources with the local parishes and obtained Grant Funding such as the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Some projects have been to enhance the church whilst others have been for essential repairs. Successfully completed projects and examples of church buildings in need of urgent repair include:
St David’s Cathedral
St. David’s Cathedral is in need of major repair and refurbishment. Heating, lighting, toilets, sacristy all require urgent attention. This will give an opportunity for renovation also and the possibility for the creation of a new sanctuary and Blessed Sacrament chapel.
Your Bequest could contribute to this work and have particular works dedicated to the memory of a loved one.
People
No one who is called to lead and to serve in the Church can do this alone. We need to be adequately formed, bound together, ordained, ordered, directed and supported by the grace that the Sacrament of Holy Orders gives.
The Diocese has a particular duty of care for it’s priests before their ordination, during their ministry and after their retirement.
Through the support of the Priest Training Fund and the Sick and Retired Clergy Fund, the Diocese is able to support our priests as they set out to work among us and as they journey from active ministry into a hard-earned retirement. The following gives an insight in to the work of formation of young priests and care for the elderly.
Leaving a Gift in your Will
Leaving a gift in your Will is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the future of your Church, your Parish and your community.
Why have a Will?
Once you have made a Will, you know that those you care about most, your family and friends will be provided for. It can also be a way to protect the values you live by, helping to sustain the work of the Church. That means that future generations will be able to receive the same benefits from parish life that you have experienced during your life.
Leaving a Gift
No matter how large or small, a gift in a Will can make a huge difference and it is completely up to you in what way you wish to give.
Any gift in a Will, can be used to meet the ongoing needs of the Church. You can if you wish set out in your Will how you would like your gift to be used; for repairs and development of parish buildings, or particular works within the Church such as Formation of the Clergy.
But it is best not to be too specific. If for example you left a gift to your parish “to repair the organ” and either the organ did not need repair or had been removed, the parish would not be able to receive that gift.
Get the Wording Right
It is always best to seek proper legal advice from a qualified solicitor when drawing up your Will or changing your existing Will. However, we have been asked to provide some general guidance and so below are examples of wording for the different types of gifts which can be left in a Will.
Remember, each parish is part of the single charity which is the Archdiocese of Cardiff, it is important to refer to that charity number in your Will. This is to ensure that your gift goes to the correct place.
Leaving a Gift to your Diocese
A gift of a set amount
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, the sum of £___________ and it is my wish that this sum is to be used for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
A gift of a proportion of what is left after all debts, other gifts and expenses have been paid
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, ____% of my estate (after all debts, legacies, Inheritance Tax and administration costs have been paid) and it is my wish that this is to be used for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
A gift of a specific item
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, stocks/shares/property and it is my wish that this is to be used for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
Purpose of additional Clauses
Whichever form of gift is chosen, the following clauses should also be added, as sometimes charities merge or change their legal status and charity number:
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
Leaving a Gift to your Parish
A gift of a set amount of money
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, the sum of £___________ and it is my wish that this sum is to be used for the parish of ______________ in _______________ to meet the ongoing needs of the parish.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the parish specified in my gift shall no longer exist or shall have merged with another parish then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the merged parish or if there is no parish then for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
A gift of a proportion of what is left after all debts, other gifts and expenses have been paid
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, ____% of my estate (after all debts, legacies, Inheritance Tax and administration costs have been paid) and it is my wish that this is to be used for the parish of ______________ in _______________ to meet the ongoing needs of the parish.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the parish specified in my gift shall no longer exist or shall have merged with another parish then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the merged parish or if there is no parish then for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
A gift of a specific item
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, stocks/shares/property and it is my wish that this is to be used for the Parish of St ______________ in _______________ to meet the ongoing needs of the parish.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the parish specified in my gift shall no longer exist or shall have merged with another parish then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the merged parish or if there is no parish then for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
Whichever form of gift is chosen, the following clauses should also be added, as sometimes charities merge or change their legal status and charity number:
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the parish specified in my gift shall no longer exist or shall have merged with another parish then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the merged parish or if there is no parish then for the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
Leaving a Gift to your Cause
A gift of a set amount of money
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, the sum of £___________ and it is my wish that this sum is to be used for __(e.g. the Sick and Retired Clergy Fund)__to meet the ongoing needs of __(e.g. Sick and Retired Priests)__.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the Fund or Cause specified in my gift shall no longer exist then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
A gift of a proportion of what is left after all debts, other gifts and expenses have been paid
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, ____% of my estate (after all debts, legacies, Inheritance Tax and administration costs have been paid) and it is my wish that this is to be used for ______________ to meet the ongoing needs of _______________.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the Fund or Cause specified in my gift shall no longer exist then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
A gift of a specific item
I give to the Archdiocese of Cardiff, Registered Charity Number 1177272, Archbishop’s House, 41/43 Cathedral Road, Cardiff, stocks/shares/property and it is my wish that this is to be used for ______________ to meet the ongoing needs of _______________.
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the Fund or Cause specified in my gift shall no longer exist then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
Whichever form of gift is chosen, the following clauses should also be added, as sometimes charities merge or change their legal status and charity number:
If, at my death, the charity named above (Original Charity) no longer exists or is being wound up, my Trustees must:
(a) if the Original Charity has merged, or is about to merge, with another charity (Recipient Charity) and the merger, when completed, is registered in the official register of mergers maintained by the Charity Commission, pay the Recipient Charity the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity; or
(b) if clause (a) above does not apply, pay the amount specified above as being payable to the Original Charity to another charity that has objects similar to the Original Charity.
(c) If the Fund or Cause specified in my gift shall no longer exist then the gift shall be utilised for the needs of the general charitable purposes of the Archdiocese of Cardiff.
Benefit to Others
The Government supports gifts to charities by people in their Wills and any such gift is free of Inheritance Tax. This means that when your executors are calculating whether any Inheritance Tax is payable on your estate at the time of your death, they do not have to take into account any amount which you give to the Church.
In certain circumstances charitable gifts can also reduce any Inheritance Tax payable in respect of your estate.
Further information can be found through the Money Advice Servicewhich is a government money advice service. They can be found online at: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk or you can call them on 0800 138 0555
Getting Advice
For advice on writing your Will we recommend you speak to your solicitor. We are happy to liaise with them regarding the wording of gifts to our charity, and can be reached on the number below.
If you are considering leaving a gift to the Church, keep a look out for a copy of the leaflet ‘A Gift to Our Church’ in your local parish.
For more information or if you would like to discuss leaving a gift in your Will, please call 02920 374148 and ask to speak to Owen Collins or David Evans.
Making a Gift
A Gift can be made to the Diocese at any time. Such a Gift can be used at the discretion of the Diocese or restricted as directed by the donor. Before making a restricted Gift we recommend that you speak to Archbishop’s House so that we can ensure your wishes are met.
The Gift Aid Scheme can increase the value of your donation by 25% if you are a UK taxpayer at no extra cost to yourself. Gift Aid also others tax relief benefits to people who complete their own tax returns.
If you require any further information or advice please fill in the form below
Making a Will
A Will is a legal document and we strongly recommend that you take professional advice to ensure that all your wishes are met. Most solicitors offer a Will service but we also have legal support through the Diocese if required. Please contact Archbishop’s House for further direction; we can help with any questions you have.
A Will allows you to leave any asset you may have including cash, property, shares or specific items such as jewellery to your chosen beneficiary. If leaving a cash Gift you can make a Gift of a specific amount (Pecuniary Legacy) and can index link that Gift as you choose.
The future of Family is important and so there is provision for leaving a Gift of the funds left after all other wishes have been settled (Residual Legacy). Each person has their own set of circumstances and it is important that your final wishes are met.
Mark 12:41-44
And he sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting money into the offering box. Many rich people put in large sums. And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”