Franciscans of Saint Bonaventure Province

Friars Minor Conventual

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Make-a-Will-Month

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August is Make a Will Month!

“Possessions are not ours, but are lent by God.” – St. Francis of Assisi 

“Why are the life insurance policies in the boys’ school folder???” – Jennifer Georgis 

I aspire to reach St. Francis’ level of spiritual detachment — the deep trust that everything we have is simply on loan from God, and that true fulfillment comes from our relationship with Him, not our possessions. But if I’m honest, everyday life has other plans. Between bills, buried paperwork, and insurance policies that mysteriously migrate into school folders, stewardship can quietly slide to the bottom of the to-do list. 

That’s why my husband and I set aside time every August, right before the school year starts, to look back on the year behind us and plan for the one ahead. It’s also when we review our will and estate plan, making sure it still reflects our family’s current needs and values. Knowing our sons – and the causes we care about — are provided for gives us real peace of mind. And as a bonus, it forces me to clean out last year’s school folders and finally track down those life insurance policies! 

Estate planning is about far more than assets. It’s about making sure your wishes are honored and your family feels cared for and secure. Yet nearly 55% of Americans still don’t have a will or estate plan in place, a gap that can leave loved ones tangled in frustration, confusion, and unnecessary costs. Everyone deserves access to a simple, trustworthy way to protect the people and causes they love.  

That’s why we’re excited to share that the Mission Advancement Department has vetted and partnered with LifeLegacy, an independent, third-party platform that walks you step-by-step through building your will and estate plan. As a member of our Franciscan community, you can use this tool free of charge. Just get started here:

Click here

With LifeLegacy, you stay in full control of your assets and can change your plan at any time. Including Conventual Franciscan Friars of St. Bonaventure Province is entirely optional, but if you do, please let us know, so we can say thank you.  

We’re honored to walk alongside you in this important act of stewardship, and to support your desire to build a legacy rooted in love, service, and hope. Just don’t ask us to help you find a missing life insurance policy.  For that, you’ll want to enlist St. Anthony, patron saint of lost things (and, apparently, school folders).  

Jennifer Georgis 

Director of Mission Advancement 

Safeguarding Statement

The Franciscan Friars Conventual of St. Bonaventure Province are committed to creating safe environments for children and vulnerable adults.

Every friar in active ministry must complete training in Virtus (the National Catholic Risk Retention Group) and any other safe environment compliances required by the dioceses in which they serve.

In addition, St. Bonaventure Province has its own Safe Environment Commission that oversees the implementation and monitoring of the Province’s Policies, Procedures, and Protocols for Ethical Ministry with Minors and Vulnerable Adults. 

Any allegation regarding the Franciscan Friars Conventual of this Province receives an immediate response. This includes the Province’s full cooperation with local law enforcement authorities and Ordinaries who have ecclesial jurisdiction over these matters, as well as a duly diligent investigation by a qualified third party in order to substantiate credibility.