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Why Write a Will?

Augustinian Provincial David L. Brecht, O.S.A. presents a certificate of affiliation to the Order of St. Augustine to Dr. James "Doc" Gardner. Dr. Gardner became an Affiliate of the Augustinian Order in 2005. The certificate was sent from Rome by Augustinian Prior General Robert F. Prevost, O.S.A. Dr. Gardner served many Augustinians through his optometry practice. A graduate of St. Rita High School, Chicago, a founding member of the St. Rita High School Board of Advisors, and a member of the Men of Tolentine, Dr. Gardner was a loyal supporter of the Augustinians for more than 75 years. Including the Augustinians in your will supports programs of formation for new Friars and helps ensure adequate care for elderly and ill Friars.

We live in a nation of laws.

When we are born, our birth is registered as required by law.

We comply with legal requirements in purchasing a home, paying taxes, securing a passport and in most of life's activities.

When we die, our life's passing is noted in securing a death certificate and in the probate process.

One of the most important legal opportunities each of us faces pertains to the future ownership of our possessions. Before we die, we can make a will that determines who will receive what we have accumulated.

If we die without a will, the state will make decisions for us which often disregard our wishes. Deciding not to write a will reflects a lost opportunity to demonstrate our love to those whom we cherish.

Every person has the legal right to make a will.

Details of your will may include

• The naming of a personal representative

• A decision on guardians for minor children

• Guidelines concerning how the children will be raised

• A distribution plan for accumulated wealth

• Expressions of gratitude for all of life's blessings through gifts to the charity of your choice.

Life involves a string of choices. One of the most important choices we make involves the use and disposition of our assets.

Our acts during our lifetime become a statement of our faith. Our last act, our will, serves as a final testament of our faith journey in life.

We exercise a spiritual privilege when we plan and write our own will.

For additional information on writing your will, you will want to contact your attorney.

If you are interested in remembering the Augustinians in your will, our correct name (for legal purposes) is
Province of Our Mother of Good Counsel of the Augustinian Order.

Read our free pamphlet on wills

For a free pamphlet on wills, or for more information about ways in which you can support the men, mission and ministries of the Augustinians, contact Augustinian Advancement Director Michael Gerrity.

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