New Legacy Kit includes Catholic doctrine |
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Written by ANGELA KESSLER, Chronicle Editor
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Friday, 06 March 2009 09:20 |
Getting end-of-life wishes and documents in order is not what most people enjoy doing or thinking about. But a new twist on an existing program can help people of any age gather the information and materials that will make things easier on surviving family members.
The Legacy Kit, which was introduced to Chronicle readers in 2007, is now available in a Diocese of Toledo version.
Like the original kit, a workbook guides the user through a seven-step process and provides a durable portfolio for storing important papers and memorabilia. The Catholic version, however, includes beliefs and teachings dealing with organ donation and funeral plans. The charitable contributions section has also been modified to include donation suggestions to a parish, school, the diocese or the Priests’ Retirement Fund in addition to other charities.
Organized in an easy-to-follow format, the Catholic doctrine portion of the book was written by Father Charles Singler, director of worship for the diocese. It includes guidance on the church’s view of organ donation, including what should be done if a person decides to donate his or her body for medical research.
The section of the workbook addressing funeral plans and wishes includes explanations for the funeral rite, including the vigil for the deceased, funeral Mass and rite of committal. In addition to including forms for obituary information, method and details of the burial or cremation, the book also allows space for details of the eulogy and music choices.
Other steps in the process of completing The Legacy Kit include recording insurance policies and the locations of financial accounts; detailing preferences for charitable contributions; listing of legal documents that should be completed; and space for leaving special messages to loved ones, recording who should get heirlooms or keepsakes and writing a spiritual narrative.
The Diocese of Toledo version of The Legacy Kit is only available through parishes and the diocesan Office of Development, according to Karen Szymanski, diocesan fund officer. The kit is $12 and, in addition to the workbook, includes a durable plastic portfolio in which to keep paperwork, photos, business cards, CDs, DVDs or anything else the user wishes. For people living in the same household, additional workbooks may be purchased for $2 each after a full kit is acquired.
Ms. Szymanski suggests working through The Legacy Kit as an appropriate activity for people in any age or stage of life.
"You’re providing direction and almost comfort to those left behind, particularly if it is sudden," she says. "From the littlest details of favorite songs and your interest in making charitable donations — that knowledge is comforting to families."
That desired feeling is what drove Steve Sczesny to create The Legacy Kit. In an interview with the Chronicle in 2007, he said, "You’re not doing this for yourself, you’re doing this for your loved ones."
He said it was the death of his own father and the fact his personal information and wishes were not recorded that made it difficult for his family.
The kit is not intended to replace legal documents such as a will and durable power of attorney, but it is to guide to make sure these types of documents are complete and in a central location.
"It’s a tool," Ms. Szymanski says. "It’s a repository for that information."
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To purchase The Legacy Kit, contact your parish or Karen Szymanski at 419-244-6711, ext. 215 or kszymanski@toledodiocese.org.
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 06 May 2009 09:10 |
