Supporting the Diocese - Bequests

Below is the correct wording if you are considering making bequests to the Diocese, a Parish, or any specific purpose within the Diocese.

A bequest to the Diocese

I GIVE AND BEQUEATH the sum of ________ to the person who at the time of the payment of the same shall be or act as the Roman Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth to be expended by him with the income thereof for such charitable purposes as His Lordship the Bishop shall in his absolute discretion think fit and I DECLARE that the receipt of the Secretary to the Diocesan Trustees or other duly appointed officer shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Trustees (Executors) who shall not be bound to see or enquire into the application thereof.

A bequest for a parish

I GIVE AND BEQUEATH to the Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered the sum of ________ to be expended with the income thereof for such charitable purposes of the Parish of ________ in the said Diocese as the said Diocesan Trustees shall in their absolute discretion think fit and I DECLARE that the receipt of the Secretary to the said Diocesan Trustees or other duly appointed officer shall be a full discharge to my Trustees (Executors) for the sum hereby given and my Trustees (Executors) shall not be bound to see or enquire into the application thereof.

A bequest to the Diocese for a specific purpose

I GIVE AND BEQUEATH to the Portsmouth Roman Catholic Diocesan Trustees Registered the sum of ________ to be expended by them with the income thereof in such manner in all respects as they in their absolute discretion shall determine for the charitable purpose of the Clergy Training Fund of the said Diocese and the receipt of the Secretary to the said Diocesan Trustees or other duly appointed officer shall be a full discharge to my Trustees (Executor) for the sum hereby given and my Trustees (Executors) shall not be bound to see or enquire into the application thereof.

The words in italics change if a different purpose is intended. If you wish to make a bequest to help with clergy training or needs, please specify exactly which Fund is intended.

Instead of inserting a particular sum, the bequest may also be expressed in terms of a percentage of the estate, e.g. 5%.