Planned Giving

About the St. Joseph Society

During the first two decades of the twentieth century, the population in the Pleasant Ridge and Kennedy Heights communities, experienced tremendous growth. The nearest Catholic churches were in Norwood and Deer Park, inconvenient to the growing number of Catholics in the area.  Consequently, in February 1917 a group of Catholics applied to Archbishop Henry Moeller for permission to open a new parish in Pleasant Ridge.  In March 1917, the Archbishop granted their request and Nativity of Our Lord was founded. Fr. William Eagan was appointed pastor and the leaders of the parish purchased property on which to build their church and school. The parish celebrated its first Mass in its new chapel on June 16, 1917.  In 1921, Nativity opened its school so that parishioners’ children would have access to a Catholic education.

Over the last century, the parish has grown, now numbering over 550 parish families with more than 400 students enrolled in the school. The Nativity campus has expanded to include a church, parish office building, a school that has expanded several times and a large free-standing gymnasium, which in addition to sports, is also used for parish and community-wide activities. Thanks to the generosity of Nativity families, community members, foundations, and specific bequests, Nativity remains debt free.

In 2007, the St. Joseph Society, a planned giving program, was initiated to honor those who have established planned gifts to benefit Nativity so that the parish can continue to support all its ministries and fulfill its mission of education, service, liturgy, and prayer long into the future. Like Nativity’s patron saint, St. Joseph, who used his resources to care for Jesus and his Mother, Mary, members of the St. Joseph Society have the wisdom and spirit to share their gifts with future generations at Nativity.

Joining the St. Joseph Society

Membership in the St. Joseph Society is extended to all individuals who establish planned gifts to benefit Nativity of Our Lord Parish. For many of our supporters, including Nativity in their estate plan is a simple way to make a lasting impact that won’t cost anything today.

The St. Joseph Society honors and recognizes all who provide support for Nativity in either their wills, trusts, retirement plans, life insurance policies or other legacy gifts. By joining others in this endeavor, you can take pride in knowing that you are “paying it forward” allowing Nativity to provide high quality faith formation, spiritual growth, education, and life experiences to those in the future.

As a tribute to those who join the St. Joseph Society, Masses at Nativity or Our Lord church for the intentions of St. Joseph Society members are celebrated around the Feast Day of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary on March 19th; the Feast Day of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1st; and the Feast Day of the Nativity on December 25th.

What financial commitment must be made to join the St. Joseph Society?

St. Joseph Society membership does not require a gift of any pre-determined amount. In fact, we encourage you to remember your family and loved ones first, and then think of Nativity. For example, a simple percentage of your remaining estate after all your obligations are met, is an easy way to be a part of Nativity of Our Lord Parish for future generations. 

Should you decide to make a legacy gift, we ask that you make your wishes known to your family and loved ones by putting your intentions in writing. This can be accomplished by including Nativity either in your last will and testament; trust; or by making Nativity a direct beneficiary of a particular asset like a life insurance policy, IRA, or shares of stock. It is recommended that donors seek the advice of an attorney to prepare or amend their will or trust. In addition, donors are advised to contact a financial planner and a tax professional to explore estate planning strategies that may be most financially beneficial to them.

How do I register to become a member of the St. Joseph Society?

To become a member of the St. Joseph Society, simply complete the Confirmation of Membership form in this packet indicating that you have included Nativity in some manner in your estate plan.

Please send the Confirmation Form to:

St. Joseph Society
CONFIDENTIAL
Nativity of Our Lord Parish
5935 Pandora Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio  45213

For more information about the St. Joseph Society, please contact Julie Abraham, Director of Development, at julie.abraham@nativity-cincinnati.org or 513-531-3164. What steps you take today will make a lasting impact on Nativity in the future. Thank you for all that you do for Nativity!