Advance Planning for Catholics

Wills and Estate Planning

The legal and financial world around estate, wills, and legacy can be confusing. This talk will clarify the roles and responsibilities of being an executor. We will discuss how to make sure your family is left with as much as possible while giving to the charities you care about. We will discuss some important features to keep in mind when writing a will as well as what to do after you have already completed your will.

Speaker: Joe Ven der Buhs

Joe started Mountain Strong Financial Inc. in 2020 to extend his ability to help Catholic families throughout the Archdiocese and beyond by providing financial advice in both investment and insurance products. As an independent broker of insurance and investment products, he can provide you with a non-biased option to meet your financial and estate planning goals. Joe believes in the motto “How Can I Help?” He says “Life will always give us challenges, it is up to you if you react, or respond, let’s build a strong plan and have a choice!” Being a 25 year plus veteran of the life insurance and financial services industry, with multiple financial and insurance industry-recognized designations, as well as a long recognition for quality work, Joe brings a passion for helping his clients meet their particular goals.

Contact

Melissa Banovich
mbanovich@rccav.org

Tues, Feb. 21, 2022 at 6:30 - 8:30 pm

4885 St John Paul II Way, Vancouver 

Plan for the future now so your children don’t have to worry later. This free presentation offers a Catholic perspective on advance care planning, estates, wills, legacy, meaningful funerals and memorialization. Our expert presenters will share wisdom and practical advice you need to plan ahead with peace of mind. There will be time at the end for questions and answers.

15 mins.

Advance Care Planning

15 mins.

This talk will offer a professional Catholic perspective on how to write your wishes and values for future health care treatment in the event you become incapable of deciding for yourself. Robert Breen will share practical tips and experiences on preventative measures and resources about advance care planning. 

Speaker: Robert Breen

Robert Breen, CD, OSJ, MSc, ICD.D. Bob has over 48 years in healthcare leadership including roles as a hospital CEO, a regional Chief Operating Officer, President of western Canada’s largest community clinical laboratory, Chief Project Officer of the BC Children’s and Women’s Redevelopment and CEO of a 275-bed faith-based campus of care for seniors. Bob is now the Executive Director of the Denominational Health Association and the Catholic Health Association of BC where he continues to work with faith-based health care providers. Bob spent 6 years on the Board of the Burnaby Hospital Foundation, including two years as the Chair. He has also been involved in youth sports for both soccer and hockey and currently serves as a board member of the Canadian Association of Long Term Care, SafeCare BC and Little Mountain Housing Society. A native of Saint John, NB, Bob completed his undergraduate studies at S. Mary’s University in Halifax and his MSc in Health Care Planning from UBC.

Planning Meaningful Funerals & Sacred Burial

15 mins.

This talk provides inspiration and practical information about the funeral rite and sacred burial. Making pre-need burial and funeral arrangements today ensures important decisions will not be made in a time of sorrow. Preparation is an act of care for the family.

Speakers: Melissa Banovich & Peter Nobes

Melissa Isaac Banovich is the Family Services Manager at Gardens of Gethsemani cemetery. She recently joined the Archdiocese of Vancouver after 25 years in management with a diverse portfolio within the retail sector, media industry and recently transitioned from the public sector- Parks Canada. In 2022, she experienced firsthand the role of ‘executrix’ of her mother’s estate and felt a call to serve and assist families with peace of mind planning and burying loved ones with respect and dignity.

Peter is the Director of Catholic cemeteries, a ministry of hope and healing. He will share insights and wisdom from his tenure managing the Gardens of Gethsemani. He’ll speak to the importance of preparation and how our Church offers hope and meaning in the beauty of the funeral Mass followed by sacred burial. Peter will offer insights from his thesis work, “Life without End.”

Attendees of this Advance Care Planning presentation are eligible to receive: 

• Catholic’s benefit from 20% burial benefit toward their pre-need purchase of burial space at Gardens of Gethsemani, the only full-service Catholic Cemetery of the Archdiocese of Vancouver
• Free 1-1 consultation with a professional estate planner at a later date.