The Legacy Society of
Blessed Hugh
A Gift that Endures...
The Legacy Society of Blessed Hugh is an honorary association of men and women who choose to leave a legacy gift of some form to the Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph, and whose gifts will help sustain our Priory for generations to come. These gifts are truly among the most precious legacies of a life well lived.
“The summit of our salvation consists in the service of the altar."
–Blessed Hugh of Fosses, a close companion, disciple, and follower of Saint Norbert
Sharing in the Norbertine Tradition
Since the inception of our Order in 1121, the faithful have entrusted their spiritual needs to the prayers and sacrifices of Norbertine Canons and Canonesses, supporting monasteries financially and desiring to be remembered by the religious both during their life and after their death.
This faith-filled support of such benefactors continues to make it possible for us to live out our 900-year tradition of Norbertine cloistered canonical life on behalf of the whole Church.
By including the “Norbertine Association of St. Joseph” as a beneficiary in your will or trust, you ensure that your material earnings in this life will continue to help build up the Kingdom of Heaven even after you pass into eternity. All such benefactors receive a special sharing of the spiritual benefits of the monastic life and participate in the vocation of the Canonesses, who devote themselves entirely to God and to their brethren, which is mankind, for the sake of God.
What is a Legacy Gift?
A legacy gift is a gift that is made through your trust, will, or estate after your death. An expression of faith in the power of prayer that contributes to the building up of the Church, it is a very real way in which lay men and women can participate in the salvific mission of the Norbertine family as we offer praise to God through our service at the altar. Thus will we, as one family, begin even now the joy which will be ours in heaven, as Blessed Hugh observed: “The summit of our salvation consists in the service of the altar.”
Financial Benefits:
Though the principal motive for a legacy gift is a desire to serve God and the Church through the life of religious women, there are also significant financial incentives and benefits for benefactors. Legacy gifts may provide federal and state charitable income-tax deductions, and may reduce or eliminate capital gains and estate tax liability. They may pay income for life: charitable remainder trusts can produce substantial income streams.
How to Make a Legacy Gift:
A legacy gift can be made through estate planning:
- by naming “The Norbertine Association of St. Joseph” (our legal name) as a beneficiary in wills and trusts, insurance policies, IRAs and other retirement accounts, donor advised funds, and Charitable Remainder Unitrusts (CRUTs);
- by transferring directly to “The Norbertine Association of St. Joseph,” via “Transfer on Death” (TOD) designations, all or portions of assets in bank accounts and investment portfolios. TODs may also transfer CDs, real estate, and precious metals.
- Please know that enrollment in the Legacy Society of Blessed Hugh is not a requirement in order to make a legacy gift to our community. However, it would be a blessing for us to include you in our prayers in a special way as a member of the Society.
Spiritual Benefits of Membership
Perpetual Enrollment
in the Canonesses’ life of prayer throughout the day and night. This prayer enrollment begins when members join the Legacy Society, and continues perpetually after death.
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
offered once a month at our Priory for the intentions of all members, living and deceased.
Upon Death
our Priory will have a Mass offered for the deceased member.
Remembrance in Prayer
will be given to each member by the Norbertine Canonesses on their birthday (for living members) and on the anniversary of their death (for deceased members).
Blessed Hugh of Fosses
As the first Abbot of Prémontré, Blessed Hugh was entrusted with the care of St. Norbert’s newborn Order in 1136. Called the "second founder" of the Norbertine Order, Blessed Hugh was known for his gentle demeanor, contemplative nature and gift for organization. It was he who composed the first statutes of our Order, which included careful prescriptions for the spiritual care of the benefactors of all Norbertine Abbeys and a particular devotion to praying for the deceased, which have remained hallmarks of the Norbertine Order.
Downloadable Brochure
For more information about the Blessed Hugh Legacy Society and legacy gifting, please contact our Sister Procuratrix (Treasurer) at:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 661-484-2136
Legal Name: The Norbertine Association of St. Joseph
(The Norbertine Canonesses of the Bethlehem Priory of St. Joseph)
17831 Water Canyon Road
Tehachapi, California 93561-7686 USA
Federal Tax ID#/EIN: 33-0786385
If you have questions about estate planning and legacy gifting, the Priory recommends that you contact your attorney or financial advisor for professional advice and assistance.