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Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to pledge?
Your commitment to a pledge will allow us to
budget and plan better for the optimum vibrancy of our parish. A pledge
is not so much something that will bind you to another obligation.
Rather it is a way to help you budget and plan for your charitable
giving while enabling the parish to plan on how to better serve you
based on what you and other parishioners have “pledged” to give.
How much should I pledge?
As you consider pledging, recall what you
generally gave over the course of the past year and what you are able to
give this year. Many families give to any number of charities besides
our parish. Indeed, many people give as much as ten percent of their
income to charities at large. Therefore, consider giving five percent or
half of your charitable contributions to our parish.
What if I don’t want to pledge?
Your decision to pledge is entirely
up to you – it is a personal decision after praying and reflecting on
your gifts from God. It is a way to help you budget and plan for your
charitable giving while enabling us to plan on how to better serve you
based on what you and other parishioners have “pledged” to give.
How do I pay for my pledge?
There are several available choices. First, select how frequently
you will contribute toward your pledge on the Annual Pledge Form. Your
options are weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually (lump sum). You
can then pay for your pledge in one of two ways:
You can continue to use the offertory envelopes that are mailed to
your home and dropped in the collection basket at church (note - if you
do not receive envelopes, please contact the Rectory). These can
be used for your weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual (lump sum)
contributions as indicated on the Pledge Form. Payments can be made in cash or check. If you
prefer, your monthly, quarterly or annual/lump sum payments can be
mailed to the Rectory.
You can also pay for your pledge via credit card or direct
withdrawal from your checking account. This can be set up at the
Online Giving site.
Included in this option is the ability to set up regular payments -
so
your contribution can be automatically processed on a regular weekly, bi-weekly, monthly,
bi-monthly or quarterly basis without having to remember to bring
your envelopes to church. Your support of the parish continues -
even when you are out of town!
How can I track my contributions vs. how much I have pledged?
An
online secure website will be available to that allows you to track your
contributions. (Currently, the website does not show you pledge amount,
only your contributions). You can also make arrangements for second collections and
other contributions to our parish – all online! Additionally, quarterly
statements will be mailed to parishioners that details
contributions vs. pledge amounts.
Is my pledge a binding legal document?
No – a pledge donor can postpone or cancel their pledge at anytime.
How do I make my annual pledge?
Simply fill out your Annual Pledge
Form indicating what you will give the parish, then return it. Father
Moe will acknowledge your pledge.
When do I begin paying my pledge?
You should start immediately. The Annual Pledge program runs from March
1st to April 15th..
One of my stocks has gone up and I hear that I can give it to the
Pledge Program and avoid capital gains taxes. How do I do this?
It is a simple matter to fulfill your pledge (and possibly gain a tax advantage) by
transferring shares of stock to the Pledge Program. Discuss your
interest in doing so with your broker or financial advisor, then contact
the Rectory (603-929-2206) further instructions.
Who knows how much I pledge?
Your pledge is confidential information. Your pledge will be submitted in a sealed envelope. Only the
accounting staff and Fr. Moe will have access to pledge information.
How will my pledge be used?
Your pledge will be used to finance the activities of the parish, including religious education, facilities,
salaries, worship expense and outreach programs. Your pledge will help
ensure that the vibrancy of our parish not only continues, but grows
well into the future, caring for our children, and our children’s
children. It will also allow our parish to plan the annual budget –
helping to manage our assets as well as looking to future growth.
Are second collections included in the pledge?
No. At this time, second collections should be contributed as normal. Your pledge
contributions take the place of the normal weekly offering. For those
using the online system, a method to make contributions to the second
collections via checking account or credit card is available.
I forgot my envelopes, how can I get credit for my contribution?
Generic envelopes will be available in the Church. Put your name and
address on the envelope and you will be credited for your contribution.
Is my pledge and personal information secure?
Yes. All online transactions are protected by SSL (Secure Socket Layer) and
encryption
technology. Data contained on the Parish Server is encrypted and placed
behind a firewall. Access to the data is limited and strictly
controlled. (need to verify from Logos and Layton).
How will I know how much to deduct on my Income Tax?
An annual statement will be sent to you detailing how much you have contributed
throughout the year.
How do I get set up online?
The following link will connect you with our parish Online Giving site:
Online Giving
Who should I contact if I have additional questions? Contact
the staff at the Rectory Office (603-926-2206) - they will be more than happy to assist you.
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