Stewardship and the 2008 Saint Paul Parish Pledge Program

What is the 2008 St. Paul Parish Fund Pledge Program?

· The Pledge Program is a way for you to make a yearly commitment to St. Paul’s as stewards of the astounding variety of programs, ministries and outreach that St. Paul’s Catholic community provides.

· Pledges and donations to the Pledge Program are extremely important as they provide critical parish operating funds and greatly assist our dedicated and hardworking finance committee with the important process of current fund allocations as well as the budget planning process for the upcoming year and beyond.

· The current Parish fiscal year runs from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. This year the 2008 Parish Fund Pledge Program will begin in the fall of 2007 and will run through the end of the calendar year to December 31, 2008. Parishioners, friends and guests may pledge or donate during this time. Everyone is encouraged to participate with a planned, proportionate, and sacrificial commitment to support our parish community of St. Paul’s.

Why do we have a Parish Pledge Program?

· Simply, our St. Paul Parish, with its wonderful ministries, services, facilities and liturgical space, managed by a dedicated but small pastoral and professional staff for our own Catholic community, requires financial support.

· Our Parish Pledge Program is the cornerstone of Stewardship here at St. Paul’s. Our parishioners, friends and guests have been and continue to be our sole supporters. Your pledge to the Parish Fund is an investment in our Parish life together and is critical to help secure our present and future. As an act of stewardship, it is a way to express thanks to God for the gifts each of us has received.

What is the current financial state of the Parish?

· We encourage all parishioners to read the Parish 2007 Annual Report, which details our life and stewardship in 2007 and our current fiscal challenges.

· As we look ahead, continued careful management of our resources, outreach and strong stewardship efforts will remain important to securing our community’s future.

How can you help?

· Make a Stewardship pledge, based on your ability, to the Parish Fund 2008 Pledge Program. The pledge cards have a giving guideline grid, based on percentages of annual incomes, which can help you as you make this decision.

· How much you Pledge or Give is for each of you to decide. Set aside time to consider your commitment and prayerfully discern your opportunity to share.

· We are suggesting that each individual, couple or family pledge a minimum of 2% of their income. Our overall target this year is to have 50% of the parish (up from 25% of all parishioners in 2007) make a pledge to the 2008 Parish Pledge Program. Our pledge goal for 2008 is $475,000. To meet or even surpass this goal would be a testimony to the lively faith and dedication of our Catholic community.

· Pledge cards and information packets are available in the rear of the church, in the Parish office at 29 Mount Auburn Street or by calling the Parish office at 617-491-8400 (and we will mail one to you).

Can I still pledge and donate weekly or on another schedule?

Absolutely! There are a number of different ways you can fulfill your pledge through regular donations. First, fill out a pledge card and mail it in to the parish office. To receive credit against your pledge throughout the year, please indicate that all payments are for the 2008 Pledge Program.

· Mailing in a Check – You can do this on your own financial schedule. Many of our Parish supporters choose to pay their pledge one time in full, quarterly, or monthly.

· Electronic Bill Payment – If your bank offers electronic bill payment services, ask if you can set up an automatic payment to St. Paul’s. Call the Parish office and we can help explain the general process. (Each bank may have a slightly different approach.)

· Payroll Deduction – Your employer may allow charitable deductions by payroll. Ask your employer/human resource department for more details.

· Weekly Envelopes – Cash or checks can be inserted in weekly envelopes and dropped in the collection baskets. Please call the Parish office if you would like to receive envelopes. (Please note that loose cash put in the collection cannot be tracked to individual donors. Please use envelopes if you wish to fulfill your pledge in cash and receive proper credit.)

What types of Offertory collections and donation programs are there at St. Paul’s?

· The Parish Fund Pledge Program – This program is your opportunity to make a planned, proportionate, and sacrificial stewardship commitment to the Parish during the calendar year. These pledges and donations are designated for the Parish operating expenses and are not used for any other purpose outside the parish.

· Weekly Offertory Collections – These donations are designated for the Parish operating expenses and are not used for any other purpose outside the parish.

· Special Collections – These collections support the work of the larger church in the Archdiocese, across the United States and the world. Each collection has a specific purpose and the monies go directly for that intent. The special collections that are taken up at St. Paul’s are announced throughout the year.

How can I learn more about St. Paul Parish?

· Our excellent Parish Web Site www.stpaulparish.org gives a wealth of information about the Parish, its current ministries, programs, and its history. In addition, our site has links to many interesting Catholic web sites.

· Attend our Liturgies. (See our Parish bulletin or the website for a schedule of masses.)

· Participate and learn about one of the ministries. (You will be trained and mentored by seasoned veterans!)

· The 2008 St. Paul Parish Annual Report, published in October 2007, gives a wonderful and concise overview of the parish, ministries, programs and outreach as well important financial information for the last fiscal year. A copy of the report is available at the Parish office, 29 Mt. Auburn St., Cambridge, MA 02138. Please stop by or call the parish office 617-491-8400 and we will mail a copy to you. Or you may email us at info@stpaulparish.org for an electronic copy.

How can I register to be a Member of the St. Paul Parish Catholic Community?

· Everyone is welcome! Simply fill out the appropriate registration cards. White cards are for the Parish – Lavender cards are for the Undergraduate Student Chaplaincy and Canary cards are for all Graduate Student Chaplaincy and/or Young Professionals.

· You may drop the registration cards off in the collection baskets, at the parish office or by mailing it in to the St. Paul Parish Office, 29 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.