1. Why should I give money to the Church?

Giving to the Church, whether in the form of money, of time or talents, is something that we are told in the Scriptures we should do.

St Timothy's is a mission, and a mission has a MISSION. That involves struggling hard to do God's work, ministering to those we come in contact with in our daily lives, worshiping and receiving the Sacraments with those who attend Mass with us; thereby forming our Christian community. It also includes providing good stewardship and growth through our efforts working in union with the Holy Spirit.

Missions established by the Diocese are much like children who are allowed to live at home with the parents and have some of their bills paid while they attend college in order for them to be able to do the things that they need to do to be independent and successful later in life. Missions receive the helping hand, both financially and spiritually, of the Diocese so that they might have the time and establish the resources necessary to be able to stand on their own two feet. It was assumed that we would do this when we were given the helping hand.

The road from Mission to Parish involves acquiring a certain number of members, but, most importantly, a certain number of people who are pledging members. These are called pledging units.

2. I give money to the Church already; I just don't fill out a pledge card. Isn't it the same thing since the Church gets the money anyway?

No it is not the same. The Church must build an operating budget each year for submission to the Diocese. This budget becomes the determinant in choosing what ministries the Church is able to do for the year. It dictates how much money can be spent on each activity. Likewise, this budget serves as the yardstick whereby the financial performance of the Church is measured.

The only money that can be used in the construction of the budget is that which is pledged. Money that you plan to give that is not pledged cannot be included in the budget. Once again, only funds that are pledged can be counted in the budget.

There are many signs of Christian commitment within the Church—some are Sacramental and some are not. Baptism is a sign of our commitment to Christ and the Faith; marriage of our commitment to Christian fidelity and monogamy. These are Sacramental. Our pledge is a sign of our commitment to carrying out the work, which Christ has commanded us to do in the world. It is a sign that we recognize the many Blessings we share here at St Timothy's, and that they are important to us. It says that we realize where these Blessings come from, and it is part of the way that we ask God that they continue. Prayer and Church attendance are other ways.

3. I am afraid to commit to a pledge. What if my income changes or an unexpected expense comes up and I could not meet the commitment?

Pledges can be changed at any time by simply notifying the Treasurer of the revised amount. No reason is necessary—only the new pledge amount. No questions will be asked, and it can be done by a sealed note in the offering plate or by mail.

If you are one of those who give regularly but are afraid to pledge, and don't like the idea of having to change a pledge, then pledge a portion of what you have been giving  -  i.e., pledge half that amount and give the balance as unpledged.

What ever you can give, no matter how small, needs to be pledged if at all possible in order for us to show the growth we need to move toward parish status.

4. How will I know if I am current or behind on the pledge?

The Treasurer sends out quarterly statements, which show all contributions, pledged or otherwise, for the individual.

5. What if I miss a month or a Sunday?

It is not the end of the world!  Just try and make it up at sometime during the remainder of the year. If that looks impossible, then contact the Treasurer and amend the pledge for the new amount.

6. How do I know how much to pledge?

That is between you and God. Pray about it; open your heart so that it can be filled by the Holy Spirit and you will be guided in your decision.

WON'T YOU PLEASE CONSIDER PLEDGING?

Sincerely,

Your Treasurer and the Bishop's Committee

 For your convenience, a printable pledge card is

available through the following link.

Printable Pledge Card