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November 28, 2007
Dear Fellow Parishioner: I am well aware that almost all of us are being increasingly “pinched” by high oil costs, taxes, and the cost of living – and“fear-generated” decrease in house values. This year’s parish stewardship drive is therefore much more problematic than even the one we conducted last year at this time. Here in our parish, we have reluctantly reduced staff hours and made other administrative cuts where ever possible in order to try to bring our operational costs into line with the pressures we know our parishioners are experiencing. Yet, we too are facing higher costs and decreasing income. (For example, we are about to embark on a costly roof repair at the church and our parish income from Sunday ordinary income is currently $21,000.00 below budget.) But even given this mutual turmoil, I ask that all of us do whatever we can to enable the parish to reach its financial goals for the coming calendar year. This especially means that ALL of us do what we can to participate in our current Stewardship Pledge Drive to the best of our ability. I know you care about your Catholic faith and about your parish, but I still haven’t received your pledge. I am therefore now asking you to consider what you hope to be able to contribute in terms of time, talent, and treasure toward the support of our parish during the coming year in light of all the blessings God has given you. Returning your stewardship commitment sheet will enable us here at the parish center to be able to plan for the upcoming year.
After prayerful consideration, please fill out the enclosed commitment card(s) and return them in the collection basket (or in the enclosed postage paid envelope) – you will save us from having to do additional follow-up work! If you have already returned your commitment card and this letter has crossed in the mail, please disregard this letter and thank you for your pledge. Please note: starting in January 2008 you will have the option of making your donation by EFT (electronic funds transfer) or credit card. If you would like to donate via one of these options please fill out the simplified giving portion of the pledge card. We need your gifts of time, talent, and treasure to sustain us as a parish. I firmly believe that there is no pastor who, more than I, wants this to be truly a “Lay Empowered” parish community. But that commitment has to cut two ways: Just as I and the parish leadership here need to respect the laity’s role in this Vatican II church, the laity as a body needs to respond with that same kind of responsible commitment toward the parish. In thanksgiving for all God’s blessings and hoping to hear from you in the near future, I am Sincerely in Christ,
Patrick Clark Pastor |
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Address Stewardship Archdiocese of Seattle Stewardship Charitable Contributions - IRS Link Time, Talent, Treasure Pledge Form
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