Increased Offertory Program
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Dear Faith Family,
“Where there is no vision, the people will perish.” ~ Proverbs 29:18
As I reflect on my time as your pastor, I am enormously grateful for this community’s devotion to our faith, the real concern and compassion that parishioners hold for one another, and the desire to help others in our community. I am reminded that gratitude is at the heart of generosity.
When we talk about generosity, we often put it in the context of stewardship in the form of time, talent, and treasure. We are all stewards of God’s gifts and have a co-responsibility to use them to steward our church for today and the future. Our vision was given to the Church by Jesus Christ, “Go and make disciples of all nations.” To achieve that vision, our mission is to transform the world through the building blocks of prayer, study, generosity, and evangelization.
With generosity in mind, this letter aims to introduce an Increased Offertory Program. To meet our goals, we must work intentionally. We have two specific requests: first, for those who do not currently contribute, kindly begin doing so; second, we ask all parishioners to try and prayerfully increase the amount given in the offertory collection each week. You are not asked to contribute more than you can afford. We do, however, request that you prioritize your contribution to the Church. This priority should be included in your own family budget.
Talking about finances is never pleasant. Each of you understands the difficult decisions that must be made in budgeting for your home. Your faith home is the same. In making this request for increased giving, we hope to raise your awareness of the issue of regular parish giving while also bringing your attention to the parish’s heavy financial burden caused by maintaining parish programs and buildings.
I am very appreciative of your support and encouragement not only to me but to our neighbors in Christ who live in our community. I can assure you that, with His help, I will continue to do my best to serve you gratefully and effectively.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Very Rev. Marc J. Bishop, VF
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THE INCREASED OFFERTORY PROGRAM
At the close of every fiscal year, our finance councils review the previous year's financial data and plan the upcoming year's budgetary expenses. We must look at the current level of income and expenses and estimate what can be allotted for current and future programs. We closed FY 23 with an offertory deficit of $64,978 at Saint Agnes and $1,124 at St. Camillus.
We ask our parishioners to make a “pledge” to commit to the parish offertory for the coming year. It is not a request for a large financial gift at this time. You choose the total amount you plan to give, preferably weekly, through online giving. This effort will greatly aid our financial planning and create a sound operating foundation for the Catholic Parishes of Arlington, allowing the parishes to plan an annual budget and allowing you, the parishioner, to budget your personal offering as conveniently as possible. The amount and method of payment are up to you.
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HOW TO DISCERN YOUR GIVING
In the Gospel story of the widow’s mite, Jesus reminds us that what is most important to God is not the quantity of the gift but the generosity ofthe one doing the giving. By prayerfully pledging your support for the year, you help our team plan for the necessary maintenance of our facilities and the vibrancy of our ministries.
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First-time Contributors.
Giving is an act of worship and an investment in the future. Hope for the future comes from giving joyfully in the present. Therefore, we ask you to take your giving to prayer. Can you contribute 5% of your Annual Income to your Parish?
The chart below shows what a 5% commitment would mean to you.
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Current Contributors.
We know the importance of managing our finances and the increased cost of living. The same is true for our parishes. One simple step is to look at your current contribution level and consider increasing it. An aim of this offertory program is to have all parishioners increase the Sunday Collection by approximately 15%.
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THE COMMITMENT
Each wage earner is asked to agree to give a specific amount to the parishes over the next year. The collaborative prefers that the commitment be fulfilled via Online Giving for predictability in budget planning. Weekly envelopes are also available; please email us for more information. The commitment may be monthly, quarterly, or annually.
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IT IS UP TO YOU
Our parish is a reflection of each one of us. This means:
- your generosity determines the budget,
- your generosity determines how well we maintain our facilities,
- your generosity determines what funds will be available for programs and services for parishioners of all ages,
- your generosity determines what we can (or cannot) do to serve others,
- your commitment is non-binding as we understand hardships may arise,
- you determine what you can/will contribute.
Making an Offertory Commitment
The vitality of our parish requires your active involvement, ideas, and financial commitment. Please indicate your decision on the Parish Commitment Form. Let your gift be:
Thoughtful - Your offering will enable our parishes to remain healthy and strong while ensuring that the Catholic values and ministries will remain in our community for generations to come.
Proportionate - Your offering reflects your love of faith and an appreciation of the blessings it offers to your life and your family’s welfare.
Please be assured that your prayerful, generous support of our parishes is appreciated and that you are remembered in our prayers. Thank You for your financial commitment.
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