Planned Giving

The concept of financially supporting our parish and our Church is not new.  In fact, it has been vital since the earliest days of the Christian Church. With out funding, church buildings, services, donations, utilities etc would not be available. If left to a 'user pays system' or Government provided funding, a very many of the currently available services simply would not exist ie Giving to the support of the parish in a planned and structured way.

The Purpose of Planned Giving is to:
provide our financial support to the Parish and its mission.

How is this achieved?

From the proceeds of the 2nd collection. Made up from our pledges and promises of financial support and commitment given by the members of the congregation. Our pledges are periodically reviewed to ensure sustainability.

How much should I give?

Parishioners give usually according to their individual means. Tithing or 10% of your income was the old formula for donation to the Church.  However, times have changed and not everyone can contribute to this level. Currently the thought is to give the 'value of the first hour of your labour' as your contribution per week. ie $20-$25. Or giving, according to our individual circumstance.

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Who should give?

By giving, we say thank you to God for His gifts to us and ensure His work in the Parish continues. Therefore, we ALL should contribute according to our individual means, from the youngest to the eldest. The biblical story of the widow's mite should be familiar to all. Remember, if times are difficult for us as individuals, then they are just as difficult for the Parish.

New families to the parish are particularly welcomed, and invited to join with existing givers in maintaining the full benefits, in which we all share.

Why Planned?

Without planned structure for expenditure, money would be wasted on non-essential items and projects. It is important that the parish can  count on a regular and constant income each week in order for it to maintain its commitments and services to all parishioners.

Each year a new budget is formulated, and pledges from the 2nd collection are channelled to meet that budget. Any shortfall in weekly contributions can cause serious concerns in meeting that budget bottom line.

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How can I join-in?

By completing a pledge card indicating your planned family or individual pledge of support. The card is available* from the parish office and can be handed or posted to the PG committee for processing. You will then receive the requested forms or envelopes - refer contribution methods

The First Collection

The first collection is usually taken up just prior to the Bible readings following the commencement of Mass. This offering is primarily for the maintenance and support of the pastors, together with housekeeper and the like. Any excess over and above a preset allowance is then given to the Bishops for the maintenance of other, less wealthy parishes in the Archdiocese
The 1st collection directly supports; The parish pastors Their costs for operation of vehicles, cell phones, etc

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Second Collection

This collection is the life blood of the parish financial system. It is the primary source of revenue for maintaining the liquidity of the parish. A regular, consistent and anticipated weekly influx of capital is important to the planning and ongoing financial viability of the parish. The key here is anticipated. By your stated pledge, the parish can expect a known and consistent income from each weeks collection. Currently it is important for the parish to maintain a minimum weekly income of around $6,250 per week in order to meet commitments.

The 2nd collection directly supports;
Electricity, telephone,
Council rates
Loan repayments - ie the mortgauge, bank borrowings etc
Wages of Parish administrative & support staff
Note: There are NO tax concessions available for any contributions made.

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Methods of Contribution

The following methods of contribution are available and in general usage throughout the parish. In order for the parish to be able to count on a regular and stable income, the most reliable and favoured donation method is by direct debit. This is also the least cost in terms of system maintenance and viability.

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Envelopes:
This was the original method of contribution. It consists of 52 printed, pre-dated envelopes perforated into two halves - first section is for the 1st collection and the second section is for the 2nd collection. Collection baskets are passed around the parishioners during each mass. Loose cash may also be contributed at this time.

Direct Debit:
By the completion of a consent form,* your offering is automatically deducted from you bank account each month and credited to the parish account. This method of contribution is very popular, due to the non requirement to carry cash.

The parish is also very keen on this method as your contribution is assured whether you are on holiday or away for a short time.
The account nominated must be kept in credit at all times in order to avoid bank penalties for overdrawing your account.
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Credit Card:
This method is similar to the direct debit method of contributing, however,
popular, with the availability of paying monthly, fortnightly, or weekly.
The account nominated must be kept in credit at all times in order to avoid rejection of the payment. As cards expiry date is reached, or cancellation occurs, it is important to provide replacement card details to the office in a timely manner to avoid rejection penalties.

Cheque / Annual payment:
This method of contribution is also available if desired, but has a less beneficial impact to the parish due to the usual irregularity of the contribution. Not withstanding the time delay, all contributions are welcome.

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The Planned Giving Committee

As with all parish committees, the planned Giving Committee is a small volunteer group, who meet regularly to process pledge card changes, co-ordinate banking arrangements, and co-ordinate regular statements and receipts.

It exists for the purpose of supporting our pastors and the parish councils in matters of raising monies to fund parish objectives and activities. To that end, the group conducts tri-annual 'funding campaigns' to encourage new and existing families and individual parishioners to commit to parish financial support.

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Contact the Committee

The planned giving committee can be contacted by direct mail to the parish, addressed to the committee, or by hand delivered items via the parish office.

On occasion of the issue of quarterly receipts, a member of the committee is usually available in person, before and after Masses, at the front of the Church.

Changes to existing arrangements
Requests for changes to existing 'pledged' arrangements can be made via the parish secretary, or via written note to the Committee handed to the secretary.

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