Treasure
Consider this
There's no way around it, the work the Church-building up the Kingdom of God-depends on the people of God investing their time, talent, and treasure in that work. When it comes to the monetary part of this investment, we are faced with a spiritual challenge: money can come to mean security, so we cling to it out of fear. We are encouraged by so many voices around us (e.g., product ads) to live in fear, that we can lose site of what it means to live trusting God. A Spirituality of stewardship means caring well for what has been entrusted to us by God. This is a spirituality of love and trust, not of fear.
Contributing financially to the work of church, then, is not just another hole in our wallets, but instead is a spiritual opportunity to grow in faith and trust and to grow the church. This is the economy of the church that makes the kingdom a reality: God entrusts to us a great deal, we nurture it and make it grow, and we return it to God.
What is asked of you
Each parishioner is asked to pledge 10% of their income. While Saint Thomas More only tracks the 5% pledge to the parish, each household is also asked to pledge 1% to our Diocese, and 4% to charities of your choice. (These percentages are calculated on gross income.) The 4% (at donor’s discretion) may include special collections presented in the parish envelopes, Capital Campaign contributions, other charitable causes the family has particular interest in supporting, or an additional contribution above a regular 5% tithe to the parish. The Biblical call of stewardship indicates a 10% tithe in appreciation to God for all that God has given to us.
Qualifying Stewardship Certificate
A registered parishioner must have a previous year pledge card on file, have that pledge paid in full, and have a present year pledge card on file in order to receive a Qualifying Stewardship Certificate (QSC). The certificate is given in January each year along with the previous year’s annual statement of contributions. The certificate permits the household specific Saint Thomas More benefits, including:
* attending Saint Thomas More School without paying tuition
* renting More Hall at a discounted rate
* bulletin ads
* scholarship for 1st time travel to Guatemala
Click here to contact Randy Grindinger, our financial officer, if you have an unforeseen difficulty fulfilling your pledge, or if you find a discrepancy on your statement.
Gifting of Securities
To remember Saint Thomas More Parish or School in your will, contribute a stock, transfer funds from another account, contribute to a memorial, etc., click here to contact Randy Grindinger.
