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Will my pledge dollars be shared with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia? All gifts received for this project will be used exclusively by St. John the Evangelist Church for these projects. All pledge funds collected will be held in a restricted account.
How will funds be expended? First, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has lent the funds to St. John's in order for the parish to complete the restoration of the towers. Payments on that loan will be a top priority once the active phase of the campaign is complete. Second, the items listed in Phase 2 of the project are of a critical nature. Until these needs are secured, other projects will be on hold.
How will the projects in Phase 2 be prioritized? A number of projects in Phase 2 will be accomplished simultaneously as the funds from the campaign become available. Projects of a more critical nature will be prioritized. Some of the projects, such as the skylights and the roof, are linked and may be worked on at the same time.
Will the weekly offerings support the campaign? No. These projects are above and beyond the operational costs of the parish. The weekly offertory is used to support our normal operations. We are asking you to consider a pledge in addition to your weekly gift.
Who will be asked to contribute? Every family in the parish will be offered the opportunity to make a pledge. In addition, friends, former parishioners, and local businesses will be asked to contribute. We hope that every household will contribute according to their ability. This is ourchurch, ourparish and ourproject. We understand that not everyone has the same financial ability, but every gift is needed and appreciated. In addition to the individuals in our parish, we will be seeking grants from public and private foundations and, because of the importance of St. John's to our neighbors, we will also ask for their support.
How much should I give? Only you know your personal circumstances and only you can make that decision. We ask that your gift be a sacrifice and that you prayerfully consider making a three-year pledge of financial support. Your pledge is measured as a faith response in proportion to what you have received from God. Please remember that God is never outdone in His generosity to us.
What are the benefits to me, the donor? Our parish is much more than the buildings where we gather. Giving to this plan is caring for our present and making an investment in the future of our parish and its people. This is an opportunity for all parishioners to become more closely united as a parish family, to individually and as a community recommit to our Catholic faith. Acting together as one people of God, we make our parish stronger by caring for our gifts and giving a return to God in gratitude. Please be aware that your gift is tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Please consult your tax advisor.
Is there a minimum pledge? No. All gifts and pledges are needed and welcomed. We are asking each family to prayerfully consider what St. John's has meant to them and how their financial gift can make a difference in The Campaign for St. John's.
Why are we being asked to consider a three-year pledge? It is critical to the success of this campaign that all families make a pledge. By making pledges over three years (which may be four tax years), parishioners can adjust their payment schedules to suit personal circumstances. The pledges will provide the confidence for us to complete the project in a timely manner without burdening the parish with any additional debt.
What if my circumstances change after I make my pledge? A pledge, like a promise, does have a moral obligation. However, it is not legally binding. Should your circumstances change, send a note to the parish asking to adjust your pledge.
Can I restrict my gift? While donors have the prerogative to restrict their gifts, please keep in mind that our campaign has been placed in a "phased approach" due to the urgency of Phases 1 and 2 and the financial limitations of the parish. All of the projects in Phases 1 and 2 are of great urgency and importance. Attention cannot be given to other priorities until these needs are met.
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