Sample Renewal Timetable · Web viewDo this after the Homily and before Prayers of the Faithful. - make sure extra cards and pencils are in the pews before Mass. - encourage parishioners

Renewal Guide2013

Annual renewals of commitments are intended to remind parishioners of their commitment, offer parishioners the opportunity to increase their giving if they are so inclined and to reach new families. The commitment process encourages families to be a part of the parish’s budgeting process for the coming year.

After several years, the Renewals will become a common practice and parishes will be able to apply the necessary discounts and accurately budget for the coming year based on the commitments being offered.

It is recommended that Renewals take place in the fall in order to allow the parish to benefit from diocesan-wide publicity.

The Renewal program will involve mailing Commitment Forms to all parishioners, several weekends of announcements and a target date for receiving all Commitment Forms.

The following pages contain a guide for conducting Renewals.

Continuation Guide Page 2 of 16

Sample Renewal Timetable

Week # October Wrap-up

November Wrap-up

Activities

Preliminary Activity

May – June

August – Sept.

Bulletin announcements in Summer Prepare parishioner mailing list Prepare Flier Prepare Letter Prepare Bulletins and Announcements

Week #1 1-Sep 29-Sep Print Intent Cards Print Letters Print Flier Print Return Envelope

Week #2 8-Sep 6-Oct Assemble Mailing

Week #3 15-Sep 13-Oct Letter mailed with flier, Intent Card and

return envelope Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #1

Week #4 22-Sep 20-Oct Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #2

Week #5 29-Sep 27-Oct Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #3

Week #6 6-Oct 3-Nov Lay Witness Bulletin announcement #4

Week #7 13-Oct 10-Nov Stewardship Homily Bulletin announcement #5

Week #8 20-Oct 17-Nov Commitment Weekend Bulletin announcement #6

Week #9 27-Oct 24-Nov Thank You Letters mailed Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #7

Week #10 3-Nov 1-Dec Thank You Letters mailed Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #8

Week #11 10-Nov 8-Dec Thank You Letters mailed Bulletin/Pulpit announcements #9

Post-Program Stewardship announcements and bulletin materials


Sample Bulletins and Announcements for Renewal Program

Mid-Year Bulletin (Repeat several times during May and June)

Our annual renewal of commitments to the parish’s regular collection will take place in (October/November) this year. Intent Forms will be mailed to all parishioners in September. Thank you to all who participated in last year’s commitment process. As you can see from the financial report, we are meeting our budget and accomplishing a great deal with the increased support.

Bulletin # 1

Each year, (Parish) sends to each parishioner an Intent Card asking each family to indicate the level of support they intend to give to the parish for the coming year. This process enables the parish to create a budget that reflects the responses received.

The mailing will arrive this week. Please pray about your decision and make your commitment as soon as you are ready. Our Commitment Weekend will be on (Date). We ask that each family return the Intent Card to the parish by that date.

Announcement # 1 – by Pastor

Each year, (Parish) sends to each parishioner an Intent Card asking each family to indicate the level of support they intend to give to the parish for the coming year. This process enables us to create a budget that reflects the responses received.

Please be on the lookout for this mailing, which will arrive this week. Please pray about your decision and make your commitment as soon as you are ready. Our Commitment Weekend will be on (Date). Please return the Intent Card by dropping it in the collection or mailing it to the office by that date.

Thank you.


Bulletin # 2

By now, every family and individual in the parish should have received their Intent Card for our annual Commitment Renewal program. The purpose of this Intent Card is to allow each family to indicate the level of support they intend to give to the parish for the coming year. This process will assist the parish as we create a budget for the coming year that reflects the responses received.

Please pray about your decision and return your Intent Card as soon as you are ready. We have already received ______ Intent Cards. We ask that each family return their Intent Card to the parish by (Date), which is (Parish)’s Commitment Weekend.


By now, every family and individual in the parish should have received their Intent Card for our annual Commitment Renewal program. The purpose of this Intent Card is to allow each family to indicate the level of support they intend to give to the parish for the coming year. This process will assist the parish as we create a budget for the coming year that reflects the responses received.

Every day we are provided opportunities to live the principles of stewardship. Do we take advantage of these opportunities or are we satisfied with what we return to God?

By committing to your regular support of the parish, we are indeed practicing stewardship. Let me remind you, however, that opportunities to be a good Steward of the gifts God has given you present themselves every day.

As a parish, we should also encourage parishioners to consider committing to all the three tenets of Stewardship: Time, Talent and Treasure. A faith-filled parish requires far more than money, it also requires the commitment of talent - in the form of volunteering for ministries; and it requires the commitment of time – in the form of Mass attendance, regular prayer and contemplation.

Please pray about your decision and return your Intent Card as soon as you are ready. We have already received ______ Intent Cards. We ask that each family return their Intent Card to the parish by (Date), which is our parish’s Commitment Weekend.


Bulletin # 3

We wish to thank those of you who have returned your Intent Cards so promptly. As of (Date), we have already received _____ Intent Cards. Please pray about your decision and return your Intent Card as soon as you are ready. We ask that each family return their Intent Card to the parish by (Date), which is (Parish)’s Commitment Weekend.

If you have not received your Intent Card in the mail, please contact the parish office at XXX-XXXX so we can verify your address and get a replacement in the mail to you right away. Extra cards are available at the back of the Church as well.

Announcement # 3 – during announcements

Thank you to all of you who have returned your Intent Cards for our annual Renewal of Commitments. As of (Date), we have already received _____ Intent Cards. As a reminder, we hope to have all Intent Cards turned in by (Date), which is our parish’s Commitment Weekend.

If you have not received your Intent Card in the mail, please contact the parish office so we can verify your address and get a replacement in the mail to you right away. Extra cards are available at the back of the Church as well.

Bulletin # 4

We wish to thank those of you who have returned your Intent Cards so promptly. As of (Date), we have already received _____ Intent Cards. Please return your Intent Card to the parish by (Date), which is (Parish)’s Commitment Weekend.

Announcement # 4 – Lay Witness

Lay person to discuss: - importance of making commitments to the parish’s offertory. - impact previous years’ commitment processes have had on parish ministry and mission. - why I am committed to this . - remind parishioner to make their commitments by (Date).


Bulletin # 5

Next weekend is Commitment Weekend for (Parish)’s annual Commitment Renewal program. As of (Date), we have already received _____ Intent Cards. Thank you to all of you who have returned your cards so promptly. This process will enable the parish to prepare a budget for the coming year which reflects the intentions of those who are able to increase their donations.

Announcement # 5 – Stewardship Homily by Pastor

Pastor to incorporate principles of stewardship into the homily. Additionally, Pastor to address the following: - importance of everyone completing an Intent Card, even if they can’t increase. - thank everyone who has already turned in their Intent Card. - remind parishioner that Commitment Weekend is next weekend.

Bulletin # 6

Today is the day! All members of (Parish) are asked to make their commitments to the annual Commitment Renewal program. This process is very important to the ongoing work of our parish. Please give with a sacrificial heart.

With all parishioners of (Parish) involved in this annual program, our parish’s stability will be strong for generations to come.

Announcement # 6 – Commitment Weekend by Pastor

Hold a special collection just for the Intent Cards. Do this after the Homily and before Prayers of the Faithful. - make sure extra cards and pencils are in the pews before Mass. - encourage parishioners at ends of pews to pass them down to others in pews - thank those who turned in their cards. Ask them to write “Amen” on the blank card. - ask everyone to drop a card in the basket as the special collection comes by.


Bulletin # 7

As of last weekend, _____ parishioners have returned Intent Cards for the parish’s upcoming budget. To those of you that made your decisions, thank you for your commitment and dedication to (Parish).

Some of you have not yet responded. Additional Intent Cards are available in the pews. Please make your commitment and return your card as soon as you are ready. Our parish has responded with great generosity and enthusiasm. We hope to have all parishioners involved by (Date).

Announcement # 7 – during Announcements

As of last weekend, _____ parishioners had returned Intent Cards for the parish’s upcoming budget. Thank you to all of you who have made your commitments.

If you have not yet responded, you will find in the pews additional Intent Cards for your use. Please make your commitment and return your card as soon as you are ready.

Bulletin # 8

As of last weekend, _____ parishioners have returned Intent Cards for the parish’s upcoming budget. To those of you that made your decisions, thank you for your commitment and dedication to (Parish).

Based on initial counts of the commitments made, the parish will be able to increase its budget for the coming year. There is still time to participate, if you have not already done so. We hope to have all commitments in by next weekend.

Announcement # 8 – during Announcements

As of last weekend, _____ parishioners had returned Intent Cards for the parish’s upcoming budget. Thank you to all of you who have made your commitments.

Based on initial counts of the commitments made, the parish will be able to increase its budget for the coming year. Thank you for making this possible!

There is still time to participate, if you have not already done so. We hope to have all commitments in by next weekend. Please use the blank Intent Cards at the back of the church to make your commitment to the parish’s upcoming budget.


Bulletin # 9

As of last weekend, _____ parishioners have returned Intent Cards for the parish’s upcoming budget. Our Annual Renewal of Commitments is complete. To those of you that made your decisions, thank you for your commitment and dedication to (Parish).


I am pleased to report that our annual renewal of commitments is complete. Our parish continues to respond positively to this new way of budgeting. I can’t thank you enough for your commitments and for your generosity.


Sample Request Letter, Flier and Intent Forms for Renewal Program

September 15 or October 13

Last year, (Parish) undertook an important initiative to increase our regular offertory collections. It was a great success and we are very pleased with the results. More important than the increased income, however, was the fact that ___ parishioners took the time to reflect on their current levels of giving and made conscious decisions to increase their support.

This was the first step in a long process of changing the way the parish creates its budgets and operates with fiscal prudence. The true success of the program will be felt years from now, when we can all look back on years of growth and vitality and point to a time when parishioners came together in the spirit of commitment and dedication.

The commitment process was the key. This past year we were able to create a budget with the knowledge that a significant number of parishioners were committed to increasing their support of the parish. And the great news is that we met that budget with room to spare.

In order to maintain the momentum and remain on a fiscally responsible path, we will continue to use these commitments as a way of determining the parish’s budget. This fall we will conduct (Parish)’s first Annual Renewal of Commitments.

Enclosed you will find an Intent Card for you to document your commitment to the upcoming parish budget. Please take a moment to reflect on the blessings God has bestowed upon you and make your commitment a response to his Glory. If you are able to increase your regular contribution, thank you. If you plan to remain at the same level, we most certainly understand. In any case, please know that whatever you do is greatly appreciated.

I ask that you please complete the enclosed Intent Card and return it by Commitment Weekend, which will be on (Dates).

Let me also remind you that giving comes in many forms, and opportunities to practice Christian stewardship present themselves every day.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

(Pastor)

P.S. Please consider giving electronically if you are not already doing so. In addition to being convenient for you, automatic giving helps the parish by stabilizing our finances on lightly attended weekends.


(Parish) Annual Renewal of Commitments

Our Annual Renewal of Commitments is an important event for the community of (Parish). It is a time when we are encouraged to re-prioritize the way we use God's gifts by making commitments to the parish’s regular collection.Renewing our commitments results in great spiritual benefits for us as individual parishioners — and also for the parish as a whole. This year, how will you use your gifts at (Parish)?

TIME - Do I make time for prayer and worship? By myself and with my family? TALENT - Is my talent at work within (Parish), actively building the Body of Christ? TREASURE - Do I give a proportionate amount of my treasure to the weekly offertory?

Commitment WeekendAll parish families are asked to fill out an Intent Card, and bring it to Mass by (Date). Commitment Weekend is our annual fall budgeting process in which all parishioners make their financial support intentions known to the parish in order to plan the church’s operations for the coming fiscal year.

How Much Should I Give?The Bible says we should set aside the first fruits of our labors. What does this mean?Some people give a percentage of their income. For example: 5% of weekly income.Some people give by proportion. For example: $1 per week for every $1,000 of annual salary.You decide! No one can make this decision for you. Your personal financial situation is the ultimate guide for how much you can give. We can only request that you give sacrificially, and in gratitude for the gifts bestowed upon you by God.


According to this chart, what percent of your income are you giving to the parish each year?

1% 2% 3% 5% 7% 9% 10%$5,000 $50 $100 $150 $250 $350 $450 $500$10,000 $100 $200 $300 $500 $700 $900 $1,000$15,000 $150 $300 $450 $750 $1,050 $1,350 $1,500$25,000 $250 $500 $750 $1,250 $1,750 $2,250 $2,500

$45,000 $450 $900$1,35

0 $2,250 $3,150 $4,050 $4,500

$65,000 $650 $1,300$1,95

0 $3,250 $4,550 $5,850 $6,500

$75,000 $750 $1,500$2,25

0 $3,750 $5,250 $6,750 $7,500

$90,000 $900 $1,800$2,70

0 $4,500 $6,300 $8,100 $9,000

$110,000$1,10

0 $2,200$3,30

0 $5,500 $7,700 $9,900 $11,000

$130,000$1,30

0 $2,600$3,90

0 $6,500 $9,100 $11,700 $13,000

$150,000$1,50

0 $3,000$4,50

0 $7,500 $10,500 $13,500 $15,000

$180,000$1,80

0 $3,600$5,40

0 $9,000 $12,600 $16,200 $18,000

$200,000$2,00

0 $4,000$6,00

0 $10,000 $14,000 $18,000 $20,000

Time:

_____Attend Mass once a week _____Attend weekday Mass _____Spend 15 minutes per day in prayer _____Read Bible at least one hour per week _____Say the Rosary at least once weekly_____Attend Confession every other week

Talent:

Lord’s Day Mass (Circle One)_____Assisting Person 5:00 8:30 10:30_____Eucharistic Minister 5:00 8:30 10:30_____Greeter/Usher 5:00 8:30 10:30_____Mass Steward 5:00 8:30 10:30_____Lector 5:00 8:30 10:30_____Children’s Liturgy of the Word 10:30

Other Liturgies_____Funerals_____Holy Days_____Baptisms_____Special Liturgies

Music Ministry _____Vocalist _____Musician_____Instrument

Children’s Faith Formation_____Religious Ed Instructor_____Child Care_____Vacation Bible School _____Arts & Crafts Coordinator_____Refreshment Coordinator_____Storyteller

Adult Faith Formation_____RCIA Team Member_____RCIA SponsorTalent (ctd.):

Office/Campus_____General Office - Day Help_____Gardeners_____Grounds Keeping_____Collection Counters - Weekday A.M._____Mechanical/Trade Skills_____Web Page/Spread Sheet/E-Mails_____Specific Skill: ______________________

Christian Service_____Christian Service Commission Member

Support Ministries_____Parish Nurse Ministry_____Grief Support_____Drive Disabled/Elderly to Sunday Mass_____Other Assistance for Disabled/Elderly_____Communion Visits to Shut-ins

Social Action/Advocates_____Pantry Volunteer_____Disabilities Awareness_____Project Life Activities_____Justice & Peace Issues_____Pax Christi_____Ecological Awareness_____CROP Walk_____Thanksgiving Food Distribution_____Christmas Food & Gifts Distribution_____Easter Food Distribution_____Prepare Giving Tree

Hospitality Ministry_____Provide Food or Serve for Receptions_____Provide Food or Serve for Funerals_____Good Friday Blood Drive_____Prepare Meal for Sick or Grieving Family

Youth Ministry_____Meeting Chaperone_____Advertising/Newsletters/Mailings_____Retreat ChaperoneTreasure:

In prayerful thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon me by God, my/our regular giving to the parish for the coming year shall be $______________ per:

__________ Week

__________ Month

__________ Quarter

__________ Year

_____I am currently giving electronically._____I would like to give electronically. _____I am currently using envelopes._____I would like to begin using envelopes.

Please print your contact information:

Name (s):

______________________________________

Address:

______________________________________

City, State Zip:

______________________________________

Phone:

______________________________________


Annual Stewardship Renewal Commitment Form

Email:

______________________________________


Annual Parish Offertory Intent Card

In prayerful thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon me by God, my/our regular giving to the parish for the coming year shall be $______________ per □Week □Month □Quarter □Year□ This represents an increase in my regular giving of ______________

□ I am currently giving electronically.

□ I would like to give electronically. Please send me information.

□ I am currently using envelopes.

□ I would like to begin using envelopes.

Name (s):Address:City, State Zip:Phone:Email:


In prayerful thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon me by God, my/our regular giving to the parish for the coming year shall be $______________ per □Week □Month □Quarter □Year□ This represents an increase in my regular giving of _____________







In prayerful thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon me by God, my/our regular giving to the parish for the coming year shall be $______________ per □Week □Month □Quarter □Year□ This represents an increase in my regular giving of ______________







In prayerful thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon me by God, my/our regular giving to the parish for the coming year shall be $______________ per □Week □Month □Quarter □Year□ This represents an increase in my regular giving of _____________









Documents

Sample Renewal Timetable · Web viewDo this after the Homily and before Prayers of the Faithful. - make sure extra cards and pencils are in the pews before Mass. - encourage parishioners