What is Automated Giving?
It is a convenient, safe, reliable, paperless, electronic transaction that goes through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) and transfers money from one bank to another. An automated giver is you, a parishioner, who through prayer and reflection chooses an automated way to exercise good financial stewardship by having your regular weekly offering electronically delivered to the parish.
Why Automated Giving?
One of the principles of good financial stewardship involves planning the gifts that are to be shared; giving of our first fruits. Participating in an Automated Giving Program is one great way that you can enact your financial stewardship plan each year.
What are the Benefits?
For those who embrace stewardship as a way of life, Automated Giving for the weekly offertory and other donations provides an opportunity to keep the Church a priority when it comes to sharing financial gifts.
† The Automated Giving Program is convenient and reliable for parishioners and helps them give their first fruits instead of what is left over.
† No contributions can be withdrawn from a parishioner’s account without their written permission.
† Parishioners may cancel or change their contribution amount at any time by logging into their account or contacting the parish office at 919-942-6250.
† The more people that use Automated Giving, the more reliable a parish’s revenue stream will be from the weekly Offertory.
† Automated Giving is significantly more secure than cash gifts. The use of Automated Giving minimizes the physical cash on hand in the parish office.
† As more parishioners choose Automated Giving, staff and volunteer data entry for the regular collections will be less time consuming and the cost for envelope mailings will decrease.
† Not everyone attends Mass at St Thomas More each week, so Automated Giving ensures that the parish regularly receives each parishioner’s intended gift.
† Offering levels are increased because people who tend to give regularly tend to give more.
How Does Automated Giving relate to the use of the weekly envelopes?
Choosing to participate in the Automated Giving Program can replace the use of weekly envelopes. If you wish to discontinue your envelopes after setting up Automated Giving, please notify Coleen Siekierski (919-942-6250.) Envelopes are not stopped automatically.
What happens if I feel uncomfortable not having something to physically drop into the collection basket?
Please use one of the red supplement envelopes provided in the pew and write in “I GAVE ONLINE” or pick up a yellow "I Give Online" card at the welcome desk.
Can I contribute to both parish and diocesan special collections?
Yes. Our Automated Giving program offers all special collections including Mortgage, Priest Welfare & Retirement, Charity Share and Endowment. The Diocesan collections are available also.
How do I change my information such as the amount of donation, bank account number or mailing address?
Click on the Automated Giving Site button above and log in to your account to make any changes or updates. If you prefer, you can contact Coleen Siekierski at 919-942-6250.
Which payment methods are accepted?
The Automated Giving Site accepts donations from your checking and savings accounts and the four major credit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Do I receive receipts for tax purposes?
All automated donations will be posted to your contribution record on a weekly basis. End-of-year tax statements will be sent by the St Thomas More Parish Office in January.
Can I use Automated Giving for a one-time transaction or a recurring transaction for a specific payment schedule?
Yes, one time gifts are graciously accepted. You can also arrange for a specific amount to be gifted weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. For more information contact Coleen Siekierski at the Parish Office, 919-942-6250.
Matching Gifts
Many employers match employees' gifts. Double Your Dollars... when you give to St. Thomas More with the help of your employer. Do you work for a company that will match your charitable gift to St. Thomas More? View the list of companies that have a matching gift program. You may also call your company’s human resources representative or the St Thomas More Contributions Office at 919-942-6250.
Here’s What You Do – Three Simple Steps