“Like many others, I consider St. Paul’s to be my spiritual family. So when I learned how much the Cathedral depends on the weekly offering, I realized that just like my family at home, I need to do my part too.”
– Hannah Miller
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. The Cathedral seems like a big place – does my pledge really make a difference?
A. Absolutely. It often comes as a surprise when people learn that St. Paul’s relies almost entirely on the weekly offering of it’s members and visitors. Despite its impressive building, its beautiful music and liturgy, its impressive array of programs and educational offerings, 80% of the revenue needed to operate and maintain St. Paul’s comes from the offering plate each Sunday.
Q. Can’t I practice stewardship without pledging—by just putting money in the plate?
A. Because we depend on the weekly offering to maintain our operations, making a pledge tells us how much money St. Paul’s will have to carry out its mission for the year, and thereby helps us plan our budget. This is critical information for making careful, purposeful decisions about church activities, ministry and maintenance. And on a personal level, pledging helps to transform your giving into a spiritual practice; you make a commitment to God and to your Cathedral family and fulfilling it becomes a regular practice just like attendance at worship, learning or prayer.
Q. Doesn’t the Cathedral have an Endowment?
A. Yes it does. However as a relatively young Cathedral, St. Paul’s Endowment is still relatively modest and currently contributes less than 5% of the Cathedral’s operating budget. (If you would like information about how to contribute to the Endowment as well as other planned giving options and information, please contact the Office of Membership & Development at 619-298-7261 x334.)
Q. How do I make a pledge?
A. A pledge can be made one of two ways: by completing a pledge card and returning it to the Cathedral Office or at the annual In-Gathering on November 18, 2007, or online though our “virtual pledge card” from the Cathedral’s website. www.stpaulcathedral.org
Q. How can I pay my pledge?
A. You may pay your pledge with a single annual payment or, as is more common, through weekly or semi-weekly offerings received at worship services. The Cathedral will send you offering envelopes for your convenience, printed with donor record numbers to insure proper crediting of payments. Payments may be made in the form of cash, check, electronic or automatic-debit, VISA or MasterCard or even negotiable securities. (For information call Chris Harris 619-298-7261 x334.)
Q. What if happens if I can’t pay my pledge?
A. You may change the amount of your pledge at any time. All we ask is that you let us know so we may correct your records. Simply call the Office of Membership & Development or email Chris Harris at harrisc@stpaulcathedral.org if for any reason you need to change your pledge.