Each fall, Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral asks every parishioner to make a financial commitment to support the ongoing ministries of church during the coming year. If you are new to the church or about to make your first-ever pledge, we hope these questions and answers will be helpful.
What is a pledge?
Your pledge is your heartfelt, documented financial commitment to support Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral’s ministries and programs in the year ahead. Pledging is not a commitment that must be followed or we will report you to a collection agency. It is an estimate to the best of your ability of the amount of money that you think you can give to the church. We want people to give from their hearts to GHTC.
We cannot do our work within the community and the world without the financial support needed to operate the church.
Why not simply give as I can through the offering collection plate?
Campaign pledges provide the Vestry with an estimate of expected income essential to the preparation of the church’s annual budget. The Cathedral simply cannot operate and thrive without a reasonable estimate of its financial resources. Your pledge reinforces the importance of God and Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral in your life.
How much should I pledge?
Your pledge is a personal decision between God, you and your family. It should be grounded in your faith, love and commitment to God’s work through GHTC. It requires reflection, prayer and priority. We need your generous contributions to reach out with our many ministries to meet the needs of our congregation and the community around us. No pledge is too small.
Is my pledge confidential?
Yes. Pledges are kept confidential.
How can I pay my pledge?
There are several convenient ways to honor your pledge, including monthly credit card payments, monthly bank draft payments, personal checks using pledge envelopes or payments of appreciated stocks and IRA payments.
Do you accept pre-payments for next year’s pledge?
Yes. We are glad to accept pre-payments. Please let us know on your pledge card that you plan to pay your 2024 pledge in advance.
What if I need to update and change my pledge amount?
We understand that life’s circumstances do change, often unexpectedly. Contact the church to have your pledge amount adjusted at any time during the year.
Where does the money go?
Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral’s programs, ministries and outreach is designed to make a difference in the lives of so many in the community. All of this requires financial support. The “routine” expenses of maintaining the physical church are always present. We provide the dedicated staff with fair compensation and benefits packages. Our budget supports the excellent music and worship programs and Christian education for all—especially children and youth. We also support critical outreach programs, both locally and internationally.
Each year, the Vestry of Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral plans the budget and evaluates each expense in light of the Cathedral’s mission to ”seek and serve Christ in all people, loving our neighbors as ourselves while striving for justice, peace, and respect for every human being. Our worship, prayer, and formation support the restorative strength of our community, reconciling all people to God and one another through Christ.”
Want to know more?
Contact Cathedral Administrator Julie Toma.