Questions & Answers

Do you have questions regarding Building Our Church of Tomorrow ...Today Campaign, and why you should participate? The following information may answer some of your questions.

• Q: "Why have we acquired the La Petite Academy?"

  A: Initial development plans called for construction of a stand-alone building to facilitate important educational/ministerial initiatives. However, estimates exceeded $4.0 million, well beyond our means. Exploring other alternatives, the adjacent La Petite Academy property was available. And, at a cost of $975,000, and an additional $100,000 in anticipated renovations and furnishing costs, acquiring the Academy provided a nearly $3.0 million savings versus construction of a separate building.

• Q: "What are the goals of the campaign?"

  A: The campaign has two goals. First; to raise a minimum of $2.0 million in pledges, payable over a three-year period. The second objective is to personally contact all parish families requesting their financial support of the campaign in a meaningful way.

• Q: "Who is being asked to give to Building Our Church of Tomorrow …Today?"

  A: All parish families and parents with children enrolled in our school will be asked to make a sacrificial commitment to our campaign. Over the coming weeks a member of our campaign leadership team will contact you to schedule a mutually convenient appointment to meet and seek your support.

• Q: "Is my gift to the campaign tax deductible?"

  A: Yes, to the fullest extent allowed by law. (But consult with your tax advisor as individual situations vary.) St. Catherine of Siena Parish is a 501(c) (3) institution.

• Q: "How can I be assured that funds pledged to the campaign will be dedicated solely to this project?"

  A: The Parish Finance Committee will oversee all project expenditures, thus insuring that your charitable contributions will be dedicated exclusively for planning and construction of our Parish Life Center and defray costs associated with acquisition of the La Petite Academy.

• Q: "I'm unsure about my future. I don't want to give right now."

  A: That's certainly understandable -- we're all unsure of the future. If a commitment is not possible now, for whatever reason, we accept that and ask that you give what you can, when you can. But, with faith that God will provide as He always does, making a NON-BINDING, NON-LEGAL PLEDGE to the campaign is the most desirable response when a volunteer asks for your support.

• Q: "Do I/we have to make an initial offering?"

  A: NO, an initial offering is NEVER required. However, an initial gift at the time you sign your pledge card will enable the parish to apply funds raised immediately toward construction/acquisition costs.

• Q: "If I make a pledge to the campaign, when will I get my first payment reminder?"

  A: Pledge payments are scheduled to commence in December 2009. Reminders will be mailed according to the payment schedule selected by the donor, (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.).

• Q: "Can I have my pledge payment automatically deducted from my checking account?"

  A: Yes, please contact the parish office at (707) 533-1355 to have the necessary forms sent to you, which will allow you to specify the date, amount and terms of your electronic funds transfer.