Mortgage Appeal

“For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building”. 1 Cor. 3:9

February 4, 2011

Dear Friend,

God continues to bless us tremendously and for this we are grateful.

I am privileged to formally invite you to make your sacrificial pledge or one-time gift to our continuing mortgage appeal, “United in Gratitude”. This is the final year for those who had a 2 or 3 year pledge – or, if you are pledging for the first time, we are asking for a one year commitment. The goal of the campaign is to raise $600,000 in pledges over the next 12 months. Our monthly loan payment or “mortgage payment” is expected to be $75,000. Currently, we are comfortably able to pay back only $45,000 per month. This level of payment prolongs the length of the loan and increases our interest payments considerably. Last year we paid over $200,000 in interest on our loan. This was at a 3.5% rate (1% over the LIBOR rate). Basically, less than half of what we bring in goes towards the principal. At the current rate of restricted income, we will be paying on our mortgage appeal for 13-15 years. Our goal is to shorten the length of the loan to under 10 years. In order for this to happen, many more households need to pledge. This past year, our number of regular contributors decreased. While we all know the economy was a struggle for many, we still need EVERY household to give something towards the mortgage appeal. Reducing or increasing what we give is always an option; the point is to give back to God in both the weekly general collection and to give annually or monthly to the mortgage appeal out of gratitude for all his blessings. For those pledging for the first time, please consider a minimum pledge of $1,200 dollars or $100 per month. Monthly Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is available through Parish Pay using debit and credit cards or checking and savings accounts. Parish Pay is an easy way to give the firstfruits of our work back to God through our weekly gifts and monthly mortgage obligations to the church. Whatever your gift may be, it is necessary and gratefully received.

This coming weekend, February 12 & 13th, we will culminate our mortgage appeal with a pledge weekend at all the masses. We are asking EVERY household to complete the enclosed pledge card – even if you are finishing up an existing pledge or make your payments through Parish Pay, please help us provide an accurate accounting of all contributors. You can select a preset amount or write in what you can comfortably afford. Remember this is over and above what is given in the weekly collection that covers the parishes day to day expenses. It is a special challenge we are faced with having to give in two different ways, but with great blessing comes great responsibility. Since I have been employed in this diocese (19 years), I have always been in a church that has a capital campaign and a regular operating collection. This is a struggle at times, but I know that my limited contributions have helped grow both two church communities and a two church buildings.

Please complete the enclosed pledge card and return it along with your initial gift in the accompanying envelope February 12th and 13th. During all of the masses this weekend, we will provide everyone an opportunity to bring forward their pledge envelopes during a special collection.

Please prayerfully consider your gift and be assured that whatever your gift may be, it will be gratefully received and acknowledged.

“For no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ”. 1 Cor. 3:11

Your servant in Christ,

Kirsten R. Thorstad
Pastoral Coordinator