Preparing for Success
If you always do what you have always done. 
You’ll always get what you’ve always got. 

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As we begin to prepare for Catholic Family Sharing Appeal 2008
here are 8 things to keep in mind to make your part a success: 

1.     A gift from each and every parishioner
2.     Pledges instead of one-time gifts
3.    Every Parish Exceeding their goal
4.     Use of CFSA offertory envelopes
5.     Utilization of weekends of the appeal
6.     Add a parish need
7.     Follow-up Program
8.    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you



 

1.     A gift from each and every parishioner – It is important to broaden the base of support.  Everyone should be encouraged to give something.  No gift is too small.  At this time it is important that on the parish level the stewardship theme could be pressed.  Participating financially is one avenue of responding but also participating through time and talent is another and just as valuable. Remember that no gift is too small and none is too large.  We would like everyone to participate.  Do not suggest a specific amount.  Simply state that the suggested guideline for generosity is 1% of household income. 

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2.     Pledges instead of one-time gifts – Encourage everyone to take advantage of pledging.  It is easier to give a larger gift if it is paid in increments.  Stress a down payment, followed by three quarterly payments.  Monthly contributions are still an option. Parishioners should be encouraged to make a pledge and to spread their payments over the 10-month period. 

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3.     Every parish exceeding its goal- By utilizing all of the people and materials available to actively promote the Catholic Family Sharing Appeal, coupling it with a parish project, it is probable that the parish will have funds raised above the diocesan assigned goal. This money remains within the parish.  Pointing this out can be beneficial to your pledges.   Please note if the parish does not reach its goal, it will be responsible for making up the difference. 

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4.     Use of CFSA offertory envelopes -  Have your offertory supplier insert and CFSA envelope in you parish envelope boxes.  The CFSA office also has small envelopes that can be offered to your community member. 

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5.     Utilization of weekends of the appeal - Utilizing all opportunities to educate is vital! Education weekend, commitment weekend and the follow-up weekend encourages and reminds people to be participants 

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6.     Add a parish need -  Every dollar over goal stays in the parish encourage attach a parish need to the  dollar that you get over goal.  Microphones or music stands for the choir, assistance for youth trips or camps or a new air conditioner for the hall or even an emergency charity fund for those in need. 

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7.     Follow-up Program - It is unreasonable to expect success from just one day's efforts, one try or one solicitation method.  Those parishes are successful which make an attempt to contact each family or individual with a source of income.  Experience in every diocese that has done the telephone follow-up phase has produced outstanding results.  The recommended procedure is as follows:

(Click here for more on Telephone Follow-up)

·      Form a committee of volunteers

·      Make a list of all the registered parishioners who have not donated and pledged

·      Screen the list, best as possible, for “special circumstances” i.e. death, unemployment, etc. and set those aside for further conversation.

·      Divide the list among the volunteers

·      During a concentrated 2 or 3 day period, telephone each person on the list and…

…Introduce yourself as a neighbor and volunteer for the parish CFSA Appeal

…Note that their gift or pledge has not been received

…Offer to send another pledge envelope

…Offer to answer any questions about the Appeal

…Offer the opportunity to volunteer time or talent to the parish or diocesan ministries.

…Thank them for their consideration 

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8.    Thank you, Thank you, Thank you – Probably the most important and vital portion of any appeal is to say thank you! We must convey to the members of our parishes the thanks for their gifts to the parish and appeal.  So always be prepared to say thank you!

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