Newark, N.J., Aug 29, 2005 / 22:00 pm
The Archdiocese of Newark, New Jersey has announced that it will begin using an on-line giving system called ParishPay, in hopes that the new program will increase the amount and ease of stewardship--giving one’s gifts back to God--among the faithful.
David Osborne, Director of Stewardship and Planned Giving for the one million, three hundred-member Archdiocese, said that “Before approving ParishPay, we spoke to several other Archdioceses, each of which highly recommended the company."
"Like in many areas of their daily lives,” he said, “many Catholics find automated giving more efficient and convenient than the weekly collection, and that is the way of the future. We also believe that ParishPay could help to substantially increase annual giving while stabilizing seasonal cash flows, which usually fluctuate from parishioner vacations, illness and travel -all very good news for our pastors and business managers."
While the Archdiocese is excited about features which ease the giving process, like automated receipts and annual tax statements, they are particularly hopeful that the on-line program will encourage Newark’s mission of stewardship to God and the Church.