The purpose of STA 100 is to establish a sustainable, dedicated source of funds for monthly payments on the church mortgage loan. Those payments amount to $20,221 per month and the loan balance at December 31 was just under $2.7 million. As the name suggests, we are looking for 100 – or more – charter members of STA 100, supporters of the parish who are blessed with the means to commit to recurring annual gifts that would be used solely for payments on the mortgage. That would enable the parish to reserve offertory and other income for day-to-day parish operations, unburdened by monthly mortgage payments. It is intended that STA 100 gifts would be in addition to one’s regular offertory and other giving.

How will the STA 100 Work?

STA 100 members would commit to recurring gifts of $1,000 or more per year for three years. Gifts could be made in installments chosen by each member (monthly, quarterly, annually, etc.), preferably through online e-giving.

There would be four annual giving levels: $1,000+, $2,500+, $5,000+ and $10,000+. Members would be encouraged to consider, if they are able, renewing or increasing their annual commitment before the end of the initial three-year term; some may choose to renew annually, thereby establishing an “evergreen” three-year commitment until the mortgage is fully paid. And, of course, there would be regular appeals for new memberships.

What are the financial goals of STA 100?

The initial goal would be to reach a sustained giving level of $250,000 annually. That would be a bit more than annual mortgage payments of $242,652. Annual giving in excess of $250,000 through giving-level upgrades and new memberships would enable the parish to make extra mortgage payments; that would hasten the scheduling of the celebratory mortgage-burning ceremony in the church courtyard.