L WHAT IS ELECTRONIC GIVING? It is an Electronic Funds Transfer which enables you to have your weekly offering automatically debited from your checking account or credit card through secure transactions over the Internet. You choose how much to give, how often to give, and what method is to be used. You can also make special offertory donations for second collections and special events.
L IS THERE A FEE INVOLVED FOR USING THE PROGRAM? It’s free, convenient and gives you peace of mind knowing that St. Joseph Church will receive your stewardship even if you’re away for the weekend or on vacation.
L IS ELECTRONIC FUND TRANSFER SAFE? Absolutely. Sensitive account information is rendered unreadable anywhere it is stored, and encrypted anytime it is transmitted via SSL technology. We adhere to the strictest guidelines regarding security of the financial information you provide. Sensitive information is never shared with a third party. We safeguard your system with advanced firewall, thorough anti-virus and aggressive anti-hacking technologies.
L HOW SHOULD I REGISTER? To learn more and to sign up, check out the “Electronic Giving” link on the parish website, www.stjosephmaplewood.org or pick up a leaflet at the doors of the church.
L When you have signed up for the program, you can use the “Electronic Giving Cards” available in the racks at the entrances of the church to drop in the collection basket during Mass instead of Parish Tithing envelope or cash.
L You can access your account at www.parishgiving.org at anytime with the user name and password you created at registration. You can view your contribution history, edit upcoming contributions and change your billing date and/or billing method if necessary.
Want to see the stuff on sale? Open this link to preview the items at on sale at the ST. JOSEPH RUMMAGE SALE 2010. These photos were taken today, June 25, 2010 at 10AM. More stuff are coming today....
Fund Raisers
As the hearts of summer draw near we have our last two major fundraisers going on. Next week after the 11:30 mass our Cash raffle drawing will take place. The winner’s share from the fall raffle was over $6000! Make sure you have a chance to win! Please return your sold tickets to the rectory this week or purchase them at the doors of Church this weekend.
The rummage sale will be held the last weekend in June. Donation will be accepted beginning June 17th at the school gym. See the other information about the sale on the announcement page of the bulletin.
Finally, an explanation of our on-going grocery card program is available at the doors of the Church. This is an easy way for you to contribute tot eh parish while doing your food shopping. I invite you to pick up one of these flyers if you are unaware or have questions about how the program works.
During these tough times I want to say thank you for all the efforts that are being made to support our Church financially. Thank you for making the effort to do all you can. It goes without saying how important your support is to the on-going mission of our parish!
In God’s Peace and Love,
Fr. Michael
The PENTECOST SPIRIT BLOWS AFRESH
PENTECOST NEXT WEEKEND, MAY 22-23
973-761-5933
Pentecost is the great feast when we celebrate the “birthday of the Church” through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. It is not just a solemn celebration. It is a time for vigor, excitement, energy, movement, birth, fresh air and fresh commitment. If Pentecost has a sleepy feel to it in your life, wake up! Indeed, one of the best ways to celebrate it is to do just that: wake up! It’s a time to celebrate and worship. If you regularly go to church, invite someone to go with you for Pentecost Sunday because the Spirit birthed the fellowship of Jesus' disciples on that first Pentecost.
Take some time to think about the gifts the Spirit has given you: 'Is there a way I can use these to build up the community of disciples or help bring healing to others, to the credit of God alone?' The thanks that the Spirit wants for giving gifts is in your using them instead of sitting back and frittering away the opportunities.
We invite your special participation next weekend in two ways:
BRING A SMALL BELL to ring during the Gloria, just as we did during the Holy Triduum, but this time to signal the completion of the Easter Season.
WEAR RED, especially if it is part of clothing that represents your unique ethnic or cultural heritage. Red recalls the tongues of flame in which the Holy Spirit descended on the first Pentecost.
