Mission:
Remaining consistent with our Catholic beliefs, our Parish strives to share the good fortunes we have experienced with others. Aligned with our call to service, the mission of St. Mary's Tithing Fund Committee is to support the community vision of being engaged in the southeast area of Rochester. Furthering our commitment to social justice, the committee will provide stewardship over the tithing funds to ensure that the organizations, agencies, and ministries supported by St. Mary's continue to make positive impacts in our neighborhoods.
 
Funding:     
The committee will make recommendations to the pastor for the disbursal of funds in accordance with the guidelines presented below. The funds to be disbursed annually will be an amount equal to five percent of the market value of the restricted investment account determined at the beginning of the parish's fiscal year. The parish finance council may annually provide for an additional amount in the parish budget to be expended by the committee in support of this ministry.
 

Guidelines for Funding:

The following guidelines are offered for determining funding:

1. Organizations, agencies, and ministries that:
   1. Provide human services such as food, clothing, shelter, counseling and group support;
   2. Provide prevention and/or intervention services which address social problems or issues such as education, awareness, and crisis management;
   3. Are 501(c) (3) corporations or not-for-profit charities with tax-exempt status;
   4. Need assistance to continue operation; and/or
   5. Provide self-sustaining initiatives, (e.g. Community Micro Enterprises, Inc.).

 

Guidelines for Denial:

The following guidelines are some of the reasons for the denial of funds.

1. The organization has not provided sufficient information for the committee to make a decision;
2. The Community already supports an allied or another group involved in the same ministry. This is a guideline, not a hard and fast rule;
3. Concern about excessive use of funds for other purposes such as administration or advertising costs;
4. Concern of the committee what the applicant does not operate in accord with the teachings of the Catholic Church (moral conflict, faith conflict, etc.); and/or
5. The applicant has other funding available.

 

Application:

Applications may be submitted by parishioners, organizations, agencies or ministries that engage in programs that serve the stated mission. Application forms may be requested from the Pastoral Associate responsible for Social Ministry and Civic Engagement or obtained from the parish website.
 
 
  Meetings:
Meetings will be held quarterly. Prior to the scheduled meetings, copies of the applications received will be given to Committee members. Committee members or authorized volunteers will also be encouraged to conduct an interview and/or site visits of the applicants on a case-by-case basis to maintain and strengthen relationships with those receiving funds.
 

Membership:

The membership of the committee will consist of the following:

1. A member of the staff designated by the pastor;
2. Four parishioners from St. Mary's expressing an interest and designated by the pastor; and
3. A member from St. Mary's finance council.

Members may serve two three year terms and may return after incurring a one year break.
 

Accountability:

The Tithing Fund Committee is accountable through:

1. Quarterly reports to the Finance Council; and
2. Quarterly reports of activity to the parish by way of an article in the bulletin.

 

Click Here for St. Mary's Tithing Fund Application