3 EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR SJA FAMILY

1. ONLINE GIVING

2. ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT)

3. GIVE PLUS + APP

Download the GivePlus+ app to make supporting your SSJACS spiritual family even easier and give at any time, anywhere! Click HERE to download the app.

Click HERE to see how easy it is to download the app from your app store.
Search for "Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne" or by zip code "55379" to find our parish info.
Then choose from the many areas you would like to give, including your regular tithe "Sunday Collection".

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Each year we have the opportunity to re-evaluate and reflect on our giving in light of our commitment to our faith. The challenge for all of us is to pray seriously about increasing our regular financial gifts to the parish collection. So many good people in the pews make beautiful sacrifices year-round. This is inspiring and humbling. However, we see a trend that many regularly contributing parishioners give the same amount year after year, simply because they do not reflect on their regular weekly tithe and special contributions. The chart below provides guidance to help you discern the level of your gift. Please spend some time in prayer and see how God is calling you to place your gifts before Him.

WHY FILL OUT AN EFT FORM?

It’s Secure

An electronic gift cannot be lost or stolen.
 

It’s Timely

This begins with establishing your gift to God as a priority in your budget. Then, set up a recurring contribution that is scheduled to come out of your account on the day you specify. Give on Sundays and Holy Days, and to our Hands of Christ, Special Funds, and Endowments.
 

It’s Simple

Instead of remembering to write your contribution check and bring it to church, you will be assured that your gift will be processed even when you are out of town. You can call the office at any time to make changes.
 

It's beneficial for the church and the people we serve

Electronic giving saves the Church time and money by reducing the number of envelopes that are mailed out and reducing the envelopes that need to be counted by our weekly volunteer team.
 

My dear friends in Christ, brothers, and sisters in the Saints Joachim & Anne family of prayer,

As we have all experienced together, the last several weeks have been surreal. Yet, as we are reminded every time we wake, these days are, in fact, real. As so many families are already feeling, the COVID-19 pandemic also affects the financial reality of our SJA parish family. Thus, I felt it is important to remain transparent about how the pandemic has, is, and may continue to impact the operations and ministries of SJA.
 

Sunday Collections

No public Masses and, thus, no offertory, is a concerning challenge, first to our souls, but also to savings. Thank you to those who have made the extra effort to continue giving, either on-line or by good, old-fashioned checks in the mail (2700 17^th Ave E). The blessed and    brave who have chosen to increase giving in this uncertain time deserve a special “shout out.” Nevertheless, reality and results still show a stark decrease in revenue. In the last two weekends, our Sunday collection has been just under 50% of the pre-pandemic norm.
 

Financial Position

As of today, we are not in a financial crisis. SJA leadership has been working hard to make proactive and conservative decisions to ensure long-term viability in this precarious time. We are doing everything we can to “keep the SJA boat afloat.” The most difficult decisions made thus far have been to furlough some employees or reduce hours and pay. If we do not see an increase in giving in the near future, we will need to make further cuts in expenses or start dipping into our cash reserves. We hope that we do not have to tap into these reserves, as all of us have worked hard to build them up. Our parish leadership team and I will continue to monitor our financial situation and prayerfully make the best decisions for the long-term financial health of our parish.
 

How can you help?

1. Please continue your normal Sunday contributions.

Prayerfully consider whether you are able to increase the amount during this current crisis. For those so blessed, I propose $20 more each week to “one-up” COVID-19.
 

2. Please sign up for recurring contributions.

Choosing to give online protects the health of our staff and volunteer money counters. Recurring contributions also help us to create a better forecast for budgeting purposes.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) - Click this link to print off the EFT form. Complete the form, and mail (see address below) or email the completed form to Laurel at the parish office at LEichten@ssjacs.org.

Give Online Now - Click this link to be taken to a secure page where you can process a one-time or recurring donation immediately. Once you have set up your account, you have access to make changes at any ti

Auto Bill Pay - You may also check with your financial institution to see if they offer auto bill pay.

If you are not comfortable with electronic giving you may also mail in your contribution. Check made payable to SJA.  Memo: Sunday donation.  Mail to: SJA 2700 17th Ave E, Shakopee, MN 55379
 

3. Please pray for our SJA family

Pray especially the infirm, elderly and healthcare workers. Give them Your grace, Lord, bring a swift end to this trial, and, through the intercession of Blessed Rose Mary Flesch, protect every soul and body in Shakopee from harm.
 
Oremus pro invicem, unidos en oración, sincerely yours in prayer, 
Father Erik Lundgren