FAQs

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When you set up an online account you have the quickest form of processing available because paperwork is not being processed. Through the personal profile which you set up, you have the ability to easily access giving information and modify any payments you have set up within a few clicks. However, the transactions and changes are made through a secure web site which is protected with a personal password which you select. People who are already using this type of service to pay utility bills and other regular recurring payments might find this to be a helpful option.

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Electronic Giving is a manner in which members and friends of St. Margaret Mary Church may make contributions using the modern means of payment which is widely available and growing in demand by a large segment of society. There are three ways in which electronic payments can be processed:

Direct Debit Giving is used to automatically transfer funds from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account. If you are already using direct debit to make mortgage and car payments or to pay utility bills, then you know how it works. An authorization form for giving by direct debit is available online here.

Credit & Debit Card Giving lets you make offerings automatically on a pre-determined schedule using a credit or debit card. Today, many families use debit cards as a convenient alternative to checks or use credit cards in a responsible manner to manage a wide range of obligations. An authorization for giving by debit or credit card will be available online here.

Online Giving lets you go to the church website at www.stmargaretmary.org to make one-time donations or to set up a schedule of automatic donations. By setting up a password protected profile, you will be able to log in at any time to make donations, change a recurring donation plan or view your personal giving history. Many people who give electronically prefer this method as it provides quick control of their giving and up to date records available online through the secure web site.

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For sometime members of St. Margaret Mary have inquired about electronic giving options. More recently electronic giving has become more practical financially and is totally embraced by a growing segment of society. In fact for some people writing a check or dealing with paper money has become a rare or even bothersome occurrence. To meet the needs of these people, it is appropriate to now offer this option.

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Direct debit is about convenience for members who like to use these types of payment options. Electronic giving eliminates frequent check writing and helps members stay on track with pledges even when they are unable to attend services. The church in turn benefits from a reduction in the volume of check and cash contributions that must be handled and manually processed in the church office.

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Contributions are transferred automatically from your checking or savings account to the church’s bank account.

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First, you sign and return an authorization form to the church indicating the amount you wish to contribute on a regular basis. Contributions are then transferred through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—the same network already used by families to make mortgage and utility payments or to receive payroll earnings and Social Security income. Direct debit goes by other names including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), automatic payment, or simply, ACH.

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A debit to your account will occur each month on the date you specify on yourauthorization form.

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Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions will appear on your bank statement.

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Your bank statement will show an itemized list of electronic transactions that can be used as proof of your contributions.

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It is certainly less risky than writing checks or carrying cash to church. To process electronic donations, the church uses Vanco Services, LLC—an established and highly-regarded company that moves funds directly from church members to the church on the same day without any delay. Vanco processes contributions for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit organizations.

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There is no cost to you to give by direct debit!

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You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the church.

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Complete, sign and return an authorization form to the church office.

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The only difference is the account which is charged for payment when scheduled. Under direct debit giving, a charge is made to your checking account. Under debit and credit card giving a charge is made to your debit card or credit card. Many families have grown accustomed to making payments through a debit or credit card rather than through a checking account. In many cases they find it better in their situations to take advantage of the points programs of these cards and reduce the number of checks they write. For these people, debit or credit card giving fits into a practice in which they are already involved with other regularly scheduled payments.