Note

As of April 4, 2024, the online giving is back up and running.

Online Giving:

Online Giving offers you the opportunity to make secure, automatic contributions from your bank or credit card account to our parish. Online Giving provides many advantages to you and our parish.

The following options are available for giving:

  1. Weekly envelopes – most common
  2. Physically mail in a check.
  3. Electronic Giving – sign up for reoccurring payments from your bank account
  4. Credit Card – give as often and whenever you desire.

We ask that you consider using this easy-to-use and secure service. For more information about Online Giving or to enroll, please call the CENTRAL OFFICE to quickly and easily enroll in Online Giving.

Thank you for considering this option.

Physical checks:

You may mail your weekly contributions to the parish office at:
                          Blessed Trinity/St. Patrick Parish
                          309 Front St.
                          Owego, NY 13827

Benefits for You

  • No more writing checks or ATM stops before Mass
  • Be confident that your data and auto-deposited gifts are safe, secure and confidential
  • Use your checking, savings, or credit card
  • Earn rewards through your credit card
  • Allows you to give even when you are not able to attend Mass
  • You may stop payments at any time
  • Your contributions remain tax deductible

Benefits for our Parish

  • Increases regular giving
  • Assures needed benefits for our parish
  • Eliminates parish staff’s concerns regarding security of sensitive data
  • Reaches a wider demographic of givers

What is stewardship?

It is a complete lifestyle acknowledging God as Creator and Provider of all. It is the grateful receiving and responsible management of God’s gifts, and the eager sharing of them as expressed in prayer, worship, offering and action.

Who is a Christian Steward?

One who receives God’s gifts gratefully, manages them responsibly, and shares them joyfully, giving back to the Lord generously of one’s time, talent and treasure.

How do I get started with Stewardship?

Stewardship is a journey of faith; it is more a process than a program. The key steps in the process can be summarized as such:

  • Discern: Reflect on all that the Lord has provided to you; make a list.
  • Develop: Design a plan to build on and leverage your gifts and talents.
  • Disburse: Begin an enhanced sharing of your time, talent and treasure.

Envelopes:

Outright cash and check gifts are the most common form of giving, such as the collections taken weekly at Mass. Your gift becomes immediately available to support important programs and services. When the donor can be identified, through use of a provided donation envelope or name & address printed on a check, the donor will be credited with the full amount of his or her gift – which may be tax deductible.

If you would like to have envelopes provided to you for your contributions, please contact the church office to request them.

Beyond Weekly Contributions

The following describes several ways in which you can financially support the parish beyond the weekly collection. These donations can also provide a way to decrease tax obligations both now and in the future. Further information on how to utilize these options can be obtained by contacting the church office or your tax professional.

Cash Gifts

Outright cash gifts are the most common form of giving. Your gift becomes immediately available to support important programs and services. The donor will be credited with the full amount of his or her gift – which may be tax deductible.

Bequests

Your will is a meaningful way to make a charitable gift of lasting value. Through a bequest provision, you can designate a specific amount of money, a percentage of your estate, or the remainder of your estate after other bequests are satisfied. Adding a codicil to an existing will is a simple process that begins by making your intentions known to your attorney.

Memorial and Tribute Giving

Gifts in memory of deceased friends and loved ones – or gifts that honor living individuals – are gratefully accepted. Such contributions are often used to reflect the special interests of the person honored. Any gift may be designated in memory of, or in honor of, a loved one.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

If you own long-term securities that have appreciated in value, you may prefer to contribute securities rather than cash. In this way, there may be both capital gains and tax deduction benefits. Please contact the Church Office for the proper form and specific stock transfer instructions.

Charitable Gift Annuities

A charitable gift annuity is a simple life income agreement between a donor and the parish. In exchange for your gift, which can be designated to support specific programs, you receive fixed payments for your lifetime and/or the lifetime of another person. You may be entitled to a partial tax deduction in the year of the gift, and a portion of each payment may be tax-free for a period of years as well. The size of the payments is based on the amount of the gift and the annuitant’s age. Gift annuity plans start at $10,000, and are restricted to donors 65 years or older.

Charitable Remainder Trusts

Charitable trusts can result in significant support for the work of the parish, while also securing your financial future and reducing taxes for you and your heirs. Through a charitable remainder trust, you can provide income for yourself or a loved one and benefit the work of the Church. You specify the amount of payments to be distributed (at least 5% per year), to which payments are to be paid, the duration of payments (a period of years or the beneficiary’s lifetime) and the parish will receive the remainder. The trust may be set up for the lives of the beneficiaries or for a term of up to 20 years.

Gifts of Life Insurance

Life insurance may be an especially attractive gift vehicle if you own a policy that is no longer needed for its original purpose. In addition, those who qualify for low-cost premiums may find it more affordable and convenient to plan a significant gift using life insurance. By naming the parish as the owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the donor may be entitled to an immediate tax deduction for the accumulated cash value of the policy (if any) and a future deduction for any subsequent premiums he or she pays.