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QUESTIONS & ANSWERS ABOUT THE HORIZON DEBT ELIMNATION CAMPAIGN

What is Horizon?
Horizon is a debt elimination campaign designed to eliminate the remaining $650,000 of debt that the parish owes.

How is this different from the Bridges Campaign?
Bridges was a debt reduction campaign. Horizon is a debt elimination campaign. Bridges reduced the debt from $1 million to $650,000. Horizon will completely eliminate the remaining debt.

When do I start paying for Horizon?
Pledges made during Horizon will begin being paid in June 2005. Bridges pledges end in May 2005.

So … there is no break between campaigns?
That's right - and for good reason. The parish mortgage payment is $15,000 per month. If we skip a month, that money must come from church-operation and ministry-support funds. The mortgage must be paid every month no matter what, so Horizon picks up immediately where Bridges leaves off.

What will Horizon pay for?
Horizon is strictly for paying off the current debt. St. Luke cannot move forward with any expansion projects until the current debt is paid off. Those are diocesan rules for managing expansions/construction and debt.

How long does Horizon last?
Pledges are for a three-year period - from June 2005 through June 2008. Pledge payments begin in June 2005.

St. Luke is a growing parish. Will Horizon pledges be sought from new parishioners during the next three years?
Yes. New parishioners will be asked to support Horizon also. But, it is very important to get financial commitments from all current parishioners. In order to achieve our goal, we need full participation from current and new parishioners.

What is the master plan for the future of the parish?
Obviously, St. Luke needs to expand its facilities to meet the needs of our growing faith community. As the debt is being eliminated, the parish will discuss the direction in which it needs to move with the primary goal being a new sanctuary in which mass can be conducted for our constantly growing parish.

Besides Mass, how are the St. Luke's facilities being used?
St. Luke is home to more than 60 ministries that use the church facilities on a regular basis. Nearly every day, St. Luke has many, many groups using the church.

Can I donate stocks and securities?
Yes, the diocese accepts stocks and sells them for the cash, which is then given to our parish campaign. This method may be beneficial to parishioners since the capital gains do not come into play. Your contribution amounts to the figure at which the stock is sold.

What if my financial circumstances change in the next three years?
If your financial circumstances change, you may need to change your pledge. But remember that can go both ways. If your financial situation gets worse, you may need to lower your pledge, but if your financial situation improves, you may want to increase your pledge.

Is my gift tax deductible?
You can only deduct what you pay on your pledge, not what you pledge. You will be sent a statement at the end of the year for tax filing purposes.

What happens to my pledge if I should relocate permanently?
If you are able, we hope you will still fulfill your pledge, but we would understand if you are unable to do so.

What is the Horizon campaign costing us?
The cost amounts to the printed materials and postage. All of our workers are volunteers. The Diocese of Charlotte is providing the services of the Office of Development free of charge.

Can I give cash?
Yes, if you wish. However, because we realize that families cannot afford to give a large sum out of pocket, we are hoping you will consider a three-year pledge. This way, you can give a smaller amount each month (or other period) resulting in a more generous amount over three years.

How much am I supposed to give to the campaign?
We are not asking you or anyone else for a specific amount. Rather, we are asking each individual or family to consider a range of gifts detailed in the giving guide and make a generous gift within their means.

Will my campaign gift offset my offertory contribution?
No. We are asking you to make a pledge to the Horizon Debt Elimination Campaign over three years that is over and above your offertory gift.

Will my pledge be kept confidential?
Yes, it will. It will be processed through the parish office - the campaign chairs, support staff for the campaign and Father Jim. Your pledge amount will be kept confidential.

Do you have a question? Click here to send an e-mail with your question. Your answer will be posted within a day or two so that all parishioners can see it.