Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal

Stewardship and Development Office

In-Pew Solicitation Guide

Go to Pulpit and Bulletin Announcements

This is the recommended method for obtaining donations from a large segment of your parish at one time. This method of soliciting gifts requests a response by parishioners in church following an informational presentation. We ask that you encourage pledging verses one-time gifts, because pledging generally results in larger gifts. It also reduces administrative cost of running the appeal by saving time and the cost of mailings. In-pew solicitation can be easily included in the Mass without causing any disruption to the celebration of the liturgy.

Steps to Follow

• Give advance notice through pulpit and bulletin announcements on weekends prior to the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal Sunday.
• On Commitment Sunday place pledge envelopes and pencils at the end of the pews. (Be sure to replenish the supply before each Mass.)
• After the homily, the pastor or lay witness should make remarks regarding the Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal. Remember that people give to people.*                    
• The celebrant should give instructions on how to fill out the pledge envelope, with emphasis on making a pledge. Be sure to encourage parishioners to complete the envelope in church. Encourage people to make a pledge. "Every family is being asked to consider helping and supporting the many things provided to our parish and deanery through this appeal. Our parish goal is ______________."
  • Stress these points:
    • You will not be receiving anything through the mail at this time.
    • Let them know you are also making a commitment right now. 
    • If they want to make a payment towards their pledged amount today they can, but do not have to.
  • Ask everyone to PRINT their name, address and zip clearly. Also include phone number or e-mail address in case there is a question regarding their gift.
  • Give them a minute or two to complete their pledge envelope.
  • Ask ushers to collect all completed envelopes with a separate pass of the basket at this time.

*The in-pew solicitation can also be done after the Eucharist.