CASA In-Pew Solicitation Parish Guide

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 from 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 the administrative cost of running the appeal by saving time and the cost of mailings. In-pew solicitation can be easily included in Mass without causing any disruption to the celebration of the liturgy.

1. Give advance notice through pulpit and bulletin announcements on weekends prior to CASA Sunday.

2. On Commitment Sunday place the pledge envelopes and pencils at the end of pews. (Be sure to replenish the supply before each Mass.)

3. Ideally, parishes should have both the pastor and a layperson speak. The use of a lay witness is an effective means of encouraging people to give. Remember that people give to people. The pastor or layperson could speak about CASA after the homily.*

4. Either the celebrant or the lay witness 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 supporting the many things provided by our diocesan Church. Our parish whose goal is ______________." If you have already replied through the mail, thank you. (Every family should have received CASA information in the mail.)
• Let them know that you are also making a commitment right now.
• If they want to make a payment toward their pledged amount today they can, but that is not required.
• Ask everyone to PRINT their name, address and zip code clearly. Also include a 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.

Go to Parish Bulletin and Pulpit Announcements.