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Who is a Member?
All Catholics living in the geographical boundaries of Christ the King.
Those boundaries are, roughly, Interstate 65 on the East, Wedgewood on
the North, Hillsboro Pike on the West, Old Hickory on the South. Other
persons may become members by
Contacting Us Online.
Who is a "Contributing Member"?
This is the definition of "contributing member" that has been published
in our church bulletin for many years:
A Contributing Member is defined as a household
contributing regularly to the parish (at least monthly), in an
identifiable form, an amount proportionate to income during the
calendar year prior to the year in which that status is claimed. This
definition is used when determining eligibility for subsidized tuition
at Christ the King School, at diocesan high schools, and for use of
parish facilities. For several years now, in the absence of evidence to
the contrary, it was
assumed that each household was able to contribute a minimum of $850
per year. The Finance Board and the Pastor have approved an increase in the
amount to $950 beginning calendar year 2008. This amount does not
include contributions to the diocese or other church causes. Households
not able to contribute this amount may obtain an exception from the
pastor if they offer evidence that they are contributing regularly in
proportion to income. Special arrangements
are available for new parishioners. Please call the parish office at
615-292-2884 for more information.
Questions
and Answers
Q. Do I have to contribute $950 per year in order to qualify
for contributing member status?
A. No. This amount represents an assumption that most households can
contribute about $80 per month or about $18 per week. The policy states
that we should contribute in proportion to income.
Q. What percentage of my income should I contribute?
A. According to the ancient tradition of the bible and the church, we
are called to tithe, that is, to contribute 10% of our gross income to
the church and other charitable organizations. The diocese suggests
that we contribute 5% to our parish, 2% to our diocese, and 3% to other
charities.
Q. Why did you select $950 per year as an assumption and
ordinary expectation?
A. It is very difficult to estimate the average income of our 800
households. If we assume that the average is about $30,000, then 5% of
that amount would be $1,500. If a household is earning $20,000 per
year, then 5% would be $1000. We do not believe that our estimates,
assumptions and expectations are unreasonable, but obviously there are
parishioners who cannot afford to contribute $950 to our parish.
Q. What provisions do you make for those who cannot
contribute $950?
A. We ask only for a statement of what contribution we can expect to
receive in a calendar year. We do not require any other documentation.
A simple letter to the pastor at the beginning of the
calendar year will suffice. We also expect the contributions
to be regular, at least monthly. Regular
contributions indicate a desire to support the parish throughout the
year as the parish tries to pay its bills.
Q. Do I lose my contributing member status if I do not
contribute exactly $950 or the amount I intend to contribute as stated
in my letter to the pastor?
A. No. Substantial compliance with the expectation is acceptable. If a
household experiences financial reversals during the year, then a
written explanation to the pastor is sufficient to warrant an
exception. Those who are not in substantial compliance with the policy
are given a grace period to make an additional contribution before
losing their contributing member status.
Q. What if I am a new parishioner?
A. We publish our policy in the bulletin weekly, and we assume that new
parishioners are attending mass often enough to become familiar with
it. Therefore, we expect new parishioners to begin making contributions
in accordance with the policy soon after registering. Compliance with
the policy is judged according to the duration of membership.
Q. Are you asking me to make contributions to the parish in
order to be eligible to enroll my children at Christ the King School?
A. No. The church asks everyone to contribute, but each person must
make that decision freely. School enrollment is open to all
parishioners. Contributing members, however, enjoy a subsidized tuition
rate. The difference between full tuition and subsidized
tuition is about $2,000.
Q. Are there any other advantages to becoming a contributing
member?
A. Yes. You also enjoy subsidized tuition rates at Father Ryan High
School and Pope John Paul II High School and reduced fees for the use
of parish facilities. Contact the high school offices or the parish
office for more details.
Electronic
Transfer of Funds
Forms are available which will allow you the opportunity to have
regular Sunday contributions or Scholarship Fund gifts transferred
directly from your bank account. For more information, call
615.292.2884 extension 306. |
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