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Frequently Asked Questions about Direct Debit Giving
Q. What are the major advantages of electronic giving by direct debit?
A. Direct debit is all about convenience for you and consistency for Holy
Family. Electronic giving eliminates frequent check writing and helps
parishioners stay on track with pledges even when they are unable to attend
Mass. Holy Family in turn benefits from donation consistency and a reduction in
the volume of check and cash contributions that must be handled and manually
processed in the Holy Family office.
Q. How does Direct Debit Giving work?
A. Contributions are transferred automatically from your checking or savings
account into Holy Family’s bank account.
Q. How are my automatic contributions deducted and transferred?
A. First, you sign and return an authorization form to Holy Family indicating
the amount you wish to contribute on a regular basis. Contributions are then
transferred through the Automated Clearing House (ACH) network—the same network
already used by families to make mortgage and utility payments or to receive
payroll earnings and Social Security income. Direct debit goes by other names
including Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), automatic payment, or simply, ACH.
Q. When will my contribution be debited from my account?
A. A debit to your account will occur each month on the date you specify on your
authorization form.
Q. How will I keep track of contributions in my check register?
A. Since your contribution is made at a pre-established time, you simply record
it in your check register on the appropriate date. Electronic contributions will
appear on your bank statement.
Q. What can I use to prove I made a contribution?
A. Your bank statement will show an itemized list of electronic transactions
that can be used as proof of your contributions.
Q. Is giving by direct debit risky?
A. It is certainly less risky than writing checks or carrying cash to Holy
Family. To process electronic donations, Holy Family uses Vanco Mass, LLC—an
established and highly-regarded company that moves funds directly from Holy
Family parishioners to Holy Family on the same day without any delay. Vanco
processes contributions for more than 10,000 churches and nonprofit
organizations.
Q. How much does direct debit giving cost?
A. It costs you nothing and it costs Holy Family very little. It is the lowest
cost method of transferring funds.
Q. What if I try electronic giving by direct debit and don’t like it?
A. You can cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the Holy Family
Office.
Q. How can I sign up for electronic giving by direct debit?
A. Complete, sign and return an authorization form to Holy Family office; forms
may be downloaded from this website.
Click on the Publications Index at the top of this page & scroll down to Electronic Giving Form.