Giving Tuesday: An Every Member Canvass Update

Brendan Murphy on November 29, 2022

Dear Cathedral Family,

First and foremost, on behalf of the Stewardship Council, we want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has made an Every Member Canvass pledge for 2023. It is through your gifts to Christ Church Cathedral that we worship in a beautiful, sacred space, nurture our children, serve people in need, care for one another, and ensure that God’s love is felt through our work in Houston and beyond.

The Cathedral is indeed blessed by the generosity of our congregation, as well as their family and friends, and we are excited to share an update on our stewardship campaign. To date we have received 360 pledges of financial support. Of those, 18 are new and 129 are increases over 2023. Pledges to date total $2,825,026. We have come a long way in our EMC campaign, but we still have some distance to go. In order to fund our mission and ministry fully in 2023, our is goal is to receive 600 pledges for a total of $3,700,000.

As we prepare to welcome our 9th dean, a healthy Every Member Canvass campaign is an essential reflection of our vibrant and committed community. Your Cathedral’s Vestry worked diligently to assemble a capable and diverse Search Committee this fall, furthering their commitment to the future of Christ Church. A strong showing of financial support from the congregation through a successful EMC will help to ensure that the best candidates participate in the conversation as we write the next chapter in the life of the church.

On this Giving Tuesday, an international day of giving, we hope that you’ll consider a prayerful and intentional gift to Christ Church Cathedral – whether in this year or the year ahead. Every gift makes a difference and every dollar counts.

Did you know:

  • You can make a one-time donation for the 2023 Every Member Canvass and it counts towards our total number of pledges and dollars pledged.
  • You can make 2023 EMC donations in the 2022 calendar year.
  • There are ever increasing ways to make giving to the church easy – such as Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) from IRA accounts, contributions through Donor Advised Funds (DAFs), and the gift of stock or securities; and some of these options can provide substantial tax benefits for those who qualify.

The Vestry is in the process of preparing the budget for 2023 and hopes to finalize it at the vestry meeting on December 21. If you have not yet made a pledge for 2023, we invite you to join us in making a financial commitment to the work of the parish for the coming year.

Every day at the corner of Texas and Fannin, a difference is made in countless lives through all the ways that Christ Church Cathedral shares the Gospel. Advent is a time of both preparation and celebration, as we await the coming of Jesus and celebrate God’s generous love. In a year of transition, now is the time for all of us to rise to the challenge to continue our mission and provide a sound financial footing to welcome our next dean. We must remain steady and continue with vision, courage, and generosity. Together, as we prepare for the year ahead, let us give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.

Yours ever faithfully,

Karen Kraycirik, Minister for Stewardship

Ways to make your pledge:

  • Pledging online is easy.
  • Return the pledge card you received by mail to 1117 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.
  • Make a pledge over the phone at 713-590-3338 or by email by contacting Karen Kraycirik, minister for stewardship.

Ways to make a donation:

  • Making a donation online is easy. To make a one-time donation for 2023, select “2023 EMC pre-payment” from the selection list.
  • Donate using PayPal via the Cathedral’s website: christchurchcathedral.org/give/
  • Text the word “Give” to 888-998-1634
  • Send a check by mail to 1117 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.
  • Additional giving questions? Contact Karen Kraycirik, Minister for Stewardship.