The Electronic Contribution Option (ECO)

The Electronic Contribution Option (ECO) program helps the contributor to offer the first fruits, not the leftovers, to God. Instead of using a weekly envelope, parishioners are invited to use our parish "Electronic Contribution Option" program. This is a direct transfer of funds from savings or checking accounts to the parish account. It is important to note that the traditional envelope system for weekly contributions will remain as an option for those who wish to use it. The ECO program provides our parish with reliable income each month. The more income we receive through this program, the more accurately we can project and control our cash flow.

By making contributions more convenient, the ECO program also provides the contributor with some advantages. They merely identify the amount that they would like to contribute, the account from which they would like the money transferred, and the frequency. Transfers can be made once per month for the whole sum, or twice per month for half the sum, eliminating the need to write a check.

Another valuable, though less obvious, advantage of ECO is that it helps the individual to sustain their financial commitment to the church. The average, well-intentioned church contributor would like to give a certain amount to the parish. However, church contribution is not typically the first expense allocated once they set about the business of paying the bills. The end result is that the church is one of the last "bills” to be paid. Often it is not what one hoped to give but what is left over that goes to the parish.

Please take a moment to reflect on this opportunity to support the ongoing stewardship efforts at our parish. In doing so, consider the following passage from the Old Testament: “The choicest of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God” (Ex 21:19).

Download ECO Enrollment/Authorization (PDF)