We’re called to be generous…
…to one another and to the common needs of our faith family.
What’s next for you? Please tell the parish how you intend to donate, or explore new ways to serve in 2024. Download a Stewardship Form
To ask about what’s needed most or learn new ways to give, please contact our Stewardship Committee through the parish office: info@saintambrosecathedral.org or 515-288-7411.
Why we give
For our shared needs
As part of the St. Ambrose faith family, we’re each called to help cover the basic expenses of our shared worship and parish life. We try to tithe regularly because those basic expenses are constant. We rely on one another for weekly or monthly gifts that support ALL our parish life in common.
Together, we make it possible for our small staff and volunteer leaders to support all our parish liturgies and faith formation. Our tithing also keeps our cathedral, hall and office secure, and heated or cooled for our comfort.
We invite all parishioners and visitors to give what they can to help meet these basic, shared needs.
For special purposes
Can you give extra generously for goals that are dear to your heart? It’s very satisfying to give for families in need… for young people who are hungry for peer faith experiences… and for our beautiful cathedral that’s standing the test of time.
Second collections are sometimes offered after Communion for specific needs. For example, in months that contain five Sundays, your second-collection gift on 5th Sunday weekend directly serves people who ask for help through our St. Vincent de Paul Society or Refugee Ministry.
At any time, you can give to a special purpose using any gift method. It’s important to note your purpose along with your gift.
Please consider giving occasionally to:
- care for and secure our cathedral (Cathedral Building Fund)
- directly help people in need through the parish (Refugee/Needy Fund)
- create scholarships so our youth can attend amazing faith experiences with peers – like Catholic Youth Camp and National Catholic Youth Conference (Youth Faith Fund)
- help make the parish more financially stable into the future (Investment Fund). A legacy gift in your estate plans would be especially meaningful.)
If you have another purpose in mind, please talk it over with the parish office.
How we give
Check or cash
Cash gifts at Mass are welcome, and a private way to give. If you’d like the parish to know you are giving, ask the parish office for gift envelopes with your name printed on them. Those who give more than $250 in a year receive a letter of thanks that’s also a receipt for income tax purposes.
Checks can be given at Mass or through the parish office: 607 High Street, Des Moines IA 50309.
Automatic giving
Monthly from your bank account
With a single action, you can be sure to give every month – even if you travel. It’s satisfying to know your steady support is there to help your parish pay its monthly obligations.
It’s easy to authorize a monthly transfer from your bank account to St. Ambrose Cathedral. The gift process is similar to automatic bill payment through ACH transfers. You set the amount and the date of the transfer, and you can change your arrangements at any time. Learn more
For monthly giving through your credit card, see below.
Online by credit card
Credit card gifts to St. Ambrose Cathedral are processed through the Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa, which does not charge transaction fees to our parish. If you like, you can automatically repeat your gift monthly by checking a box on the giving form.
Please be sure to choose St. Ambrose Cathedral and direct your gift to:
- Tithing (support our general parish needs)
- Building (the Cathedral Building Fund to repair, maintain and secure our cathedral)
- Poor (helping people in need through the parish)
- CYC Sponsorship (helping send our youth to summer Catholic Youth Camp)
- Investment (helping make the parish more financially stable into the future)
Retirement or investment funds
From your IRA or other retirement account: To request a one-time gift to St. Ambrose Cathedral, you can simply fill out a form with your investment company. For some people, giving in this way can reduce the income taxes you will owe. Learn more
Giving stock or securities: There can be tax advantages to transferring stock that is worth more now than when you purchased it. Learn more
Our parish encourages donors to talk with Sue McEntee at Catholic Foundation of Southwest Iowa about making these kinds of gifts. Their mission is to help donors give financial support to Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations within the Diocese of Des Moines. With their help, you can give easily through the Foundation to St. Ambrose Cathedral. They do not charge fees for helping you or the parish with these gifts. Contact Catholic Foundation
