Manna Program
The Manna program is a simple system of purchasing pre-paid merchant cards that are then used “same as cash”. The Manna program has pre-paid cards for virtually everything we purchase and for most major stores you already shop at. For example food & drug stores, gas stations, home & electronic stores, school & office supplies, retail stores book stores, entertainment, hotels and restaurants. A detailed listing appears in the bulletin each week which is also on St. James website. The rebate received on the sale of the cards will be used to pay down the debt on the new School and Formation Center.
The "Manna @ St. James" shopping certificate program is a great way to support St. James at no cost to you. You purchase shopping certificates, which are the same gift cards you buy at the store, at face value FROM St. James and St. James receives a rebate ranging from 2% to 25%. You then use the cards just like cash when you go shopping. For example, you buy $100 of Jewel shopping certificates through the program and St. James receives a rebate of 5% or $5. You then use the certificates at Jewel to buy $100 of groceries. It costs you nothing more than you would spend otherwise and you help support St. James.
The order form (which is also available in the Bulletin and the collection envelope packet) lists the merchants and their discounts. The program has merchants from all types of stores and services. From groceries (Jewel, Dominick's, etc.) to gas (Shell, Speedway, Mobil, etc.) to restaurants (Starbucks, Lettuce Entertain You, Max and Erma's, etc.) to clothing (Gap, Marshall's). Visit www.mannagroup.net for a complete list of available vendors. Beyond using the certificates for your ongoing needs, gift cards make a great gift or can be used to purchase gifts.
St. James will be using the proceeds from the program to help pay down the debt from the School and Formation Center capital program. What a great way to support the building program at no cost to you!
To purchase "Manna @ St. James" certificates follow these easy steps:
1) Complete an order form indicating which certificates you wish to order and how many.
2) Attach your check made payable to “Manna @ St. James”, or enclose in an envelope with cash.
3) Place your order form and payment in the weekly collection basket, or drop it off at the “Manna” mailbox in the Parish office.
4) Pick up your order the next week after all Masses in the Laramie Room or Parish Center Gathering space.
If you have any questions please email us at Manna@stjamesah.org or call Manna at 224-345-8512. Thanks for helping to support St. James.
FAQs
How do I use the certificates?
You use the certificates just like cash at the store or restaurant. For many of the vendors the certificate is actually a debit card that you swipe and the balance is updated automatically. Several vendors still have paper certificates which you just turn in as you pay your bill.
Do the certificates expire?
Terms of the certificate vary by vendor, but generally they last at least a year. Some vendors do not have expiration dates at all.
Where does the Parish get the certificates and how does the Parish make it money?
We purchase our certificates from The Manna Group based in Palatine, Illinois; see their web site for an overview and full vendor rules. The Parish gets its proceeds when we buy the certificates from The Manna Group. For example we buy $100 of Jewel certificates but we only pay The Manna Group $95 with the $5 being our discount.
What will the proceeds be spent on?
The proceeds from the program will go to pay down the debt incurred in building the new school and formation center.
Can I use my certificates outside the Chicago area?
The certificates are good in any store that the vendor has no matter the location. For instance, Shell gas cards can be used to purchase gas in any Shell gas station around the country.
Can I pay for the certificates with a Charge Card?
We do not accept charge card payments. The main reason for this is that the fee from the charge card companies, generally 2-3%, would almost eliminate the profit St. James makes. We accept cash or checks for payment.
I charge my purchases to get the frequent flyer miles but I would like to help.
Many people use their charge cards to get airline miles but you can still help by making a small purchase each week. Every purchase, no matter its size, helps to support St. James. With the number of families that belong to St. James, if everyone does a little, the Parish gets a lot.
Manna at St. James Order Form
52kb - PDF