COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR CAMPAIGN

Q       What is “Honoring Our Past – Building Our Future?” What is the purpose of the campaign?

Honoring Our Past   Building Our Futureis our name for St. Patrick’s Church Campaign. After years of prayerful study and with the enthusiastic support of parishioners, we have initiated a campaign which will enable us to enhance our worship space by expanding the church and to create a new gathering space connecting the church with the parish center.

Q       What is the goal of this campaign?

The goal of the campaign is to raise the $4 million project cost which includes construction, architect fees and campaign costs.

Q       Who will be asked to support this campaign?

Each individual or family will be asked to prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the campaign. The names of all who support the campaign will be listed in a “Book of Gratitude” to be displayed in a place of honor in the parish.

Q       How long will the parish be involved in the campaign?

The active phase of the campaign will run from February 2011 through May 2011 during which time gifts and pledges will be solicited. This will be followed by a five-year pledge collection period.

Q       How will gifts and pledges be solicited?

Personal home visits by parishioner volunteers will be a key component of the campaign. This will allow for a thorough presentation of the church expansion project and will give you the opportunity to ask questions about the campaign.

Q       I am interested in supporting the campaign; however, I do not want a home visit. How can I contribute to the campaign without someone coming to my home?

When a campaign volunteer calls, please tell him/her that while you plan to support the campaign you do not want a home visit. This information will be provided to the campaign director who will then contact you to help arrange for your gift.

Q       How much am I expected to give?

The success of the campaign relies on the participation of every member of St. Patrick’s Church. We ask that each parishioner thoughtfully evaluate the need of St. Patrick’s in light of this historic project. A gift amount will be suggested for each individual/family to prayerfully consider. Our campaign seeks equal sacrifices, not equal gifts.

Q       Why am I asked to consider a specific amount and how was that amount determined?

The suggested amount was determined based on your previous support to St. Patrick’s and also on the size and scope of the project. It is meant to provide a frame of reference for your participation in the campaign. Please know that all suggested gift amounts are held in the strictest confidence and will never be publicly disclosed.

Q       Why am I asked to make a pledge instead of a one-time gift?

You can make a one-time gift; however, the success of the campaign rests largely on pledges payable over five years. By making a pledge, you might be able to donate more than would be possible in a one-time gift.

Q       I would like to make a pledge, but our budget is especially tight this year. How can I still participate?

The campaign pledge period is structured over a five-year period, and you can determine when you want to start payments.

Q       What happens if I can’t fulfill my pledge?

Pledges may be increased, decreased or canceled at any time.

Q       How can I be sure that my pledge/gift amount is treated with confidentiality?

As with all parishioner records, procedures are in place to ensure confidentiality of all gifts and pledges throughout the campaign and five-year pledge fulfillment period.

Q       Will I need to maintain my weekly contributions?

Yes. Weekly offerings are used for the normal operating expenses of the parish. St. Patrick’s depends on your regular contributions to maintain the parish and its programs. Parishioners will also continue to support the Annual Diocesan Appeal.

Q       Is there a way that I can honor a loved one through my campaign pledge?

Yes. A list of Commemorative Gift Opportunities has been developed for the campaign. This allows you to make a gift in recognition or memory of your family or a loved one. All such gifts will be recognized in a special section of the “Book of Gratitude” to be displayed in an appropriate place of honor in the parish.

Q       Can I make a gift other than cash?

Yes. Gifts of stock, securities, gifts-in-kind, real estate, and other financial vehicles are welcomed and encouraged.

Q       What happens to the money I give if we do not reach the $4 million goal?

All gifts to the current campaign will be held in a building fund until the construction project is begun. Should the $4 million goal not be met, Father Joe will work with the Parish Council and our parish community to determine next steps toward raising additional funds for the church expansion.

Q       When will the church expansion work begin?

The timeline will be determined by what people give. Once St. Patrick’s has $3.2 million in cash in the building fund and has secured an additional $800,000 in pledges, we will seek approval from the Diocese of Peoria to begin construction. After the project is approved, the estimated time for completion is 1.5 to 2 years.

Q       If this campaign is successful, are there plans for a second phase of the campaign for the renovation of the Parish Center?

Although the master plan presented during the feasibility study identified a Phase II for the parish center, St. Patrick’s is focusing all efforts on the church expansion project.