From funding the purchase of bilingual missals, to supporting outdoor church lighting and school kitchen upgrades, monies raised through #iGiveCatholic have supported a wide range of projects for parishes and schools across the Diocese.
As the Diocese of Camden prepares to participate in the annual #iGiveCatholic campaign for a fourth year, parish and school leaders encourage faithful to consider lending their support.
“This campaign is a way for our parishioners to invest in particular projects that help to build up our parish,” said Father James King, pastor of Saint John Neumann Parish, North Cape May. “Sometimes there is a disconnect between fundraising and the results. #iGiveCatholic helps to bridge that gap.”
Founded in 2015, #iGiveCatholic works to inspire all to come together as stewards and to “Give Back and Give Catholic” through supporting parishes, schools and nonprofit ministries. The campaign coincides with #GivingTuesday – which is Dec. 3 this year; advanced giving begins Nov. 18.
As of press time, about 30 parishes, schools and nonprofits had registered to take part in this year’s campaign. In 2023, nearly $70,000 was raised during the Diocese of Camden’s #iGiveCatholic initiative, which is overseen by the diocesan Office of Development.
Last year, Father King’s parish raised $4,925 – which was used to rejuvenate Saint Raymond’s Hall by replacing curtains that had previously been removed after becoming dry-rotted.
“Now the hall looks ‘revitalized’ for the various activities we have there,” he said, noting in particular the Knights of Columbus breakfasts, Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrations, and basketball games and comedy nights, among other functions.
The fundraising effort last year also gave a boost to the Cape May County Regional Hispanic Ministry, which is based at the North Cape May parish, through supporting the purchase of bilingual missals to make available in the pews.
Last year’s #iGiveCatholic also supported Holy Angels Catholic School, Woodbury, which exceeded its goal of $15,000. Funds are being used to upgrade a kitchen that is used for the student cooking club, school events and weekly Sunday Bingo gatherings.
“All of these events contribute to the school and parish and help build community,” said Patti Paulsen, principal. “Everyone was very generous, and we are very grateful to all who participated.”
The kitchen upgrades include the purchase of a new fryer, griddle, ice machine and countertops.
“The #iGiveCatholic campaign brings people together, united by a shared goal of supporting the school and parish,” Paulsen said. “It strengthens the bonds of the local faith community and reminds members that their contributions help support not just their own school and parish, but the broader mission of the entire Diocese. It encourages collaboration and solidarity.”
Faithful at Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Cape May, helped raise $2,685 last year – which enabled the parish to enhance outdoor lighting around the historic church building. Lighting in the bell tower was in need of repair, and the campaign allowed the parish to make upgrades so that all of the surrounding lights now match with an amber glow. Parish leaders hope the lighting contributes to their mission to be welcoming to all, and that it inspires both parishioners and visitors to join them inside the church.
The Cape May parish has participated in #iGiveCatholic each year since the Diocese of Camden began participating, and in previous years funding has supported operating costs of ministries – including pastoral programs, community services, bereavement support – and other projects.
This year, the parish plans to use funds raised to upgrade the church’s confessionals, which sustained water damage after a leak from a window.
“If you are planning to donate on #GivingTuesday, please consider donating to your local parish community,” said Denise Mount, parish business assistant. “These campaigns are important because they allow all Catholics to unite nationally and [they] remind donors that their funds are necessary and important to our ongoing mission.”
She added, “it also feels good to see exactly how your funds were utilized when you attend Mass, receive Sacraments or partake in our ministries. We also believe it is an opportunity to communicate with the younger generation electronically.”
Paulsen also encourages faithful to consider supporting this year’s campaign, at any level possible.
“Every contribution matters and adds up to a larger collective effort,” she said. “We also build community by donating to the school for an improvement that will be utilized by all.”
To donate and to see which parishes, schools and ministries are participating, visit camden.igivecatholic.org.
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