From classroom upgrades to playground equipment, technology investments to outdoor signage, parish and school communities, as well as diocesan ministries, are benefitting from the generosity of faithful who participated in the 2025 #iGiveCatholic campaign.
“The outcome was extremely pleasing,” said Leslie Visco, events coordinator for the diocesan Office of Development. “It is extraordinary for participating parishes, schools and ministries to be able to raise $107,405. The large sum raised this year will certainly be able to help those organizations in fulfilling their goals set in the campaign.”
Total contributions in 2025 came within a few thousand dollars shy of the 2024 campaign, which brought in $110,233. However, with the 2023 campaign raising $68,812, and diocesan officials reporting a continued increase in participation among parishes, schools and ministries, staff are looking favorably on how the campaign continues to garner support.
“Overall, there is much more awareness of the #iGiveCatholic, on #GivingTuesday, platform and how raising these funds benefits our parishes, Catholic schools and Catholic ministries,” Visco said.
The 2025 campaign – which was Dec. 2, though advanced giving started Nov. 17 – included 38 parish, school and ministry participants across the Diocese of Camden, and yielded 715 donations made by a total of 677 donors.
Saint Clare of Assisi Parish, Swedesboro, brought in the most funds in 2025 – continuing a trend of topping the list for several years – with $30,802 raised as part of their efforts to invest in audio, visual and sound equipment, as well as an outdoor digital sign.
“Over the past few years, #iGiveCatholic has helped us to maintain the upkeep of our many buildings and also make upgrades as well,” said Bridget Perrotto, the parish’s administrative assistant for faith formation and sacrament preparation. “We were able to install a new kitchen in our parish hall, put new roofs on many of our buildings, and are working on upgrading our sound systems in both churches from this year’s campaign.”
Perrotto said the generosity of their parishioners continues to be a blessing.
“Our parishioners are what make this campaign successful year after year,” she said. “They are so eager to help the parish. We have also been blessed with several matching grants throughout the years that have helped us be successful.”
She added that the annual campaign is a great way for parishes like Saint Clare of Assisi to support a wide range of projects.
“#iGiveCatholic is important for parishes because it gives them a way to fundraise for a particular project or ministry that year,” she said.
Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Cape May, was able to raise more than $20,000 to replace flooring in the sacristy – as well as other renovations made possible by exceeding their goal. Christ the King Parish, Haddonfield, raised more than $18,000 to benefit the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Center, Camden.
Saint John Paul II Regional School, Stratford, worked hard to increase previous totals, raising more than $5,000.
“I was extremely excited and proud of their results this year,” Visco said.
The 2025 campaign also drew some first-time participants like Saint Mary Parish, Gloucester City, which raised some $2,100 to support technology improvements and spiritual programs.
One diocesan ministry that participated for the first time was the Catholic Star Herald, which raised $1,200 for day-to-day operations, including recruiting and fostering young adult freelance writers, photographers and videographers.
“The future of Catholic press is the young Church,” said Jennifer Mauro, managing editor. “All of us at the Catholic Star Herald were moved by the generous support of our readers and grateful that they believe in the mission of Catholic media.”
The 2025 #iGiveCatholic initiative also raised funds to support the Diocese of Camden Clergy Development program, which supports clergy across South Jersey.
Visco said that there are always things that parishes, schools and ministries need – and campaigns like this can be a lifeline. “With other expenses that need attention, it’s hard to upgrade or work toward goals. … #iGiveCatholic gives them a platform to promote what it is they need. Every parish, school and ministry runs their own campaign according to what they need; we just help them along the way.”
Visco shared her hope that the campaign will continue to grow in scope and engagement in the years to come.
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