For the past four years, the annual #iGiveCatholic campaign has helped parishes, schools and more fund everything from kitchen upgrades to bell tower lighting, bilingual missals to materials for ministries and programs.
This year, 41 organizations across the Diocese of Camden – the most ever – hope to gain support for vital projects through this campaign.
“The #iGiveCatholic campaign is important because, for most of the organizations participating, it raises income for special projects or programs that are not funded by general operating expenses,” said Stacy Napolitano, diocesan director of development. “This year, that ranges from technology upgrades in schools, to books for a school library, to repairs to confessionals in one parish, to support for the launch of a parish’s new youth ministry, to funding for a newly launched Saint Vincent de Paul Society.”
Last year, the #iGiveCatholic campaign raised $110,000, which was a significant increase from the nearly $70,000 raised in 2023. And with the increase in participants this year, the diocesan Department of Development hopes to see the positive impact grow even greater.
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. 2 this year; advanced giving began Nov. 17.
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Atlantic City, is participating in the campaign for the first time this year, with an eye toward supporting the continued development of the new school library.
“As a former librarian, this project is near and dear to my heart,” said Principal Ramona Bregatta. “For many years, OLSS did not have a functioning library, and building one from the ground up has become a true community effort.”
Proceeds from the #iGiveCatholic campaign will help the school to expand its book collection, add student technology, offer bilingual and Spanish-language titles and secure equipment for book check-outs.
“Our goal is to create a warm, inviting place where children can grow as readers and thinkers,” said Bregatta. “For a small school with many emerging readers, this library is more than a room – it’s an investment in our children’s futures. Every gift helps bring this space to life.”
When it comes to reading materials, the Catholic Star Herald is also participating for the first time this year. Jennifer Mauro, managing editor of the diocesan newspaper, said the funds raised will go toward day-to-day operations, such as recruiting and fostering young freelance writers, photographers and videographers to encourage the Young Church to take an active role in their faith through Catholic journalism.
“When you give, you do more than support the newspaper – you sustain a ministry,” she said. “Any donation helps us bring truth, hope and the witness of Christ into people’s homes. In times of noise and confusion, faithful journalism can be a calming hope.”
Participants in this year’s campaign can also support the diocesan Clergy Leadership Development fund, which helps to support priests across the Diocese of Camden. The fund provides executive leadership coaching for priests, helping them to thrive in their vocation and lead in their ministries.
Another first-time participant in this year’s campaign is Holy Spirit High School, Absecon, which is focused on expanding tuition assistance for students and families.
“Supporting this effort is a direct investment in our students and in the future of Catholic education,” said the school’s director of advancement, Cathryn Flammer. “Many families deeply desire a faith-centered education for their children but struggle with the financial burden. By contributing to tuition assistance, members of our school and faith community help open doors for these families, allowing more students to grow in an environment rooted in faith, academic excellence and service.”
The parish community of Our Lady Star of the Sea, Cape May, is participating in #iGiveCatholic for the fifth year. The parish focused on supporting various ministries and programs in the first two years, and have since focused on specific projects like new outdoor lighting for their bell tower and remodeled confessionals. This year, the parish is hoping to replace its sacristy flooring, which is stained and worn.
“Supporting your local church and parish community provides resources to continue the mission of helping others experience the love of God,” said parish business assistant Denise Mount. “It is also a day of electronic giving, which is user-friendly for donors and allows us to connect with our parish community, visitors and younger generations.”
Saint John Neumann Parish, North Cape May, is hoping that this year’s campaign will help to expand the positive reach of its new Saint Vincent de Paul Society. So far this year, the program has helped more than 400 people with 138 home visits and more than $22,000 in financial assistance – not to mention nearly $3,500 worth of in-kind donations like clothing, food and furniture.
While faithful there have been supporting the program, the significant need in the local community encouraged the parish to turn to the #iGiveCatholic campaign to help raise additional funds.
Fran Watson serves as advancement director for the Saint Rose of Lima School and Rosebud Academy Preschool, Haddon Heights. Last year, they participated in #iGiveCatholic for the first time and raised enough to purchase multiple new freezers for their food pantry – equipment that has helped to keep food safe and preserved for families in need.
This year, they are participating as they kick off a larger campaign to raise some $100,000 for a new sensory playground for the preschool.
“It is Rosebud’s 10-year anniversary, and since its inception, we have had nice, but pieced-together playground equipment,” Watson said. “We are hoping to raise the funds to build a more cohesive, inclusive, and durable playground with the proper surfacing that will last many, many years.”
Watson noted that, for #iGiveCatholic, they have tried to focus on projects that supporters can “see and feel.”
“Giving on #GivingTuesday has a ‘barn-raising’ community feel to it,” she said. “It is wonderful to watch the funds be raised throughout the day, and because the projects chosen in most cases are tangible, donors can really see their impact.”
Napolitano added her encouragement for the faithful to consider supporting their favorite Catholic causes again this year.
“It’s important to donate to help the Church grow and thrive,” she said. “Also, #iGiveCatholic provides a great opportunity to pause to remember the needs of our faith community as we are busy shopping for gifts for our families.”
To donate and to see which parishes, schools and ministries are participating, visit camden.igivecatholic.org.
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