If you were to take a walk around the campus of All Saints Parish, Millville, you might take notice of some things worth celebrating.
There are the capital improvements that have been completed in the past several years: new roofs on multiple buildings, a new parish hall and kitchen, and a host of other enhancements.
And then there are things slightly less tangible, but even more impactful – increased participation in the life of the parish.
Parish leaders credit the Catholic Strong Campaign for making this happen.
“Catholic Strong was the springboard for the rejuvenation of the parish,” said Mary Anne Serra, the parish’s faith formation and family life coordinator.
The Campaign for the Catholic Community of South Jersey – or Catholic Strong – was initiated in 2018 by Bishop Dennis Sullivan. The capital campaign aimed to raise funds to support a number of programs throughout the Diocese of Camden, with the primary beneficiaries being local parish communities. Throughout the campaign, 70% of funds raised by each parish community have been allocated for the needs of that parish, with the remaining funds supporting diocesan causes and covering the costs of administering the campaign itself.
The original fundraising goal for All Saints Parish was $695,000, which would have resulted in $486,500 being allocated to support parish projects. Thanks to the generosity of parishioners, that goal was exceeded – with $751,175 in pledges collected through May 31 and more than $525,000 distributed to the parish.
“All Saints surpassed their goal, which was due to the team effort and support of the pastor,” said Serra, noting Father Peter Idler’s engagement in the effort.
Serra described improvements in the past several years, which included replacing leaking roofs on two buildings. The campaign also supported the conversion of a former school building on the parish grounds. Today, that building includes new office space, as well as a new parish hall, spiritual library and meeting room. It also features a new food pantry and kitchen to help increase community outreach – all projects that are being completed during the current fiscal year through Catholic Strong contributions.
A daily Mass chapel is also due to be completed soon. Serra shared that the chapel features stained glass that was preserved from the former Saint John Bosco worship site that was part of the merged parish community.
Parish trustee Ben Germanio was thoroughly involved in the campaign, recording pledges as well as tracking expenditures. He noted that the funds also allowed for demolition of two former buildings to make room for future projects, and the installation of new air conditioning duct work in the church.
Germanio said that the campaign has also resulted in greater engagement among parishioners. “There has been a marked increase in parish participation, with parishioners joining and helping out on various committees.”
Serra, who is also the parish nurse, shared the same sentiment about increased engagement – and added that the renovations will allow for new programs like healthy living classes.
“We have more people getting involved in the life of the parish both socially and spiritually,” she said. “We are planning events to enrich the faith in the parish, and I have also found the parishioners who have commented to me about how they love all the changes.”
The parish community recently held a celebration to mark the success of Catholic Strong, and they were joined by Bishop Sullivan.
“Bishop Sullivan’s vision for the future is coming to fruition,” Serra said.
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