The fun part is underway! Most people do not like to ask for money, but so many like to spend it. Parishes are now spending the dollars collected from their hard working solicitations in the Catholic Strong campaign to fulfill their vital local needs. We are so proud of the parish teams and donors.
In keeping with our desire to be transparent, this chart displays what each parish has collected as of the most recent cutoff date for distributions on May 31, 2020. Regardless of whether a parish made their goal, at least 70% of every dollar collected for Catholic Strong goes back to the parish. Since some donors requested a specific restriction for their gift to go 100% to the parish, those dollars are listed separately. In addition, during the 2018 year, some parishes guaranteed their House of Charity goals by combining them with their Catholic Strong solicitations, enabling donors to be solicited once for both campaigns. Those 2018 House of Charity guaranteed dollars are also listed separately. The total that the parishes received is the combination of the 100% and the 70% portions. The diocesan portion is what’s left over.
All dollars are restricted to the Catholic Strong case components. Parishes are funding many renovations, new parish staffing needs, technology needs, ministry programs and initiatives and more. As you see new faces and new improvements at your parish, it may just be your Catholic Strong dollars at work.
The diocesan portion is supporting things like “The Joy of the Gospel” convocation that served approximately 800 attendees, professional development for teachers on Distance Learning, and online Mission Programming that has kept our parishioners connected with their parish and their Bishop during the time of quarantining and social distancing.
The campaign continues. Although many donors have made one time gifts and fulfilled their pledges, many more will continue their installments through 2024 based on when their pledge was made. We can’t thank each donor enough. They are keeping us Catholic Strong!
Every contributor should receive a report by U.S. mail or email by Sept. 15. Contact the Development Office, CatholicStrong@Camdendiocese.org, or 856-583-6125, if you do not.
Mariann Gilbride is Director of Development, Diocese of Camden.