We have made it! After years of preparation on the part of both the Diocese of Rockford and St. Margaret Mary, this weekend we kick off the “You Will Be My Witnesses” Capital Campaign.  You will hear more at Masses this weekend, and for the next few months as we participate in this effort for the Church. Around three years ago I first heard the rumblings about an impending Campaign, and as anyone would be, I was hesitant. It sounds like a lot of work, and who wants to have conversations about money. However, as the feasibility study began what I found was a zeal in the heart of Bishop Malloy, the priests, and the lay faithful who were consulted. Over and over again individuals said what we need to focus on in the Diocese is evangelization–and so this particular campaign was born.

The Diocese hasn’t done a capital campaign since the year 2000, and if you were here then you’ll remember it was called “United in Faith”. To this day our parish and school have continued to receive funds from UIF, and to date more funds have been distributed to parishes than were originally raised for the endowment. “United in Faith” offered back to the parish 10% of what they raised, but this current campaign, we will receive back to our parish 40% of every dollar we raise.

This week you will receive a case statement, both for how the funds will be used on the Diocesan level, as well as an insert with the projects that we will begin at STMM with our portion of what is raised. For the Diocese, there is a focus on finding and offering training for the evangelical positions of catechist and beyond. Some funding will also go to assist with the needs of the schools, especially in regards to tuition support. Here at STMM the projects include the ministry center roof, the sound system in the gym, debt reduction, and evangelical initiatives such as bringing in speakers and subscribing to FORMED.

I would ask that when you receive the envelope from the Diocese, please open it, and read through all of the things that will be made possible through our participation. A letter from Bishop with a particular financial ask of you will be in the packet as well. Although, I look forward to seeing the number we raise grow, I am maybe more interested in the participation number. Often in the Church the few make the lift for the many, but as your local shepherd, I ask you to please prayerfully discern how you could participate in this campaign.

I wanted to include here as well a link to the Campaign Video from the Diocese which will explain more of what will be possible with your yes. I am excited about the opportunity we have to continue to grow our parish family, and with the projects being possible through campaign funds, we’ll have even more freedom to pay down our debt. God is moving in this place, and I can’t wait to see what He will do through you and this campaign.

Know of my prayers for you,
Fr. Blood