Questions and Answers
The following questions are those we hear most frequently as we speak to parishioners about the Building on Faith Campaign. If you have additional questions, or need additional information on any of those below, please click on the "Contact Us" link to the left and let us know.
What are other benefits to the Building on Faith Campaign?
A well-balanced and effective campaign can unite our clergy and laity to work together as one Church. Building on Faith is an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to all. Parish volunteers will be speaking with fellow parishioners about St. Denis' needs. Parishioners will develop a better understanding of what St. Denis currently does and its obligations to the parish community. This often leads to greater involvement and support. Ultimately, the experience it can give our parish may be far greater than merely the dollars raised.
Who will be involved in supporting the Building on Faith Campaign?
Every family at St. Denis will be asked to make a prayerful consideration of a gift to the Building on Faith Campaign and are welcome to be a part of the campaign team.
Why emphasize pledges?
The Building on Faith campaign emphasizes pledging because it allows individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger commitments than they could usually consider in making a one-time gift. Experience in past campaigns shows that families who pledged were able to consider gifts 4-5 times larger than those who made one-time gifts. This is important in a campaign on the magnitude of the Building on Faith Campaign.
Why are we conducting the Building on Faith Campaign now?
We have been exploring the prospect of building a new Parish Center over the last several years. Our parish family and ministries continue to grow and we do not have the space to meet all of our needs, let alone the space for everything we could, and should, be doing. In addition, the current hall is unable to support a second floor or significant renovations.
Despite the current state of the economy it is important that we respond to our parish's needs. In November of 2008 we conducted a feasibility study that showed overwhelming support for the new Parish Center and for a capital campaign to provide the funding. As a community of faith it is important that we live that faith now as we work to provide a legacy for our parish.
Where will we meet while our new Parish Center is under construction?
In addition to fund raising we have also begun the planning process for our new Parish Center. As we move through the process with the Archdiocese we will put together a parish planning committee to review logistics. This committee will work with our ministries to ensure a plan is in place for the day we close the old hall. Options for space during construction may include bringing mobile units on site, meeting in parishioners' homes, and renting space in local buildings.
Why is every family asked to complete a Pledge Form?
Families are asked to complete a pledge form so that the pledge may be appropriately recorded and acknowledged. The most important information the campaign office requests is the total amount of the commitment, the amount of the initial payment (if any), the balance, and the payment plan selected by the family. Families are asked to sign pledge forms as a good faith commitment, indicating that they have agreed to the terms of the pledge indicated on the form. A pledge form is not a legally binding document.
To what extent are gifts to the Building on Faith Campaign tax deductible?
Gifts to the Campaign are tax deductible as allowed by law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorneys or tax preparers.