God's Work Our Challenge
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the diocese need this campaign?
The Diocese of Raleigh has experienced tremendous growth over its seventy-six (76) year history. Today we are faced with the challenge to minister to the growing number of Catholics that call our Diocese home. We are blessed by this growth, but it does not come without challenges.
While our parishioners have always been generous, we are called to do more. Ordinary income such as the cathedraticum and the Bishop's Annual Appeal are not sufficient to meet our growing needs. Ordinary income only takes care of ordinary expenses. Our capital campaign will help us to meet this challenge and to provide a stronger financial foundation for our diocese so that we may continue to serve the people of God into the third millennium.
What is God's Work ~ Our Challenge?
God's Work ~ Our Challenge is an extraordinary financial initiative that seeks to raise a minimum of $30 million to secure the financial future of the Diocese of Raleigh and its 89 parishes and missions.
How was the case determined?
As part of the Planning Phase for the diocesan campaign, the Diocese conducted an extensive needs assessment to ensure that the parishes had a voice in the case development process. The results of the needs assessment and the results of consultations with diocesan staff members were given to the Campaign Advisory Board (CAB) to assist in the development of a compelling case for support. A Case Development Sub-Committee was then given the responsibility to formulate a case that would address the immediate financial needs of the Diocese and parishes. The full CAB approved the work of the sub-committee and then recommended the case to Bishop Gossman for his final approval.
Parishes with extraordinary building or renovation projects can conduct a Combined Campaign to enable the parish to raise significant funds for both the diocesan objectives and the local parish needs. Individual parishes will design a parish case that reflects the extraordinary objectives at the local level.
Who will benefit from God's Work ~ Our Challenge?
Every parish in the Diocese will benefit as a recipient of their share of the funds raised in that parish to address its specific local needs. The entire Catholic Community of Eastern North Carolina will benefit, as capital and endowment funds will be used to purchase needed property for future Catholic churches and schools, strengthen our outreach to the poor and marginalized, provide resources for education and formation of new clergy, pass on our Catholic faith, train new lay leaders, provide resources for Hispanic ministry, improve our ministry on college campuses, and continue providing operating funds for our diocesan ministries by incorporating the Bishop's Annual Appeal for one year.
How is this different from the Bishop's Annual Appeal (BAA)?
The capital campaign seeks to answer long term and extraordinary needs while the BAA funds the annual operating expenses of the Diocese. A major objective of the God's Work ~ Our Challenge campaign is to establish new or augment existing endowments. An endowment fund is one where the principal monies invested are not withdrawn. Instead, the funds generated in interest can be used to fund the important programs and initiatives of the Church. Endowments, therefore, can provide a continuous source of funding and enable the Church to be good stewards with its financial resources.
Will my parish share in the funds raised?
Yes. For Standard Campaigns, a parish will receive 20% of all funds raised up to the goal. Once a parish reaches goal, the parish will share 50% of all funds raised over goal.
For Combined Campaigns, 100% of the standard goal will be directed to the Diocese. 100% of funds raised over the standard goal and up to the combined goal will be returned to the parish. A parish will share 80% of all funds raised over the combined goal.
When will our parish see this money?
Parishes will begin receiving their share of the funds raised on a quarterly basis following the conclusion of their campaign.
What is the effect of the capital campaign upon parish offertory and the Bishop's Annual Appeal?
Historically, the offertory has not been negatively affected by capital campaigns. In fact, offertory typically increases following the effort as a direct result of a successful capital campaign. The Bishop's Annual Appeal should also not be adversely affected. If a need is clearly articulated and people are asked to support this need, people will respond generously.
How will stewardship be incorporated into the campaign's objectives?
The capital campaign is based upon principles of stewardship. The campaign will ask parishioners to give their time, talent, and treasure in the spirit of increased financial gifts in the short-term, and increased commitment to stewardship in the long-term.
The Campaign Plan won't work here...this parish is unique.
Every parish is unique, but there are also many similarities that enable each and every parish to succeed when they follow the plan.
Why is each donor asked to complete a commitment card?
A donor is asked to complete a commitment card so that the gift may be appropriately recorded and acknowledged – and so that the Diocese can send payment reminders. Important information documented on a commitment card includes the total amount of the commitment, the amount of the initial payment, the commitment balance, and the payment plan selected by the donor. Donors are asked to sign pledge cards to indicate that they have agreed to the terms of the gift indicated on the card. A pledge card is not a legally binding document, and donors are not required to sign a pledge card.
Why is an initial payment of 10% of the total pledge encouraged?
God's Work ~ Our Challenge asks for an initial payment to begin a pledge. It helps the Diocese by increasing initial cash reserves that will be deposited in an interest-bearing account. Many donors prefer to begin their pledges immediately. Some may even give more than the suggested 10%. However, an initial payment of 10% is not required. A donor may elect to give less than 10%, or nothing at all.
To whom should the initial and subsequent payment checks be made out?
All payments should be made out to God's Work ~ Our Challenge.
How should subsequent payments be made?
A donor may choose to pay monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, annually or according to a special schedule of their choosing. Reminders will be sent by the Diocese according to the donor's chosen schedule.
How can a parishioner make a gift of stock to God's Work ~ Our Challenge?
A donor may give stock to the campaign if he/she has in their possession the actual stock certificates, or if a brokerage firm or financial institution holds the stock. Stock transfer instructions are available from your parish's Campaign Director or from the Campaign Office (919-754-0071).
To what extent are gifts tax deductible?
Gifts to God's Work ~ Our Challenge are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorney or accountant.
Oh, he/she can't give that much.
We really don't know the financial situation of our parishioners, so it is important that we do not make decisions for them. We simply ask parishioners to consider a specific gift as a starting point in making their decision.
We can't raise that kind of money here – this is a blue collar parish...old parish...young parish...fixed income parish...middle management parish...rural parish...urban parish...tithing parish.
Our experience has proven to us and other parishioners around the country, including here in the Diocese of Raleigh, that the plan works regardless of the demographic and socioeconomic situation of the parish.
Can I just leave the pledge card and have them fill it out themselves?
No, volunteers should help fellow parishioners fill out their pledge card together. This allows for a more personal response, and ensures accuracy.
If I don't give to this important project, will I be asked to leave my parish?
No.
Why don't we ask everyone for $1,000, and we'll have our goal?
God's Work ~ Our Challenge subscribes to the values of Christian Stewardship, which asks each family to consider gifts of equal sacrifice, not equal amounts.
What happens if a donor is unable to fulfill a commitment made to God's Work ~ Our Challenge ?
While we hope that all commitments are made with the intention of being fulfilled, a donor who becomes unable to fulfill a commitment to God's Work ~ Our Challenge, even temporarily, is encouraged to contact the Campaign Office to explore viable options.