One Faith,

 One Family ...

 Our Future Together

As the Diocese of Worcester undertakes a capital campaign to raise $32 Million  for needed projects and evangelization in the diocese, Saint Mary's has been given special permission to yoke a capital effort for the renovation of our parish church to this fundraiser.  Guidance in Giving, the firm hired by the Diocese of Worcester, has assigned Tom Dolce and Jose Felix as our parish associates to lead us through this effort.  On site during the week, they have helped us create informational materials and provide receptions to share the information and design changes for our church with all of our parishioners.

Over 300 volunteers signed up to help on the weekend of April 4th and 5th with mailing, phone calls, speaking and hosting for the receptions.  Invitations were mailed to all registered households. 
With 15 receptions held between May 7th and 21st, over 200 families attended.  Information was provided in each of the languages of our parish and there was a strong sense of support to the vision and particulars that were presented for the upcoming renovation and the need for the campaign.  The week of May 22nd, over 1500 packets of information was mailed to each parish family containing a 20-page brochure, a list of potential memorial gifts, a prayer card, a self-addressed pledge envelope.  Parishioners are asked to prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to this campaign for the future of our parish.  As was said at each reception, "Not everyone can make the same size gift, but everyone can  make the same sacrifice."  Additional packets are available in the back of the church this weekend and next, as well as in the parish office for those who might not have received them by mail.  
Parishioners have been contacted by telephone or email this past week to remind them of our Commitment Weekend, June 8th and 9th. 
The response on Commitment Weekend was enthusiastic and very encouraging.  More than 150 new families pledged over the weekend and our campaign passed the mark of one million dollars!  Pledges continue to arrive at the office and by mail, or on line through e-giving.  It is not too late to make a pledge, there are still over 80 families who attended receptions who have not yet pledged.  We know that some are still working on their finances to see what they can afford.  There is still time and your pledge is needed.  We are still hoping for 100% response from our parish.  Volunteers are now following up with phone calls and seeing if parishioners would receive a personal visit to answer their questions.

[email protected]

More information will become available here as the campaign progresses, so please check back here during the campaign for current information.
As August approaches, we are still less than two percent shy of our initial goal in dollars and about three dozen families short of having 400 families participate, representing 15% of our parish census.  If you have not yet made a pledge or a gift, please consider doing so in the next couple of weeks so that we can conclude this phase of our effort.  In August, our committee will meet to consider the next steps of planning the renovation and eliminating those aspects for which we did not receive the necessary funds.

Thank you to all who contributed to make this campaign a success!