Faith for the Future - Campaign FAQ's
The following questions and answers will help you learn more about the Seminary's Faith for the Future campaign. Is there something you don't see an answer for? Please scroll to the 'More Questions' section for detailed contact information.
Sections:
General Questions
What is Faith for the Future?
Faith for the Future is a campaign that aims to meet the specific needs of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary totaling $50 million.
What are the needs of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary?
The seminary building is nearly 80 years old. Very few improvements have been done to the original structure and specific physical needs of this facility must be addressed. The physical and financial needs being supported though Faith for the Future include:
- The electrical, heating and plumbing systems must be upgraded or replaced;
- Office space will be created for faculty to prepare lessons and meet individually with seminarians;
- Seventeen additional dorm rooms have been added to accommodate for the increase in seminarians;
- A new library and resource center will be constructed to serve the students, as well as preserve many of the historical books of the Archdiocese and Catholic Church in North America; and
- The endowment will be increased to help fund the annual operating costs of Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
How is Faith for the Future different than the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The Annual Catholic Appeal was established to support the parishes, schools and ministries of the Archdiocese of St. Louis each year. Faith for the Future has been designed to meet very specific current and future challenges of our seminary that cannot be met through traditional sources of funding.
What portion of the Annual Catholic Appeal is used to support Kenrick-Glennon Seminary?
To assist with the operating costs of Kenrick-Glennon, the Annual Catholic Appeal provided approximately $1.1 million during FY 2009.
Who will be asked to support this campaign?
Every Catholic household in the Archdiocese of St. Louis will be asked to consider making a gift to the campaign.
Will every parish participate in the campaign?
Every parish in the Archdiocese will participate in the fundraising campaign. This will provide every family the opportunity to support the campaign according to the plan.
How will Faith for the Future affect the parish offertory?
In the short term, offertory giving is expected to remain constant. Campaign visitors will ask parishioners to make extraordinary pledges above and beyond regular giving. Parishioners are not asked to diminish giving to their parishes, but rather to consider an extraordinary commitment to the seminary. In the long term, similar campaigns in other Archdioceses have actually caused increases in parish offertory by raising the sights of parishioners and strengthening their vision of the Church.
Why emphasize personal visits?
Home visits allow for a thorough presentation of the campaign and gives potential donors the opportunity to ask questions.
How were parish goals determined?
Parish goals have been calculated using a common formula of four times the parish’s Annual Catholic Appeal formula goal. These goals are considered objectives, not assessments.
Will major gifts solicited by Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Burke be credited to the parishes?
Leadership Gifts solicited by Archbishop Emeritus Raymond Burke will be credited to individual parishes at the conclusion of the campaign.
Giving to the Campaign
Why emphasize pledges?
Pledges allow donors to consider giving more than is possible through “one-time” gifts. This is important given the magnitude of Faith for the Future.
Once someone makes a pledge to the campaign, how will the pledge be fulfilled?
Donors will fulfill pledges directly to the Archdiocese based on the terms the donor indicates on the pledge card. They will receive pledge payment reminders through the mail based on the terms selected.
Why ask parishioners for different amounts? Wouldn’t dividing the parish goal by the number of households be easier and fairer?
It would certainly be easier. However, it would definitely not be fairer and would ensure that the parish does not reach its goal. We all give to our parishes in varying degrees. For whatever reasons, some give little or nothing. While all parishioners should be given an opportunity to participate, those with little giving history are least likely to give to a campaign like this. Therefore, asking for equal amounts from everyone would put a parish goal in jeopardy. However, if we ask for different amounts based on past generosity and commitment to the Church, we challenge all to give as they are able, according to their blessings.
Are pledges and one-time cash gifts the only kinds of gifts accepted by the campaign?
Cash and stock type gifts are primarily sought; however, gifts of property or life-income gifts may also be accepted.
How can a parishioner make a gift of stock?
If a donor wishes to make a gift of stock, the donor should be asked to contact the Finance Department – Securities at 314.792.7123. A representative will provide the proper instructions and documents necessary to liquidate the stock.
Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to Faith for the Future?
“Planned giving” is usually quite a detailed process. Offers of life-income, trust or estate-type gifts will be considered on an individual basis. Because the needs of the campaign can benefit best from immediate funding, gifts of cash, securities or other easily liquidated property are generally sought. If a donor offers a planned gift, he or she should be thanked and referred to the Office of Stewardship and Development of the Archdiocese to discuss options available in making such a gift. Campaign visitors are not trained to discuss the details of planned gifts.
What if my financial situation changes and I am not able to fulfill my pledge?
While pledges are not legally binding, the hope is that all commitments are made with the intention of being fulfilled. A donor who cannot fulfill a commitment to Faith for the Future, even temporarily, is encouraged to contact the Office of Stewardship and Development.
What if parishioners move to another parish?
If parishioners move to another parish, they are asked to provide the Office of Stewardship and Development with a new address so that they may continue to receive pledge payment reminders and other campaign related material. A commitment made to the campaign will be credited to the parish that received the initial pledge.
Why is an initial payment of 10% of a total pledge requested and is it required?
Faith for the Future asks for an initial payment to begin a pledge. It helps the seminary by increasing initial cash reserves. Many donors actually prefer to begin paying their pledges immediately or even to give more than the requested 10%. However, an initial payment of 10% is not required. A donor may elect to give less initially or nothing at all.
To whom should initial payment checks be made payable to?
Checks should be made payable to Faith for the Future.
Why is a donor asked to complete a pledge card?
A donor is asked to complete a pledge card so that the gift may be recorded appropriately and acknowledged by the Archdiocese. The most important information the Campaign Office requests is the total amount of the pledge, the amount of the initial payment (if any), the pledge balance and the payment plan selected by the donor.
Why are donors asked to sign pledge cards?
Donors are asked to sign pledge cards to indicate that they have agreed to the terms of the gift. Pledges to Faith for the Future are not legally binding.
More Questions?
If we have not answered your questions in this guide, please contact the Campaign Office.
- Faith for the Future
Archdiocese of St. Louis
20 Archbishop May Drive
St. Louis, MO 63119 - Campaign Office Phone: 314.792.7656
- Fax: 314.792.7229
- Email: faithforthefuture@archstl.org
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