Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope?

Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope is an extraordinary endeavor designed to fortify the Church of Philadelphia. For 200 years, the Archdiocese has served the needs of the people of Philadelphia, through sponsored ministries that serve young people, families, elders, the infirm, and the disadvantaged. As the Church moves toward its third century of service to the community, the Archdiocese is dedicated to maintaining and advancing parish communities and ensuring the continued availability of Catholic schools and religious education, social services and human welfare programs to those in need. It is also committed to restoring the Mother Church, the Cathedral Basilica, providing resources to teach those called to the priesthood and facilities needs at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, and caring for elderly and infirm priests who have served God’s people throughout their lives.

The Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign will ensure that the Church will continue to have a strong foundation to support these priorities well into the future. Funds raised through this campaign will provide financial support to parishes; ensure access to a high-quality Catholic education; restore the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; invest in priestly formation and campus infrastructure at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; care for retired clergy; and minister to the needy in our region by providing vital human services.

2. What is the campaign goal? What does the money go towards?

The minimum financial goal for Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope is $200,000,000. Monies collected from the campaign will be allocated to one of six areas: Parish Priorities, Catholic Education, Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul, Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary, Clergy Retirement, and Catholic Human Services. Each of these areas is explained in the campaign case statement in greater detail. The fund allocation breakdown for these six areas is as follows:

Parishes and schools are at the center of our priorities. The largest source of funding – $80,000,000 (40% of the funds raised) – will go directly to parishes. Additional funds will provide tuition assistance for elementary-school and special education students, and assist with the construction of two new high schools. We must also address the needs of our historic buildings, particularly the Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul and St. Charles Borromeo Seminary. It is also vitally important that we continue to respond to the needs of our people, including seminarians, retired clergy, and the poor and needy of all faith traditions.

3. Who will benefit from Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope?

Every parish in the Archdiocese will benefit from Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope. At least one-third (35%) of all funds raised in a particular parish will be returned to that parish to address pressing local needs. The entire Catholic community in Philadelphia and Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties will benefit as well, as charitable funds will support Catholic education, formation for lay and clergy ministry, health care services, and social services.

Parishes may use their Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope funds to address capital projects, retire or reduce debt, create a parish or school endowment, or other special projects identified by that parish.

In July 2009, parishes that completed their local efforts began receiving quarterly statements, indicating how much money has been collected on pledges to that parish, and how much is available to each parish for their local priorities. The parish can choose to spend the funds immediately, or have the money held in an interest-bearing account until the parish is ready to utilize it. Already, parish projects are underway throughout the Archdiocese, as the money collected through Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope is being disbursed.

4. Didn’t the Archdiocese recently conduct a major fund-raising drive?

More than 15 years ago, in 1992, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia completed a successful capital and endowment campaign, Catholic Life 2000, receiving $103,000,000 in gifts and pledges on a goal of $100,000,000. The endowments established through that campaign have continued to serve the needs of the faithful of the Archdiocese in many ways.

Although the Archdiocese is excited about its past success and its progress to date, there is still much work to be done. Many worthwhile projects have been discussed, particularly at the parish level, and some have yet to come to fruition. For 200 years, the Church has responded to the needs of its people and bequeathed its parishioners with a vibrant heritage of faith, an unwavering spirit of hope, and a rich tradition of generosity. Now, the Archdiocese looks to build on this foundation of faith for future generations, through supporting the vision of the Philadelphia-area Catholic Church in its third century of service to its people.

5. How is the campaign going?

Catholics in Philadelphia are extremely generous and the fundraising plan is working. By the end of January 2010, pledges and gifts to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope exceeded $130 million. Ninety-nine parishes had completed the program, 68 parishes were active, and another 100 will launch local fundraising efforts during 2010.

6. The economy is so tough right now. Is this the best time to conduct this campaign?

Even when things aren’t going well financially, people continue to give to help those most in need, for they are the ones who feel economic strains most strongly. When the economy is weakened, the need becomes even greater. Funds raised through the Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign will enable the Church to not only continue, but expand its support of Philadelphia’s most vulnerable residents. We hope that we can count on your generosity.

7. Who will be asked to participate in the campaign?

Every Catholic household in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be asked for their prayerful consideration of a gift to the campaign. Additionally, select corporations and businesses may be approached throughout the initiative.

8. How are parishes asked to participate?

Every parish will participate in the campaign. Parishes will conduct their campaign between September 2008 and June 2010. This timetable provides flexibility and should accommodate all parish situations. Each parish’s participation will be based on five principles: (1) prayer, (2) personal visitation, (3) proportionate giving, (4) phased approach, and (5) pledged commitments.

With the assistance of Parish Campaign Directors and the Campaign Office staff, each of the 269 parishes within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will run a parish-based campaign to support this historic endeavor. All parishes—and all parishioners—will benefit from Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope in several ways—through the direct parish share, by participating in Archdiocesan programs and ministries, and in serving our Church.

9. Why do we need this campaign?

We need this campaign to answer the immediate and long-term capital, endowment, and programmatic needs of the Church and our institutions, agencies, and parishes. Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope will enable us to enter the Church’s third century of service with a strong financial endowment and thereby answer the challenges that the Church faces.

10. What is an endowment?

An endowment is a fund or funds established through donors’ gifts to be retained by the Archdiocese and invested. Investment earnings are used for a clearly stated purpose, with a portion of the interest income reinvested, allowing the endowment to grow. In the Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign, endowment funds will support a number of activities, including, for example, an endowment fund for elementary school tuition assistance. Additional endowments are outlined in the campaign case statement.

11. Will campaign funds be separate from other Archdiocesan accounts?

Yes. The funds provided to the campaign will remain separate and distinct from current Archdiocesan funds. Campaign funds will be deposited into the “Campaign Fund” part of a separate 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Funds given to the campaign will be used only for the six purposes outlined in the campaign case statement.

12. Will any of the money raised from the campaign fund pending or future lawsuits?

No. All funds raised through Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope will be used entirely in support of the six priorities outlined in the case statement and, when appropriate, in accordance with the wishes of the donor.

13. How did the Archdiocese decide on the total goal of $200 million, and how were the fund priorities chosen?

The Church of Philadelphia recently celebrated its 200th year of service to its people. Recognizing the great opportunity that our Bicentennial as a diocese provided, Cardinal Justin Rigali invited a group of priests and lay leaders to identify the most pressing challenges—and most promising opportunities—facing our Archdiocese. After a period of extensive inquiry, which included in-depth discussions with more than 300 priests, laity and Archdiocesan leaders, the Church identified six strategic objectives that are vital to ensuring that the Archdiocese can continue to do God’s work and effectively minister to His people in the 21st century. These six strategic objectives became the six funding priorities in the Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign.

The overall costs of meeting these immediate and long-range pastoral, educational, spiritual, charitable and financial needs of our Church are in excess of $400,000,000. It was clear to our pastoral and lay leadership that an injection of financial resources will be necessary to meet our challenges, and philanthropy will be a crucial factor in addressing these extraordinary needs. Achieving our goal of $200,000,000 over the next three to five years will provide a solid basis for meeting urgent needs, for investing in the long-term development of critical ministries and vital facilities, and for providing much-needed endowment security.

14. Why is the Archdiocese building new high schools in the suburbs, when they announced they are closing two in the city?

Providing an accessible Catholic education throughout the five-county area is a priority of the Archdiocese. As it has many times in the past 200 years, the Catholic population in the Archdiocese is shifting. After extensive review of population projections, the Archdiocese has committed to building two new high schools in the growing communities of Royersford and Hilltown. Pope John Paul II High School, in Royersford, is scheduled to open in September 2010, and will serve the existing communities of Kennedy-Kenrick and St. Pius X High Schools. The Archdiocese also is committed to the construction of Lansdale Catholic Regional High School, in Hilltown.

The decision to close two high schools in the city was shaped by a comprehensive study that look at four things: current and projected enrollment, future ability to provide a quality academic program, utilization and building capacity, and the financial stability of the individual high schools. The two schools that are closing saw a significant decline in enrollment over the past several years, with projected continuing decreases, making it impossible for the schools to offer diversity in programming and have the financial stability to continue operating.

15. How is the campaign different from the Catholic Charities Appeal?

The Catholic Charities Appeal provides necessary annual operating support for agencies, pastoral ministries, and education programs throughout the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

The Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign will raise money for specific capital and endowment needs that will fortify key programs within the Archdiocese. This campaign will enable the Church of Philadelphia to provide additional financial support to parishes; to ensure access to a high-quality Catholic education; to restore the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul; to invest in faith formation and campus infrastructure at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary; to care for retired clergy; and to minister to the needy in our region by providing vital human services.

Please note that the Archdiocese will continue to depend on funds raised for current operations through the Catholic Charities Appeal and other means. Donors will be asked to maintain current annual gift levels in addition to campaign investments.

16. How will Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope impact weekly offertory at our Parish?

In the short term, offertory giving is expected to remain constant. Through the sacrificial Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign, parishioners are encouraged to make extraordinary pledges above and beyond regular giving. Parishioners are not asked to diminish giving to their parishes, rather to consider a greater commitment to the Church. Similar campaigns in other dioceses have actually caused increases in parish offertory. This can be attributed to donors strengthening their vision of “Church” and therefore embracing stewardship as a way of life.

17. Why is my participation important?

The Archdiocese has always counted on the broad-based support of its parishioners to accomplish its fundraising objectives, particularly for the Catholic Charities Appeal, and the challenge for this campaign is no different. The Archdiocese is asking every family to consider a gift to the campaign (over and above their continued annual support of the Catholic Charities Appeal) as a major commitment of their charitable resources over a three-to five-year period. Your gift will make a significant difference.

18. How much should I consider giving?

Your gift should be determined after prayer for God’s guidance, one of which you can be proud, and one that you know will help the people of the Church of Philadelphia. While we do not know about your family’s financial situation, we encourage you to consider a pledge to this campaign that best complements your propensity for sacrificial giving.

Gifts to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope ought to be equal in sacrifice, not necessarily equal in dollar amount, and it is our hope that your giving reflects this measure. We recognize that your financial situation is unique, and, ultimately, your prayerful decision will be most appropriate. This campaign is monumental in our church’s history, and we hope your commitment will mirror that. Remember, gifts can be pledged over a three-to-five year period.

19. Why are pledges emphasized? Why encourage pledging Instead of a one-time gift?

Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope encourages pledged gifts because it allows individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger commitments than they may ordinarily be able to consider. From similar campaigns, we have learned that donors who pledge are able to consider sacrificial gifts as much as four or five times larger than those who make one-time gifts. This is important for a fund-raising effort of the magnitude of Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope.

20. Why is an initial payment of 10% of the total pledge requested? Is it required?

The Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign encourages an initial payment upon receipt of a pledge. An initial payment helps the campaign by increasing its primary cash reserves, which will be deposited in an interest bearing account. Many donors actually prefer to begin their pledges immediately. Some may even give more than the 10% requested. However, an initial payment of 10% is not required. A donor may elect to give less or nothing at all to begin a pledge.

21. Why do I need to complete a pledge card?

Each donor is asked to complete a pledge card or a commitment card so that the commitment is appropriately recorded and acknowledged, and so that donors are reminded of subsequent payments on the schedule they request. The numbers that appear on each pledge card aid in ensuring that all gifts are recorded and credited appropriately. Donors are asked to sign pledge cards to indicate that they agree to the terms of the gift indicated on the card.

22. Is my pledge legally binding?

No. A pledge is a good-faith commitment made under a particular set of circumstances. If those circumstances change, donors can adjust their pledge payment schedule or balance accordingly.

23. To whom should an initial payment check be made out, and where should I send it?

Payments may be made payable to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope, and should be mailed to:

Office of Accounting Services
Archdiocese of Philadelphia
222 North 17th Street, 11th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19103

24. How should subsequent payments be made?

A donor may choose to pay monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually. Payment reminders will be sent by the Archdiocese according to the donor’s chosen schedule. The Archdiocese of Philadelphia offers donors a variety of options by which to make a pledge payment. Payments should not be made directly to the parish.

25. Am I able to pay my pledge using a credit card or through automatic withdrawal from my checking account?

Yes. A donor may fulfill a pledge using a credit card or through electronic funds transfer from a checking account.

26. Can a donor make a stock gift?

Yes, stock is a convenient way of giving. Many donors pledge to the annual campaign with gifts of appreciated securities, thereby enjoying additional tax savings. If a donor is considering a transfer of stock, they should call the campaign office at 610-896-7312 for specific instructions.

27. To what extent are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, gifts to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope are tax deductible to the extent allowed by the law. An acknowledgement of your gift will be provided to you for income tax purposes. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax deductibility are encouraged to contact their attorney, accountant, or tax preparer.

28. I heard (Name) made a ($ amount) gift to the campaign. Is that true?

To date, the generosity to the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been very humbling. At this time, the Archdiocese does not have specific information to share. During the early “quiet” phase of this campaign, any information regarding donations is kept confidential. There are many reasons for this:

• Solicitation timing/strategies can be adversely affected
• Donors may request a particular time/fashion for announcement of their gift
• Preparation for campaign leadership and donors must be given prior to announcements
• Special promotional materials to be used during campaign announcements will be produced from and include early successes to the campaign

It is important to note, however, that donors will be recognized at the appropriate time.

29. How much will it cost the Archdiocese to conduct Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope?

Fundraising is a process that has many components, and investments must be made in order to complete the process.   As part of the careful study and strategic planning that went into Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope, the Archdiocese developed a budget that encompasses the many facets of bringing the campaign to fruition.  The budget includes fundraising counsel, professional services, the design, production and distribution of campaign materials, educational brochures and videos, travel to and from parishes in the five county area, mailings and postage, and other administrative expenses.

This careful planning is a wise investment.  The American Institute on Philanthropy considers it reasonable to cost 35 cents or less to raise $1.00.   The estimated costs of Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope are far less – our forecast is that it will cost less than 5 cents for every dollar raised.

One of the reasons this strategy works is because the campaign is largely driven by the clergy and the lay faithful.  Outreach is done on the grass-roots level by parishioners who partner with their pastors to make personal appeals for sacrificial support.

30. Where can I find the information about a matching gift by my employer?

Your contribution to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope through your parish may be doubled or tripled, if your company has a matching gift program. Check with your employer to see if they will match a charitable contribution, and request a matching gift form from them. Complete the pledge card and matching gift form and send it, along with your gift, to your parish rectory. Your parish will receive credit for both your gift and your employer’s match. You may need the following information to complete the form:

“Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope” (charity name)
EIN (tax identification) number: 27-0418606
c/o Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Attn: Deacon John Hunter
Office of Development
222 N.17th Street,
Philadelphia, PA  19103

31. Where can I get additional information or assistance?

You may call 610-896-7312 or send an email to: faithandhope@adphila.org