Frequently Asked Questions

Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope is an extraordinary campaign designed to ensure that the Church of Philadelphia can continue to meet the needs of the people of Philadelphia, through sponsored ministries that serve young people, families, elders, the infirm, and the disadvantaged as it has for more than 200 years.

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 continues to raise money for specific capital and endowment needs that fortify key programs within the Archdiocese. The Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope 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.

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.

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.

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.

Why do I need to pay on my pledge?

We need pledges to be fulfilled for the same reason we began this campaign. It is the goal of the Office for Stewardship and Development to find a solution to the immediate and long-term capital, endowment, and programmatic needs of the Church and our institutions, agencies, and parishes. Payment on pledges to 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.

Is my pledge legally binding?

No. A pledge to the campaign is a good-faith commitment. If for some reason your circumstances change, you can adjust your pledge payment schedule or balance accordingly.

How can I make a payment  by check?

Checks should be made payable to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope

Mail your payment to:

Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Office for Financial Services
C/O Beneficial Bank
P.O. Box 13426
Philadelphia, PA 19101

Can I make a payment using a credit card or through automatic withdrawal from my checking account?

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

Can I make a payment with stocks?

Yes, a gift of stock is convenient. Many donors have pledged to the campaign and payed on their pledge with gifts of appreciated securities. If you are considering a transfer of stock, please call the 215-587-3810 for specific instructions.

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 accountant or tax preparer.

Can my employer match my gift?

Your payment or gift to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope 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 be sure to request a matching gift form from them.

You may need the following information to complete your company’s matching gift form:

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

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:

Parish Priorities
$80,000000
Catholic Education
$50,000,000
Cathedral Basilica of SS. Peter and Paul
$25,000,000
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
$20,000,000
Clergy Retirement
$15,000,000
Catholic Human Services
$10,000,000
   
Total
$200,000,000

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.

Where can I get additional information or assistance?

A dedicated hotline, 215-587-3810, is available for calls related to Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope pledges and payments. Or if you prefer you can send an email to: faithandhope@adphila.org and someone will get back to you as soon as possible.