frequently asked questions - FAQs

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What is the Catholic Strong Campaign?
Catholic Strong, the Campaign for the Catholic Community of South Jersey, is an effort to raise a minimum of $50 million in gifts and pledges. Seventy percent (70%) of all dollars collected up to the parish’s goal will be used to support the needs defined by each parish. Every parish in the Diocese has been assigned a financial target to reach in order to meet both the needs of the parish and specific needs of the Diocese, which will be funded with the remaining 30% raised. The needs being addressed through the campaign of both the Diocese and the parish are extraordinary needs beyond those supported on an annual basis by parish offertory or the House of Charity.

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What is the timeframe of the campaign?
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The campaign began with eight pilot parishes that launched their efforts in August of 2017. The remaining parishes will conduct their campaigns in one of two six-month blocks beginning in January 2018.

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Why do we need a major fundraising campaign?
 At the time of the mergers and consolidations of parishes in the Diocese, it was believed that the majority of our parishes, because of efficiencies of right-sizing and the sale of property, would become operationally stable and prepared to meet ongoing physical plant and maintenance needs. Unfortunately, as a result of the “great recession” of 2008, many parishes
 
in the Diocese of Camden have been struggling financially. Most are able to meet their day-to-day operational expenses, but few are ready to deal with major physical plant needs. Understanding the challenges that our parishes face, 70% of all funds collected up to the parish goal will go directly to the parish to meet their own unique needs.
 
Thirty percent (30%) of the funds raised up to the parish’s goal will be directed to meet specific needs of the Diocese of Camden that cannot be met by the House of Charity. The Diocese operates with funds provided by the House of Charity – Bishop’s Annual Appeal, the assessment revenue provided by parishes, and the income from sources such as investments, rental income and service fees. These operational funds come in and go out every year from the
 
House of Charity to meet the day-to-day operations. There is no surplus.

Since his arrival in the Diocese of Camden, Bishop Sullivan, as part of his strategic plan, has identified a variety of needs to be addressed at the diocesan level. These include increasing the effectiveness of our faith formation and evangelization ministries by matching them to those provided in our individual parishes, coordination of the delivery of social service and social justice services to better serve our parishes, and providing resources identified as essential by the Catholic Schools Commission for building up our Catholic schools. These are needs that go beyond the ability of the House of Charity.

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​Who will be asked to support the CatholicStrong Campaign?
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 Each parish family in the Diocese of Camden will be asked to consider making a gift to the campaign. This campaign is conducted in a phased approach so that each member is reached in the appropriate time and manner. While not all members will be able to give at the same level, each will be asked to make a sacrificial commitment.

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​Who is conducting the campaign?
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 Along with your pastor and assigned parish campaign director, a core group of parish volunteers will be asked to lead and assist in the implementation of the campaign plan. Every parish will receive assistance from the diocesan campaign office staff. Full-time campaign directors will assist parishes weekly.

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​Will the House of Charity continue?
 Yes. The House of Charity is vital to continue funding the day-to-day work of the ministries of the Diocese.  

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How is this campaign different from the House of Charity?
 This campaign is a response to extraordinary needs, while the House of Charity helps to fund the ongoing operating expenses of the Diocese.

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How will the campaign affect parish offertory collection?
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 Parishes rely on their offertories. Throughout the campaign, pastors will ask parishioners to make commitments above and beyond regular giving. Parishioners are asked not to diminish giving to the offertory or the House of Charity collection, but rather to consider an increased commitment to the Church. Parishioners are encouraged to continue to embrace stewardship as a way of life.

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​How are the campaign expenses currently being paid?
 The costs of the campaign are being paid from the diocesan share of the funds collected.

How will parish targets be set?
 Each parish target will be set at 1.35 times the average ordinary income from the years 2014-2016.

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Are donors able to pay pledges using a credit card, debit card, or through automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account?
 Yes. A donor may fulfill a pledge using a credit card, debit card, or automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. Donors simply provide their account information and their authorization on their personalized pledge card.

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Why are donors asked to complete a pledge card?
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 Pledge cards aid in appropriately recording and acknowledging commitments, and in providing donors with a reminder of subsequent payments according to the schedule they request. Donors are asked to sign the pledge card, indicating that they have authorized the terms of the gift indicated on the card. A pledge card is not a legally bindingdocument.

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​How will my parish benefit from the campaign?
 Each parish will receive 70% of the funds collected up to its goal from parishioners to be allocated to its own local case. Parishes that exceed their target will receive 80% of those funds collected above their target. Funds collected will be dispersed every six months to both a parish’s deposit and loan fund and diocesan case components.

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​How much should we give?
Genuine stewardship encourages gifts of equal sacrifice, but not gifts of an equal dollar amount. Ultimately, your thoughtful and prayerful decision will be most appropriate and most appreciated.

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​How long will the pledge redemption period last?
​Gifts are encouraged to be pledged over a three- to five-year period.

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​Are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?
​Yes. Pledge payments are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

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​Are donors able to pay pledges using a credit card, debit card, or through automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account?
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 Yes. A donor may fulfill a pledge using a credit card, debit card, or automatic withdrawal from a checking or savings account. Donors simply provide their account information and their authorization on their personalized pledge card.

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Why are donors asked to complete a pledge card?

​Pledge cards aid in appropriately recording and acknowledging commitments, and in providing donors with a reminder of subsequent payments according to the schedule they request. Donors are asked to sign the pledge card, indicating that they have authorized the terms of the gift indicated on the card. A pledge card is not a legally bindingdocument.
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​Can donors make gifts of stock or other non-cash gifts?
 
The campaign accepts gifts of stock and other non-liquid assets, including real estate. Donors wishing to make a gift of stock should follow the stock transfer instructions included in each solicitation packet. Donors wishing to make non-cash gifts should speak with their pastor/pastoral administrator or contact the Diocese of Camden regarding our gift acceptance policy.
 
Donors who are considering a gift from a donor advised fund, or those considering an estate gift, should contact Jim Lanahan, Director of Development at the Diocese of Camden, by calling 856.583.6125.

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​Who should donors make checks payable to?
 All contributions should be made payable to Catholic Strong.