How were the parish targets determined?
Parish target calculations are based on an average of the last three years’ offertory plus the parish’s Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) goal for 2024.
How much will my parish receive as part of this campaign?
Once a parish meets its ACA goal, 50% of every dollar raised up to the parish’s target will stay at the parish for their own projects, as determined by parish leadership. For every dollar raised above the parish target, 75% will be returned to the parish.
Is our parish target an assessment?
No, the established parish targets are not an assessment. All parishes are asked to conduct a “Good Faith Effort” and work with their assigned Campaign Director to achieve their target to the best of their ability.
When will parishes begin to receive their share?
After the conclusion of their Block, disbursements back to the parishes will be made on a quarterly basis for the 4-year duration of the redemption phase of the campaign.
Is this campaign replacing the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The Diocesan Annual Catholic Appeal funds the day-to-day operations, ministries and programs of the Diocese of Springfield. Funds are collected and utilized on a yearly basis. The ACA goals for 2024 have been calculated into the overall parish targets for Beacon of Faith. This will allow parishes to concentrate solely on Beacon of Faith as the main fundraiser for that year. In 2025, the ACA will return to its normal schedule.
How will the campaign affect our parish offertory?
Offertory giving is encouraged to remain consistent during extraordinary campaigns. Parish leadership and Counsel will make sure to communicate to parishioners: (a) consider a greater sacrifice and commitment above and beyond their regular offertory giving and (b) not to lower their offertory giving to their parish to make a gift to this effort.
Are pledges legally binding?
Pledges are not legally binding. If the donor’s financial situation changes such that a pledge cannot be satisfied, simply communicate with the Diocesan Development Office and inform them of the changes so they can adjust or cancel the pledge.
Who will be managing the funds raised through the Beacon of Faith Campaign?
The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, Massachusetts, was founded in 1999 at the onset of the earlier Future of Hope Campaign. It is an independent charitable foundation responsible for raising, managing, and distributing funds to provide long-term, sustainable support for parishes, schools, and ministries across the diocese. In 2022, the foundation changed its name to the Western Massachusetts Catholic Foundation. Funds raised through Beacon of Faith will be managed by the foundation.
Will any of these funds be used for items other than the established case elements?
No. The Diocese is obligated by canonical and civil law to restrict these funds for the stated elements. The funds raised for the campaign will be used exclusively for the named case elements and expenses. No funds raised by the Beacon of Faith campaign will be utilized to settle any lawsuits or cases past, present or future. All funds for the campaign will be deposited with and administered by the Western Massachusetts Catholic Foundation. This means your generous gift will be protected and preserved for the work of the Gospel and will only be used for the purpose it was intended.
Is there a certain order for case element funding?
Once a parish meets its 2024 ACA goal, 50% of the funds collected up to its Beacon of Faith target will return to the parish. If a parish exceeds its Beacon of Faith target, it will then receive 75% of the excess funds collected. In terms of the other diocesan case needs, all will receive equal priority funding except for the Opportunity Scholars Fund, which is strictly a donor-designated fund.
How will my parish benefit from this campaign?
The intention for every case element of Beacon of Faith is to benefit all in our Diocese.
Who handles the redemption of the pledges?
The Diocese of Springfield will be responsible for the redemption of the pledges. The Development Office will track pledges and gifts and handle the mailing of payment reminders over the 4-year pledge period.
Can I designate my gift to a specific case item?
Yes. Our hope is a donor would support the campaign as a whole, but if a donor wishes to specify a portion or all of their gift, he/she must clearly specify on the pledge card how the gift should be designated.
How much should I give to the campaign?
Parishioners are asked to prayerfully consider a specific gift plan in accordance with their own means, circumstances and sacrificial levels. Pledges are payable in monthly, quarterly, or annual installments over a 4-year period.
Why are pledges encouraged instead of one-time donations?
Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to make a more significant gift to the mission of the Church. A contribution is easier to pay off over a period of time rather than a one-time gift out of pocket. (Much like purchasing a vehicle). In addition, pledges allow the Diocese of Springfield and your local parish to better budget and plan for meeting the needs that will be addressed as a result of this campaign.
Are IRA rollover gifts an option for giving to this campaign?
If you are 70½ or older, the IRA rollover is a great way for you to make a gift to support the Beacon of Faith Campaign. IRA rollover gifts can make a huge difference. These gifts will help sustain us in our important work to strengthen our community. For more information on making an IRA Rollover gift to the campaign, contact Jon Van Beaver at (413) 478-4687. IRA rollover is now permanent, and its key provisions are: