The Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope Capital Campaign was initiated four years ago, but the work is far from over. While many parish projects have been completed — for example, new middle schools at both St. Timothy Parish in Chantilly and St. Louis Parish in Alexandria and the installation of stained-glass windows at Good Shepherd Parish in Alexandria and Christ the Redeemer Parish in Sterling — there are still many projects on the docket in various stages of planning. Most of these projects are new construction or renovation of churches, parish centers, church basements, rectories and a cemetery at St. Peter Parish in Washington, Va.
“I am grateful for the ongoing leadership of our pastors and the support of our parishioners,” said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. “The parish projects funded by this campaign are important to the growth and life of each parish.”
As of March 17, the Stewardship and Development Office reported that 62 percent of pledged money had been collected. More than $40 million in pledges are still to be paid over the next few years. Of the more than $110 million pledged, $22 million has been returned to the parishes so far for various projects from parking lot resurfacing to building new churches and retiring parish debts. Parish funds are delivered quarterly and Bob Mueller, director of development, said that more money will be disbursed to parishes in April based on the donations received.
“The fulfillment of outstanding pledges is essential to the completion of the remaining planned diocesan and parish projects,” said Mueller
According to a summary from the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, projects funded by Capital Campaign pledges include:
— Eleven parishes initiated plans or added to existing campaigns for new churches.
— Two parishes planned to develop a parish hall or center.
— Nine parishes planned to expand or upgrade school facilities.
— Seven parishes planned to use funds for tuition assistance, while other uses to support Catholic schools include funding teacher compensation and initial funding of a school endowment.
— Seven parishes planned to repave or expand parking lots.
— Six parishes planned improvements to the interior of the church such as lighting, pews and painting.
— Four parishes planned to use funds for stained-glass windows.
— Six parishes planned to use campaign gifts to further their charitable outreach to the needy.
— One parish planned to enhance its youth ministry program.
— One parish planned to use funds to support youth religious education.
— Six parishes planned to save funds for future facility needs.
— Five parishes planned to use funds to retire current construction loans.
“It’s an exciting time in our diocese as the projects we have been supporting are about to come out of the ground,” said Father Bob Cilinski, pastor of All Saints Parish in Manassas and chairman of the Pastors Committee for Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope. “After much planning and preparation, the challenge is now the rising construction cost. But with perseverance, hope, continued sacrifice and generosity, which have become hallmarks of our diocese, we can do it and it will happen.”
For more information on the Capital Campaign call the Development Office at 703/841-3826.