Capital Campaign Surpasses $45 Million Mark

By Michael F. Flach
HERALD Staff Writer
(From the issue of 10/17/02)

The Diocesan Capital Campaign "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope" has surpassed 50 percent of its $75 million goal by crossing the $45 million mark as it moves into the second phase for Bloc I parishes.

This early success comes with the participation of only 38 diocesan parishes and missions. The campaign began in the fall of 2001 and will continue until June 2003.

Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s personal efforts are meeting with the same extraordinary generosity as the parishes. To date, the bishop has received pledges exceeding $21 million, including several gifts of $1 million or more.

St. Elizabeth Parish in Colonial Beach, Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville and St. Anthony Mission in King George have already surpassed their goals to lead the Bloc I parishes. St. Elizabeth has pledges of $141,000 (or 123 percent of its goal), while Holy Trinity has more than $2 million pledged (101 percent of its goal).

Other parishes experiencing early success include: St. Mary in Alexandria ($1.75 million), St. Joseph in Herndon ($1.4 million), St. Luke in McLean ($816,000), All Saints in Manassas ($1.2 million) and Queen of Apostles in Alexandria ($666,900).

Father Richard Ley, pastor of St. Ambrose Parish in Annandale, recently reported to campaign officials that he had secured his second $100,000 gift. This pushed St. Ambrose to more than 49 percent of its goal from only 14 gifts.

"I have been energized by the generous response of so many of our parishioners for their church," said Father Robert Cilinski, pastor of All Saints Parish. "I have had the opportunity to meet with so many families and to know them on a personnel level."

All Saints Parish claims the distinction of being the largest parish in Virginia with 5,000 registered households. Nine weekend liturgies are offered to avoid overcrowding, including two Spanish Masses. The parish plans on building a new church when it reaches its $5 million goal.

Norman Desmarais, general chairperson for the campaign at All Saints Parish, said he was thrilled to be asked by Father Cilinski to donate financially and become a volunteer.

"People are very excited to get involved in this project," he said.

Robert Mueller, diocesan director of stewardship and development, credited the campaign’s early success with the generosity of the parishioners who have responded to date. "Their commitment to support the pastoral needs of this campaign is a great sign of their desire to strengthen our Church," he said.

"Additionally, the work of the clergy and hundreds of volunteers has been the foundation that the campaign is built on in each parish," Mueller said.

In addition to meeting the immediate needs at the parish level, the campaign will help fund four major diocesan projects: two new Catholic high schools, a retirement home for priests, a spirituality center and a family shelter for Catholic Charities.

The Bloc I Phase is scheduled to continue until December of this year. Block II parishes will conduct their efforts from March-June 2003.

Contact your local parish to find out how you can help in this effort or call the campaign office at 703-841-2545. 

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