By Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, diocesan vicar for development
On behalf of the people, parishes and programs that will benefit from Generations of Faith, I express my sincere gratitude and offer special Easter blessings to all.
From the inception of the pilot phase, we have witnessed inspirational stories about our pastors who lead us, volunteers who inspire us, generous donors, senior priests who have worked alongside us on this effort, and determined parish communities that have united.
The overwhelming response to the campaign’s invitation has demonstrated that we, as a community, are alive in our faith. Generations of Faith has enhanced our Church and our parishes in Brooklyn and Queens. With a grateful heart, I thank the many Catholic communities who have turned our simple slogan “Generations of Faith” into a passionate embrace of the future of the Church in Brooklyn and Queens.
Enjoy this special Easter update with exciting highlights from some of our Block 2 parishes in recent weeks.
Father Bob Whelan and his volunteer team at Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament, Bayside, wrapped up the campaign recently, raising $390,000 during their Commitment Weekend alone. The team was extremely excited to raise more than $1.6 million dollars, exceeding their diocesan goal of $925,000 and their parish challenge goal of $1.4 million. The team looks forward to using the funds to create a parking lot, and install a new roof on the church. Congratulations, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament!
Father Andrew Kim, pastor at St. Paul Chong Ha-Sang, Flushing, and his team have exceeded their $1.6 million goal this week, raising more than $2,400,000. More than 700 parish families at the parish have participated in the campaign with a pledge!
Blessed Sacrament Church, Cypress Hills, has met its goal of $470,000! Father Frank Shannon and his campaign committee organized information meetings after each Mass when 116 parishioners attended in one weekend!
Father Jose Herrera, pastor at St. Fortunata and St. Sylvester in New Lots, is overwhelmed by the incredible support of parishioners after the Commitment Weekend during the month of March.
With the help of a dedicated volunteer team and the support of associate pastor Father Kieran Udeze from St. Fortunata raised $248,620 over the weekend! The parish has now raised more than $530,000 which represents 278 percent of its parish goal. St. Sylvester has raised $496,315 in total, or 268 percent of the parish goal!
Following the final phase of its campaign, St. Benedict-St. Bonaventure in Jamaica has exceeded its campaign target, securing more than $475,000 in pledges on a goal of $250,000. The campaign team of lay leaders has assisted Father Gordon Kusi with receptions and outreach over the last weeks.
Auxiliary Bishop Witold Mroziewski, pastor at Holy Cross, Maspeth, exceeded his campaign goal of $665,000 with a tremendously successful Commitment Weekend. With new pledges from more than 175 families, the parish raised more than $375,000 during Commitment Weekend, bringing the parish total to more than $840,000.