Diocesan News

Generations Campaign Takes No Vacation During Summer Months

August 20, 2015

By Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development

Parishioners at St. Ann Church of Mary’s Nativity-St. Ann parish, Flushing, watch the Generations of Faith campaign video at an after-Mass reception.
Parishioners at St. Ann Church of Mary’s Nativity-St. Ann parish, Flushing, watch the Generations of Faith campaign video at an after-Mass reception.

In spite of the warm weather and summer time schedules, Generations of Faith activity across the diocese continues at many parishes.

Block 1 pastors and campaign leadership teams have remained dedicated to their work on the campaign, reaching out to parishioners through one-on-one meetings and group receptions after Masses. With close to eight weeks still remaining in their campaigns, I am pleased to share that our Block 1 parishes have raised just over $9 million from 1,900 gifts since the July 4 holiday!

At Our Lady of the Snows in North Floral Park, Father Kevin McBrien, pastor, and a dedicated team of campaign leaders hosted over 50 families for a post-Mass luncheon, which included a presentation on Generations of Faith. Parishioners were able to ask questions and receive their personalized pledge materials. The parish has reached out to many groups within the parish and will launch the final phase of the campaign in the coming weeks.

Campaign workers at St. Anselm’s Church, Bay Ridge, are shown providing parishioners with pledge materials.
Generations of Faith campaign workers at St. Anselm’s Church, Bay Ridge, are shown providing parishioners with pledge materials.

St. Matthias, Ridgewood, has utilized a parish-produced video to highlight its case statement to repair the church’s roof. This video, which features footage taken from a drone, provides parishioners with a view of the current state of the parish’s need and has led to a surge in the number of gifts received in recent weeks. Msgr. Peter Zendzian, pastor, has shown this recording during Masses and at campaign receptions.

Father John Fullum, pastor at Sacred Heart, East Glendale, announced the campaign at each Mass earlier this month. Over 50 families stopped by the Generations of Faith table at the back of church to be briefed.

Following a campaign announcement at all Masses this past weekend, St. Anselm, Bay Ridge, hosted receptions for parishioners to learn about Generations of Faith. Msgr. John Maloney, pastor, is planning on continuing the meetings through the fall.

Most Block 1 parishes will continue working toward their goals through the fall. I thank all those pastors who have diligently worked on Generations of Faith, and those parishioners who have generously given of their time and resources to date.