The third and final block of the Generations of Faith capital campaign in the Diocese of Brooklyn kicked off with a reception on Tuesday, May 17, at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston.
“As you can see, there are a lot of successes in this campaign. But this campaign wouldn’t be a success without your continued successes,” Msgr. Jamie J. Gigantiello said, welcoming the Block Three parishioners.
The keynote speaker for the evening was Father Frank Shannon, pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Cypress Hills, who encouraged guests with a comedic, light-hearted speech discussing his experience in Block Two of the campaign.
He shared, “I was sitting where you are a couple months ago and now everyone in Cypress Hills knows what Generations of Faith is!”
When Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio first discussed Generations of Faith with the pastors in the planning stages of the campaign, Father Shannon thought, “My people are already tithing, we’re never going to make this goal!” He added, “It’s like a miracle when you see what’s about to happen and what God is about to do.”
And what a miracle it was! Father Shannon and Blessed Sacrament had an initial goal of $470,000 and the parish has since raised $1,718,449, from 608 gifts. Blessed Sacrament has 750 envelope users and Mass attendance is at 2,500 on weekends.
Father Shannon and his Campaign Committee of about eight parishioners began planning for the campaign in December, and implemented a series of receptions throughout January, February and March.
As a predominantly Hispanic parish, Father Shannon wanted to be sure that families had the opportunity to learn about Generations of Faith, so he combined personal visits with inviting families to receptions after Mass every weekend in March.
Father Shannon also shared that he recruited ministry leaders as volunteers for the effort. “Your lectors, your parish council members, and leaders of ministry… and along with the pastor, they must become the face of the campaign at the parish.”
With over 100 parishioners intently listening to receive advice on how to finish strong in the campaign, Father Shannon shared the following inspiring statements: “Get ready to be touched by the grace of the Spirit! Stay close to your campaign secretary and general chair, stick to the program, and get ready; you will be rewarded. I hope you will have as much fun with it as we did!”
If you are already giving to your parish’s Generations of Faith campaign, thank you! If you have not begun, please speak with your pastor on how to do so today. The purpose of the campaign is to provide for the needs and ensure viability of this spiritual home in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
