By Msgr. Jamie Gigantiello, Vicar for Development
Since the public announcement of the Generations of Faith campaign, I continue to be overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness and the generosity of the people of Brooklyn and Queens.
Our 23 diocesan pilot parishes have now raised more than $19 million on collective goals that total above $14 million, bringing our campaign total over $30 million.
Eighteen pilot parishes have exceeded their goals to date, with six doubling their goals, and another exceeding 125 percent of their goals.
During April and May, many of our pilot parishes have focused on their in-pew solicitations with many language communities also participating and making pledges. The response from these communities in parishes such as Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Astoria; St. Athanasius, Bensonhurst; St. Michael-St. Malachy, East New York; and many others was truly astounding. Thousands of parishioners made pledges during our in-pew solicitations to help finish our pilot campaigns successfully.
The spirit of generosity in our people will continue to inspire all of us in our work for the mission of Church, now and long into the future, and I am thankful to all those parishioners across Brooklyn and Queens who have rallied around this campaign and made a personal pledge.
For our pilot parishes, as their efforts wind down, many will begin working on the local projects that will be funded by the success of Generations of Faith. As renovations, upgrades and restorations are made to many pilot parishes, it is truly an exciting time in our Diocese.
It is my hope that our work will impact our parishes for years to come. As many pilot campaigns will finish during June, I wish to express my deepest personal thanks to their pastors who have dedicated time and effort over the last months.
I have also learned of the many early successes at our Block 1 parishes, and I again am truly grateful to those pastors whose work has just begun.
Pastor Responds to Generations’ Questions
From Mshr.Steven Aguggia, Pastor, St. Margaret, Middle Village
1. Which campaign component resonated the most with your parishioners?
I found that our people are really attracted to the youth evangelization component. It speaks to the future of our Diocese and of the Church.
2. What impact will Generations of Faith have?
We learned from Alive in Hope that efforts like this can have a deep impact. This campaign is for the future of senior priests, the future of our youth, and the future of our Church. If the past is an indication of the future, our Church will be strengthened for years to come.
3. What has been most gratifying for you about conducting Generations of Faith?
What was really great was getting to bring a committee together and witnessing their enthusiasm. Everyone starts off a little weary or nervous. You do not know how people may react. However, seeing the enthusiasm people have for their parish, their Diocese, was fantastic.
4. What have you learned about your parish and community from this experience?
When you start out with something like this, you have a little trepidation. But I learned something that I already knew. My parishioners and so many parishioners across the Diocese are generous. Our people are willing to give when the cause is worthy and the need is great. Through Generations of Faith, I saw Christian charity at work.
