As we look back at 2020, there is much about the year many of us would rather forget. And some things we wish we could send back for a refund. While that is not possible, what is possible is to reflect on how Catholics in the Diocese of Worcester have persevered throughout the year to make things better for others. It is something to
be grateful for
in 2020.
This week we will start our reflection of 2020 by looking at how people responded to the Legacy of Hope campaign despite the financial uncertainty caused by the pandemic. We will also look at how diocesan departments made changes to their ministries to keep people engaged. (See left column)
And, as always, we will look to the future and the year 2021 with the hope of Christ.
With a goal of raising $32 million, close to $20 million has already been pledged to Legacy of Hope. When enumerating the reasons for the campaign, Bishop McManus said that he has received a legacy from his predecessors and his responsibility is to leave the diocese in as good as or better shape than he received it. Passing on a legacy is a way of describing the passing on the tradition of faith, he said.
Michael Gillespie, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, provides the latest figures for the collection at the end of 2020.
Legacy of Hope has raised $19,001,000 from 6,072 gifts toward the diocesan cases outlined in the campaign brochure. A total of $20,274,100 has been raised when you include the two parish capital campaigns: St. Mary of the Assumption Milford and Our Lady of the Lake Leominster.
Jose DeJesus, the supervisor for Legacy of Hope and a member of the Guidance in Giving Inc. team that is the running the campaign, gives a brief history of LOH.
Less than two years ago, under the leadership of Bishop McManus, the Pastoral Advisory Committee for Legacy of Hope and a handful of pastors and parishes began to raise money for the Legacy of Hope campaign. The feasibility study for the campaign indicated that at least 25% of the pastors and other leaders were apprehensive about beginning a campaign of this magnitude and scope.
•Why was a capital
campaign needed?
The need to fund the long-term endowment for retired priests, the need to inject funds back into our local parishes, Catholic education, evangelization, social outreach and emergency repairs to St. Paul Cathedral are just as real today as they were back in 2018. Some might say the need will be even greater into the future.
•How much of the fund will be used as an endowment for retired priests and parishes?
Forty percent of all funds raised through Legacy of Hope will be used for a long-term endowment for our retired priests.
Another 40 percent of all funds will be given back to parishes to be used for parish cases.
•Who are the real heroes of the campaign?
There have been parishioners and friends of the Diocese of Worcester who have given upwards of $100,000 per family to the cause of Legacy of Hope. Some families have taken advantage of the new CARES Act and IRA benefits for giving.
There have also been unemployed families who have pledged $10 a month with the promise that when they find the next job, they will increase their gift to their parish and to the Diocese of Worcester, in proportion. These are all acts of heroic generosity.
Mr. DeJesus, during a pulpit presentation at a Fitchburg parish you asked parishioners to ponder “which gift has more value?”
In fact, Jesus reminds us with the parable of the widow’s mite that it all depends on the spirit and intention of the donor. The focus of Legacy of Hope is on sacrificial giving and participation. Not all parishioners can make the same size gift, but all can make some small sacrifice to help their parish reach its target.
Bishop McManus has been meeting with business leaders, parishioners and their pastors explaining the need for Legacy of Hope, both in the short-term and the long-term. He explains the need:
I know the need is authentic and real. It is never the right time to ask. I remind myself that it’s not about me, it’s about our parishes, about our retired priests today and those who will retire later, and about being Christ to others in our local communities. When I ask a family to consider supporting this historic campaign, I think about those real needs and the parishes that might not be able to make their target this year. That makes it even more compelling.
Mr. DeJesus explains what will be happening in the spring.
Legacy of Hope will see its largest block of parishes (42) begin this historic campaign. It will not be easy for these faith communities and their leadership to continue to inspire new giving to Legacy of Hope, but then again, nothing worthwhile ever is.
•What is the call to action?
Legacy’s call to action for all families remains three-fold and consistent.
(1) Pray for the success of this effort and its mission;
(2) Be an ambassador, share the good news of our success and your participation in this effort;
(3) Make a sacrificial gift or pledge to Legacy of Hope over the next four years.
•How does the future of the campaign look?
The future of the campaign will rest in the hands of pastors, parishioners and friends of the Diocese of Worcester in this next and final block. Yet, as Catholics we are reminded of yet a deeper reality. The year 2021 is the year of Grace. May we, as a people of faith, create a space within ourselves for God’s grace. May we gratefully recognize it when it shows up and may we each dare to make a generous return to the Lord for all the good he continuously does in our lives.
•Do you have a message for the people of the diocese?
Today, we take a moment to simply thank the pastors, priests, deacons, volunteers and generous parishioners who have already participated in Legacy of Hope.
As we celebrate the coming of the Lord at Christmas, and await a new year filled with hope, anticipation and healing for our nation and our world, we simply take a moment to say thank you. Gratitude is the ultimate antidote and vaccine for our worries. As human beings, God created us to be able to only hold one thought in our brains at once, why not make it a thought of gratitude whenever possible.