Why are we embarking on a combined campaign with the Diocese of Cleveland now?

Timing is everything. The Diocesan Called to Flourish campaign is underway, and all parishes and missions in the Diocese of Cleveland have been asked to participate. For parishes with current and extraordinary capital needs, like St. Columbkille Parish, Bishop Malesic gave approval to combine the fundraising efforts of the Called to Flourish campaign with our Remember & Renew campaign.

What is the Called to Flourish Campaign?

Called to Flourish campaign is a comprehensive campaign across the Diocese of Cleveland seeking to raise $200 million+ in gifts and pledges to strengthen parishes, care for our priests and lay leaders, inspire Catholic students and young adults and serve our neighbors.

 

What is St. Columbkille Parish’s goal for the Called to Flourish Campaign?

As a participant in the Diocese of Cleveland’s Called to Flourish Campaign, St. Columbkille guaranteed our diocesan goal of $807,500. Once we have fulfilled our guaranteed diocesan goal, we receive all monies raised over that amount ($807,500) which will go to the Remember & Renew campaign to meet the identified parish priorities.

 

Is the Annual Catholic Charities Appeal taking place during the campaign?

Yes, the appeal will continue to be conducted annually. The annual Catholic Charities Appeal helps fund operations expenses and ongoing ministries of Catholic Charities, while Called to Flourish will meet extraordinary, long-term needs of the Diocese. While the diocesan campaign is running (January 2026 – June 2028), there will be no annual goal increases for parishes.

 

Who will be asked to participate in the Called to Flourish and Remember & Renew campaign?

Every registered parishioner and every registered school parent at St. Columbkille Parish will be asked to prayerfully consider a financial pledge to the Called to Flourish and Remember & Renew campaign.

 

Do I need to maintain my weekly contribution?

Yes! Weekly offerings are used for the normal operating expenses of the parish. We depend on these contributions to maintain the parish and its services/programs.

 

Will this campaign affect parish offertory?

Offertory is expected to remain consistent during the campaign’s five-year pledge period. On many occasions, parishes have experienced noticeable increases in offertory giving in the years following the conclusion of the campaign.

 

What does stewardship and sacrificial giving mean?

A Christian steward is one who receives God’s gifts gratefully, tends to them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with all, and returns them with increase to the Lord. Through our campaign, we are invited to consider how the gifts God has entrusted to us can benefit the future of our parish and the Church.

 

Why does my request letter suggest a specific gift amount? How was it determined?

In order to reach our goal, a gift amount is suggested for each household. Each household’s financial situation and relationship to the Church is unique. Prayerful consideration of your pledge should be planned, proportionate, and sacrificial. No judgment is made on the level of gift you or others will make. This request is based on your past commitment (both personally and financially) to St. Columbkille. We are asking parishioners to stretch their giving to this campaign because it will have a tremendous impact on you and all other members of our parish as well as future generations of parishioners. We will provide for them as those in the past provided for us.

 

How much am I expected to give?

All parishioners are being asked to prayerfully consider a specific gift amount. However, you alone can determine the amount of your gift. Consult the various gift plans accompanying the brochure. Please remember, we need the participation of all parishioners and, if your gift is one of sacrifice, it is truly a generous gift regardless of its size.

 

Why emphasize pledged gifts?

Pledges may be paid in installments over five years, allowing families to make larger commitments than they might otherwise consider. Pledged gifts are typically four to five times larger than a one-time gift.

 

Why ask parishioners for different amounts? Wouldn’t dividing the parish goal by the number of households be easier and fairer?

It certainly would be easier. However, it would not be fair and would put a parish’s ability to reach its goal at risk. The principle of this campaign is equal sacrifice, not equal giving. We all give to our parish at varying degrees. Parishioners will be offered the opportunity to participate in Remember & Renew, but not everyone will be able to participate at the same financial level. By asking for different amounts based on past giving and commitment to the parish, we challenge all to give as they are able and according to their blessings. In this process, equal sacrifice helps ensure the campaign’s success.

 

Why is my pledge form and subsequent payments sent to the Diocese?

The Diocese of Cleveland will be handling the processing of gifts/pledges and pledge payments. This will save St. Columbkille Parish money and time. Pledge forms will have St. Columbkille Parish included on the form. Checks should be made out to Called to Flourish Cleveland and you can write “St. Columbkille, Parma” in the memo line. Additionally, if you receive a monthly reminder, St. Columbkille will be noted on the reminder.

 

Why is each donor asked to complete a pledge card?

Donors are asked to sign a pledge card as a good faith commitment, indicating that they have agreed to the terms of the gift indicated on the card. A pledge card is not a legally binding document. The completed pledge card will ensure the pledge/gift is appropriately recorded and acknowledged by the campaign gift processing office. The most important information the campaign office requests is the total amount of the commitment, the amount of the initial payment (if any), the balance, and the payment plan selected by the donor. If financial circumstances change, a donor may contact the Diocese’s Catholic Community Foundation at (216) 902-1300 to adjust, pause, or cancel their pledge.

 

How can I make my gift?

There are many ways to support the campaign. Gifts may be made by check, credit card, or automatic bank withdrawal. You may also give through stock of securities, IRA qualified distributions (QCDs) or donor advised funds. If your employer has a matching gift program, you can double your generosity. Further questions about fulfilling your pledge can be handled by contacting the Diocese’s Catholic Community Foundation at (216) 902-1300 or emailing Eric Perusek in the parish office at eperusek@stcolumbkilleparish.org.

 

How can I leave St. Columbkille in my will?

By completing a few simple steps, you can include our parish in your will or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or IRA. Including language in your will or estate plan that leaves a percentage of your estate, outlines a specific dollar amount, or a gift contingent upon certain events will help St. Columbkille to thrive in the future.

I would like to make a pledge, but our budget is especially tight this year. How can I still participate?

The campaign pledge period is structured over a five-year period, and you can determine when you want to start payment of your pledge.

 

Why is an initial payment requested? Is it required?

Our campaign asks for an initial payment to begin a pledge. It helps the campaign immediately by addressing the case elements outlined in the brochure. Many donors prefer to begin their pledges immediately; some may even give more than the requested 10%. However, an initial payment of 10% is not required, and a donor may elect to give less initially or delay the payment start date. Initial payment checks (and subsequent payments) are payable to Called to Flourish Cleveland. 

 

Are gifts to the campaign tax deductible?

Yes, gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. For legal and tax advice, donors are asked to contact their attorney, accountant, or financial advisor.