Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the parish conducting this campaign? As St. Peter Church approaches its centennial anniversary in 2028, the time has come to restore its original glory and prepare it for the next century of service. Similarly, St. Francis Church—older, rich in history, and awaiting its first major restoration in many decades—will be beautifully updated to enhance our worship environment. Additionally, a new 24/7 Adoration Chapel will provide a safe, secure, and accessible sacred space for everyone to spend time with Our Lord in adoration, prayer, and contemplation, deepening the spirituality of our entire community. These projects address the immediate, real needs of our parish while looking toward a bold and hopeful future.
Will the $1,500,000 address all these issues? Yes. The projects noted above are estimated to cost $1,381,000. Our goal reflects the possibility that economic conditions may increase costs. If project costs come in as proposed, any funds raised over our goal will be placed in a parish endowment, with the annual proceeds dedicated to ongoing capital repairs
Is the Archdiocese of Harford supporting our efforts? Yes, 100% of the funds that we raise in this campaign will remain in the parish and will not be subject to any archdiocesan assessments.
How will the campaign affect our weekly offertory? Experience shows that during a capital campaign, regular parish offertory giving remains steady. What a campaign asks from each of us is to maintain our regular weekly giving while making an extraordinary campaign pledge over a three-to-five-year period to meet the challenge of these critical projects. Generations before us sacrificed to build and preserve our churches for many years. Now, it is our turn to not only meet the challenges of today by making these projects a reality, but also to maintain our normal level of support to sustain our day-to-day operations and our parish’s many vital ministries.
How will the funds be used? The funds raised in any capital campaign can only be used for the stated case for fund-raising. 100% of the funds raised will be used to make the necessary repairs listed above.
How will I be asked to participate? Every household in the parish will be invited to attend either a home gathering or a gathering here at the church between late August and early October 2026. If you cannot attend a gathering, we will then conduct a Witness Weekend in mid-October and a Participation Weekend two weeks later so that everyone will have ample time to pray and reflect on their gift.
Who is being asked to participate? Every registered family in the parish, as well as all who join us regularly, will be asked to prayerfully consider a gift to the campaign. Given our medium-sized parish community, we rely heavily on one another; therefore, a high rate of participation is absolutely vital for us to reach our goal.
Is my gift confidential? Yes, the gift packet you receive will be personal to you and your family, and will not be shared with any other member of the parish community. There will be no parishioner-to-parishioner solicitation; your gift is entirely between you and the Lord.
How much should I give? Each household will be asked for a gift in a gift range, not a specific amount. You will be asked to give this your prayerful consideration and make a Decision of Faith based on the spiritual principles that we should give out of Gratitude for the gifts God has given us, out of Joy rather than obligation, and finally out of Love , as Christ showed His Selfless Love for all of us.
How will I be reminded about my payments? We are encouraging everyone to use our online giving system. The pledge card you will receive will provide a link and a QR code that will allow you to pay your pledge in the manner you wish over the specified pledge period via online giving. Your gift will go directly to the campaign account which is separate from our regular operating account. If you do not wish to use online giving, the parish will send regular pledge payment reminders based on the frequency you request (monthly, quarterly, etc.).
How long is the pledge period, and when will I receive my first pledge reminder? Pledges can be made over a three-to-five-year period; parishioners may choose the month in which to start payment and choose whether to receive monthly, quarterly, or annual reminders. Pledge reminders will begin to be mailed in December 2026.