As of June, $41 million had been pledged to the diocese’s Our Faith-Our Hope campaign, which supports parish ministry, diocesan ministries and church work in other parts of Canada.
About $5.5 million has been returned to the parishes, and more will be sent out over the next five years as pledges are fulfilled. “We’re getting a really good response from people who continue to send in their funds very diligently,” says Peter Misiaszek, the diocese’s director of Stewardship Development.
If the campaign reaches its goal of $50 million, $17 million will be returned to the parishes, $28 million will be made available as grants to help re-imagine church, and a further $5 million will be given to others beyond the diocese.
Mr. Misiaszek thanks all those who have given to the campaign. “Every gift is vital and precious, and we are grateful for every contribution that people have been able to make.”
In an effort to reach the campaign’s goal of $50 million, Stewardship Development is asking those who have already fulfilled their pledge to continue giving for another year or two. “We’ve had a very positive response to this initiative,” says Mr. Misiaszek. “People recognize the investment in ministry and they are supporting it.”
Stewardship Development is also asking Anglicans to consider leaving a financial gift to their parish church or the diocese and its ministries in their will. Two large gifts have already been made to FaithWorks.
In a letter to campaign supporters, Archbishop Colin Johnson said a legacy gift or bequest “will build on the solid foundations laid for us by generations past. A legacy will ensure that the good work that the people of God in this diocese do today will continue strong for the next generations.”
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