EFFINGHAM — With $2.8 million raised to date, Sacred Heart Parish in Effingham announced Dec. 3 it has far exceeded its own idea of what was possible in its Renew & Rejoice capital campaign.

In September, parish boosters announced an ambitious goal of $2.3 million needed to renovate and expand the church’s worship space and enable Sacred Heart Parish to complete all of their plans with no long-term debt.

More than 150 parish volunteers worked the campaign by meeting with parishioners, preparing mailings, making phone calls and providing hospitality. So far, more than 430 parishioners, friends and community businesses have contributed. The next step is to seek approval from diocesan officials for renovations to get under way in the spring of 2019.

A Minnesota-based fundraising consulting firm assisted the parish in its efforts. Information about the campaign is available by contacting Father Michael Rosa or by visiting www.sheff.org.