The generosity of Catholics in the Springfield diocese has resulted in a successful campaign to raise funds for the preservation and renewal of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Shaun Riedell, director of the diocesan Office for Stewardship and Development, said that the Built in Faith, Renewed in Hope campaign is close to completion, with $9.28 million pledged. Over $2.1 million has already been paid.

"I personally have been overwhelmed with the positive response there has been for this project," Riedell said. "I can imagine this is what it was like when the Cathedral was first built. At that time, people from all over the diocese joined together to make building the Cathedral a reality. Now this generation is joining together to restore this magnificent place of worship."

The Built on Faith, Renewed in Hope campaign's original goal was to raise a total of $7 million dollars. Over $2 million was raised from Cathedral parishioners and major donors; the remainder was raised from Catholics in parishes in the 28 counties of the Springfield diocese.

Riedell said that of the diocese's 131 parishes, 65 exceeded their goal and several more came very close to goal. Because the original goal has been surpassed in pledges, funds will be available to cover rising costs for the project, as well as any pledges that may not eventually be paid.

The estimated $11 million total needed for the preservation/renewal program includes $2 million from the sale of property and $2 million from the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign held in conjunction with the diocese's sesquicentennial celebration in 2003.

The preservation/renewal program will include extensive interior and exterior repair and restoration as well as upgrading of electrical, plumbing, sound and heating/cooling systems. A two-story, 8,400-square-foot atrium will be built to allow people to gather before and after Mass and to serve as an accessible entryway to the church. Major site improvements will be made to entry and parking areas.

Bishop George J. Lucas will receive a final accounting at the end of the month from Community Counseling Service, who helped direct the campaign. Riedell said a complete report on the campaign should be available within the next four to six weeks.