Web Exlusive: Cathedral Campaign Final Report 3.86 Mb

The campaign to raise funds for the restoration and renewal of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield has been a resounding success.

"I am deeply gratified by the response of the thousands of Catholics from across our diocese who have pledged their support for the renewal of our Cathedral," said Bishop George J. Lucas. "A thorough process of planning and preparation during the past two years made it possible for our people to see the need for this project. They have responded generously as one sign of their faith in Jesus Christ."

A total of $9.56 million has been pledged, during the Built on Faith, Renewed in Hope capital campaign, according to Shaun Riedell, director of the diocesan Office for Stewardship and Development. The campaign kicked off in parishes in April and concluded at the end of July.

The total cost of the cathedral restoration and renewal has been estimated at more than $11 million. Riedell said $2 million raised during the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign held in conjunction with the 150th anniversary of the diocese in 2003 was set aside for the project. An additional $2 million from the sale of land has been earmarked, if needed.

Riedell said the goal of the Built on Faith, Renewed in Hope campaign was to raise $7 million. "In fact, due to the outstanding generosity of the people of this diocese - and their affection for their mother church, the Cathedral - we have gone well over our original goal," he said.

Over $2 million was raised through contributions by Cathedral parishioners and gifts from major donors.

Riedell said all the funds raised will be needed for the project.

"This is due, in part, to rising materials costs, cost of transportation and fuel costs, which affect all sectors of the economy," Riedell said.

Riedell said over 7,100 gifts were made to the campaign. The largest gift was $200,000 and the smallest was under $1 - but all were appreciated. "People gave from their hearts and that makes every gift special," Riedell said.

Each parish was given a fund-raising goal based on the most recent figures for offertory collections. Riedell said many pastors reported a high level of enthusiasm for the campaign.

For instance, St. Michael in Greenfield with only 87 families went 70 percent over their goal. Father Henry Schmidt, pastor, said the parish didn't have any special fund-raising activities, but merely presented the request for support of the Cathedral restoration project on the scheduled weekend. He said he was surprised and pleased with the immediate success in the parish.

"I guess it was just people being faithful to the bishop and the church," he said. "It had to be the grace of God working."

At Immaculate Conception Parish in Shelbyville, Father Donald Wolford, pastor, said there were several factors that contributed to their success. The parish total was more than 60 percent over their goal.

"I think the most important factor was that I was excited about it," said Father Wolford. "I told them up front that I couldn't afford a big contribution all at once, so I was going to pledge - sacrificially. I was shocked at how many followed my example.

"We also have many people here who have had personal experiences at the Cathedral, such as the RCIA team or couples who have attended the 50th wedding anniversary Mass" he said. "They have wonderful memories of worshipping there or having their pictures taken with the bishop."

In addition, Father Wolford said that the parish built a new church and gathering space just eight years ago.

"We've been through the experience," Father Wolford said. "We know it's expensive, but we know it's worth it."

Cathedral pastor Father Peter Harman said preliminary work has already begun on the project.

"During the summer, we completed the transition work that would affect areas used by the school," Father Harman said. "There has also been some initial site work and new parking lots in the rear."

Demolition began Aug. 7 on the portion of the convent building that will be removed to make way for the 8,400-square-foot atrium on the south side of the Cathedral. During the week of Aug. 17, workers erected scaffolding for repair on the façade and bell tower.

When interior work begins, the Cathedral will be closed to the public for safety concerns. Father Harman said that parishioners will hold a leave-taking ceremony at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sept. 28 to bid a year-long farewell to their parish church.

During the construction period, Cathedral parish Masses will be held at other Springfield area churches. Mass schedules, parish news and construction updates will be available on the parish Web site at www.cathedral.dio.org .

"That will be one way Cathedral parishioners stay together," Father Harman said.

The project is expected to be complete by the end of November 2009.

"The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is an anchor for Catholic life in our diocese," said Bishop Lucas. "Our Cathedral was ‘Built on Faith' through the planning and generosity of those who preceded us. When the restoration and enhancements are completed, our Cathedral will be ‘Renewed in Hope.'"

For continuing information on the Cathedral restoration and renewal project, visit the Web site at: www.dio.org/builtonfaith .