Why Hasn’t A Volunteer Contacted Me?

Parishioners have been contacted whenever possible through a personal visit or a telephone call.  Due to the large size of our parish we have not been able to visit everyone. Over the next couple of months we will continue to reach out to all of our parish families.  When you are called, please welcome our volunteers as if they were Fr. Tom.  They are working hard on behalf of Fr. Tom and the parish.

According to the principles of Christian stewardship, we ask that everyone give in proportion to their ability.  We ask every family to consider making a sacrificial pledge payable over a 5-year period.  This allows parishioners to make a larger impact than they would with a one-time gift.  This is the only way we will be able to achieve our goal.

The Archdiocese has certain guidelines as to where the Blessed Sacrament Chapel should be located.  However, efforts will be made so that the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will be clearly visible in the new Church.

Given the historical significance of the stained glass windows, it is our intent to move the stained glass windows into the new church building.

A number of things must happen before we break ground.  The property across the street must be bought from the city, the architect must develop an overall site plan and a design for the new church which then must be approved by the Archdiocese, and lastly, Sacred Heart needs to have the money to start building.  All of these things are underway and all the best efforts are being made by the Project Manager (BSI), the architect (Dan White), the Building Committee, and Fr. Tom to move things along as quickly as possible.  The hope is to break ground for the new Church sometime within 1-2 years.

The design and physical look of the Church has not yet been determined.  Architectural renderings are being created and at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner, feedback from the community will be required.  Efforts will be made to build a church that holds a large number of people, functions liturgically, is aesthetically pleasing, and will invoke reminders of Sacred Heart’s history (i.e. the stained glass windows, certain statues, etc.).  However, please remember that all of these things depend upon costs and Archdiocesan approval.

With the consistent decrease in vocations and priests and the Archdiocese selling properties to meet settlement requirements, the decision was made to expand our current location, rather than building in a new area of the Valley.

Fr. Tom doesn’t know what each individual family’s financial situation is; therefore we encourage everyone to consider a pledge to the Campaign that best complements your ability for sacrificial giving.  Request amounts are based primarily upon your past generosity and also the financial needs of the capital projects.  Ultimately, your thoughtful and prayerfully considered decision will be most appropriate.

Why hasn’t a volunteer contacted me?

Parishioners have been contacted whenever possible through a personal telephone call.  Due to the large size of our parish we have not been able to visit everyone. Over the next couple of months we will continue to reach out to all of our parish families.  When you are called, please welcome our volunteers as if they were Fr. Tom.  They are working hard on behalf of Fr. Tom and the parish.

All those who give pledged commitments to the Campaign will receive an acknowledgement letter after their pledge has been processed.  Reminders will be issued monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, and annually with return envelopes for convenience.  Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) is also available.

Sacred Heart Church has embarked on an historic campaign that will transform the current Church campus.  This is your opportunity to give to a campaign that will benefit many future generations.  We need everyone in the parish to consider a sacrificial gift so that our campaign goals become a reality.

Every gift made towards the OUR FAITH, OUR FAMILY, OUR FUTURE campaign is designated to be used for just that purpose.  The money raised will only be used towards completing Phase 1 of the Master Plan for Sacred Heart.

The Campaign emphasizes gifts given over a five year period because it allows individuals and families the opportunity to consider larger gifts.  Experience shows that donors who make extended commitments are able to consider gifts substantially larger than those making one-time donations.

All those who give pledged commitments to the Campaign will receive an acknowledgment letter after their pledge has been processed.  Reminders will be issued monthly, quarterly, and semi-annually or annually with return envelopes for convenience.  Electronic Funds Transfer is also available.

To what extent is my gift tax deductible? 

Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorney or tax adviser.

Are cash commitments the only type of gifts accepted? 

No.  While cash gifts are the most common, it may be advantageous to the donor to make a gift of stock.  Such gifts can have substantial tax benefits.

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What will the new Church look like?

The design and physical look of the Church has not yet been determined.  Architectural renderings are being created and at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner, feedback from the community will be required.  Efforts will be made to build a church that holds a large number of people, functions liturgically, is aesthetically pleasing, and will invoke reminders of Sacred Heart’s history (i.e. the stained glass windows, certain statues, etc.).  However, please remember that all of these things depend upon costs and Archdiocesan approval.

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Where will the Blessed Sacrament Chapel be located

The Archdiocese has certain guidelines as to where the Blessed Sacrament Chapel should be located.  However, efforts will be made so that the Blessed Sacrament Chapel will be clearly visible in the new Church.

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Why isn’t a new Church being built on the east side of town?

With the consistent decrease in vocations and priests and the Archdiocese selling properties to meet settlement requirements, the decision was made to expand our current location, rather than building in a new area of the Valley.

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Our family’s financial situation does not allow us to consider a pledge at the level Fr. Tom requested.  What should we do?

We recognize that every household’s financial situation is unique; therefore we encourage everyone to consider a pledge to the Campaign that best complements your ability for sacrificial giving.  Genuine stewardship encourages gifts of equal sacrifice, but not necessarily gifts of an equal dollar amount.  Request amounts are based primarily upon your past generosity and also the financial needs of the capital projects.  Ultimately, your thoughtful and prayerfully considered decision will be most appropriate.

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Why is the initial payment of 10% of the total pledge encouraged?

The sooner that Sacred Heart receives financial gifts, the sooner that the building process for Phase 1 may begin.  Most donors prefer to commence pledge payments immediately, many contributing significantly more than the suggested 10% down payment.  While down payments of any amount are encouraged, they are not required.

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How will the Campaign affect parish offertory collection?

In the short term, offertory is expected to remain constant.  Through the campaign, volunteers will ask parishioners to make commitments above and beyond regular giving.  Parishioners are not asked to diminish giving to the offertory collection but, rather, to consider more of a commitment to the Church.  In the long term, similar campaigns have led to increases in parish offertory collections.  This is because parishioners are encouraged to continue to embrace stewardship as a way of life and strengthen their vision of what it is to be a member of the Church.

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How long will the OUR FAITH, OUR FAMILY, OUR FUTURE Campaign last?

The entire campaign will last approximately nine months, running from July 2007 until April 2008.  However, the campaign will be conducted in three phases during that time period; the quiet Major Gift Phase, the public Advance Gift Phase, and the public Special Gift Phase.  The OUR FAITH, OUR FAMILY, OUR FUTURE Campaign will raise funds for Phase 1 of a 20 year Master Plan for Sacred Heart.

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Who is conducting the Campaign? 

Along with Rev. Thomas Baker, a core group of parish volunteers will be asked to lead and assist in the implementation of the campaign plan.  Many parishioners will be asked to help during active campaigning and we encourage everyone to become involved.

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Will there be any public donor recognition or naming opportunities available?

We welcome any pledged gift to the campaign that you would like to make in honor of someone or something.  Please be sure to note this on the bottom of your pledge card.  In regards to public donor recognition, no firm plans are in place yet.  When the time comes, donors will be approached as to how and where to display such names.  If and when donors are publicly recognized, they will be honored in a way that is tasteful and represents the ideals of the Sacred Heart community.

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Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to the Campaign? 

Yes.  If a donor offers a planned gift, the volunteer should refer him/her to Doreen Rodriguez at the Financial Services office of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Her phone number is: 213-637-7267.

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Can I make a matching gift with my company?

Many corporations will match the charitable contributions of employees.  Please contact your company’s Human Resources professional to determine if your company participates in a Matching Gift Program.  If you have questions, please call the Campaign office at 661-942-7122 x114.

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To whom should initial payments be made?

All payments should be made to “Sacred Heart Church”.