Were you invited?

 

Apparently many of the larger contributors to the St. James Capital Campaign were invited to a dinner on Wednesday , July 18 at Giovanni’s in Rockford.  Guests had  a free chicken or fish dinner.

During dessert Father Geary explained that if all 88 of the guests pledged an additional one half of their previous pledge the campaign would meet the $3,000,000 pledge goal.  Their new pledges would not have to paid until 2014, that is after their current pledges are paid off.

The dining room was set for 88 guests (11tables; eight at a table).  There were a number of empty places.

Click on the photocopy to enlarge:

After the presentation Father Geary stated he was open to questions.

The following questions and answers were paraphrased by a few guests that talk to us.

• A statement was made by one guest that he thought they were asked to the dinner to “brainstorm” new ideas for the campaign rather than to be asked to give more.
• One guest spoke of how an interest rate well below 6.5% should be available. Father indicated that the borrowing must be through the diocese at 6.5%.
• St. Peter’s South Beloit’s failed campaign was brought up.  Father indicated that was a very different situation.  The pastor/parish were campaigning for a new school and the diocese wanted a new church and thus the campaign was terminated.
• Father indicated that part of the reason for the rush is the city refused the time extension request.  He also spoke of the council being “anti-Catholic”
• There was a question regarding Hispanic participation.  Father stated that “some Hispanic parishioners were invited to the dinner” but apparently few if any were in attendance.  He went on to speak how many Hispanic families of meager means were regularly contributing.
• Father spoke of general participation in the campaign.  Some 800 families actively support St. James in the regular Sunday collections and more than 700 families made a pledge.
• There was a question regarding additional pledges by other members of the parish.  Efforts will be made to “personally contact “ the rest of the active members of the parish.
• Someone asked if we don't meet the pledge goal, can we get our money back? Father stated that you could, but it would be a nightmare with the IRS because you'd have to send in an amended tax return unless you gave it toward another need of the church
• Father stated that razing the house across from the school started the process which will work in the parish’s favor.
• One man said he'd be the first to sign up for the new pledge and everyone clapped.

SEE THE RESULTS:  See posting immediately above or click on the following:  http://boonecountycatholics.blogspot.com/2012/07/st-james-building-campaign-has-big.html