Important Questions & Answers

Is Holy Family paying an individual or firm to execute this Capital Campaign?
The Campaign, including planning, publications, etc., is being supported by professional volunteers, who have expertise in fundraising, writing, and graphics, a Campaign Committee comprised of parishioners, and Holy Family staff.

Has the Parish asked for quotes for the Capital Campaign projects?
We have carefully assessed the capital needs of our Parish and asked for professional contractor quotes.  Although volunteers have been an important part of work done on projects to date, the scope of the work now needs professional expertise for completion.

Can you use money from Holy Family’s yearly budget or make cuts to encompass the costs of the Capital Campaign projects?
Our budget is very lean now.  We have done a number of things, including personnel cuts to reflect a reduction in sacrificial giving and rising costs such as utilities. Our current staff and volunteers have stepped up to encompass those cuts.  We are always looking for creative ways to reduce our costs. For example, we are now using sheep to help keep the grass clipped at our old St. Mary’s cemetery versus using our “lean” maintenance staff to mow the grass.

Will the Diocese's bankruptcy declaration impace the Holy Family Parish Rebuild & Renew Campaign?
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany declared bankruptcy in March 2023. Parishes and Catholic schools are separately incorporated under New York State’s Religious Corporations Law and are not part of the filing. The funds raised for Holy Family’s Rebuild & Renew Campaign will specifically be earmarked for Holy Family projects. The Diocese does not have any claim on these funds as they are a restricted asset for our Parish. Checks should be written to: Holy Family Parish Capital Campaign.

Holy Family did a Capital Campaign, Reigniting Our Faith, several years ago. Where is that money?
That campaign was introduced and executed through the Albany Diocese in 2017-18. Holy Family raised $41,000 by asking a limited number of parishioners. That money is secure but has not been spent. Those funds will now be used to assist Rebuild & Renew Campaign projects.

Is there an order for the importance of the projects?
Through staff, professional assessment, and volunteers, we carefully reviewed what are the more pressing needs of the Parish. Some needs are imminent, such a boiler for the Rectory, which we have been “nursing” along this winter. It was determined last Fall that it should be replaced.  All of these projects will ensure quality and lasting value to our facilities for use by current and future generations.

Can my Capital Campaign Donation replace my Regular Weekly Giving?
The short answer is “no.” To embark on a capital campaign is an extraordinary effort, meant to address extraordinary Parish needs. Our weekend offertory is only helping to support the day-to-day budgeted Parish needs. This is why we ask you to discern what your family can afford to pledge and why we say it is a “sacrificial” gift.

Can Holy Family reach the $300,000 goal without my help?
Any pledge amount—no matter how big or small—is greatly appreciated, and we can only reach our goal through the combined sacrifice of many families. Please pray about how you can participate and make your pledge as soon as possible. If you have additional questions, call the Holy Family Parish Office at (315) 823-3410.