Saint Jean Baptiste Parish Campaign

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FOR THE FUTURE OF SAINT JEAN BAPTISTE

Two hundred years after its founding in 1808, local parish life is still the center of the Archdiocese of New York.  And people are the center of our parishes ― communities where we celebrate our faith and work together as a family in Christ, fulfilling our mission of bringing others to the Lord Jesus and building up the kingdom of God.  Looking ahead, it is our responsibility to ensure that this legacy of faith, witness, and service continues.

To accomplish this, Saint Jean Baptiste joined all parishes in the Archdiocese in 2007 in participating in the Bicentennial Parish Campaign.  This historic endeavor raised critical funds to strengthen parishes in the Archdiocese.  It also came as our parish marked its 125th anniversary.

We have identified three needs:

Parish Endowment

•  To ensure the financial stability of Saint Jean Baptiste Church
by increasing our Parish Endowment

The Parish Endowment helps us maintain our facilities and property so that other funds can be freed up for parish needs and mission.

Gift to the High School

•  To support to Saint Jean Baptiste High School
in its mission of providing a quality Catholic education for young women

Our high school has served the daughters of immigrant families since 1929.  From monies raised in the initial phase of the campaign, the parish has already donated $50,000 to the high school.

One Church, One Faith

•  To help needy parishes in the Archdiocese of New York

As Catholics, we are members of the universal church, and we are called to embrace the hope of securing the future of every parish in the Archdiocese of New York, including Saint Jean Baptiste.  Twenty percent of what is raised will assist needy parishes.  The apostle Paul says, "The love of Christ impels us."

 

WHERE WE ARE IN THE CAMPAIGN

To date, this initiative has been very successful.  A total of $679,720 has been pledged by 161 individuals and families, surpassing our original goal of $650,000 pledged.  Now, we are moving toward a long-range objective of $1,000,000.

The effort continues, and we invite and ask you to prayerfully consider making a pledge to the campaign.  You can pledge online at the parish web site (Online Giving) or make payments on pledges.  Transactions are secure and confidential.

 

THE FACTS

What?  The Parish Campaign is about parishes, and specifically about strengthening the finances of all parishes in the Archdiocese of New York, starting with Saint Jean Baptiste.

Why?  Our Sunday collections (averaging $6,200 ― down from $7,000 six years ago) do not meet our capital needs.  We depend on our Parish Endowment to be able to replace roofs, boilers, and sidewalks, seal leaks, repair walls, repaint as needed, and maintain our church and school buildings.  In February 2007, for example, we needed to replace both boilers which heated the church, the Community Center, and the Auditorium for the past nine decades.  The cost of this project was $130,000.  This past spring, the parish spent $76,000 on repairs to the north wall and chimney of the school building, and soon we will need to replace the sidewalk in front of the church on Lexington Avenue.

Our Parish Endowment, derived from the sale of church property 15 years ago and from memorial bequests, is one-half that of our neighboring parishes.  Moreover, in recent years, we have had to use capital from the endowment to meet ordinary expenses.

Saint Jean Baptiste High School, under care of the sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame, performs an invaluable service to the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn in educating young women, most from minority and immigrant families, to assume their place in church and society.  Virtually every woman who graduates from Saint Jean Baptiste High School attends college or a professional school.  Catholic education in New York City is a little-known or discussed "success story."

How?  Please make a pledge of $5,000, $3,000, or any amount to the Parish Campaign today.  Pledges can be fulfilled over three years.  Or, if you prefer, gifts or stock are also appreciated.

And remember, 80% of what you give stays right here at Saint Jean's; the remainder helps needy parishes in the Archdiocese.

 

GIFT CHART ―
MAKE A PLEDGE TODAY!

Total Pledge	Down Payment	Annual Payment	Monthly Payment	Daily Payment
$5,000 (3 years)	$500	$1,500	$125	$4.10
$3,000 (3 years)	$300	$900	$75	$2.45
$1,500 (3 years)	$150	$450	$37.50	$1.34

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donors who pledge may determine pledge remittance schedules to meet their own charitable or tax needs.  However, we ask that all gifts under $10,000 be pledged over a three-year period.  Pledges are not legally binding, and all gifts are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

Remember, you can pledge online at the parish web site (Online Giving) or make payments on pledges.  Transactions are secure and confidential.

Also, have you considered a Planned Gift to Saint Jean Baptiste Church through a bequest in your will or an annuity?  Call the Pastor, Father Anthony Schueller, if you would like to discuss this.

Thank you for caring about Saint Jean's and its future!

 

 

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