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Archdiocese of Seattle

$100 Million Goal

In Service of our:

v  Retired Priests 

v  Retired Sisters

v  and our Family of Faith

Holy Rosary’s goal of $1.411 Million was determined by multiplying our annual average parish collections by 125%. However, in looking at our own parish needs, the Parish Finance Council, Facilities and Maintenance Committee and School Commission leadership have decided to take advantage of the parish rebate to set our own parish goal at $2.0 Million, with a challenge goal of $2.3 Million.   

The total Archdiocesan Goal is a large ask – but together as the Church of Western Washington it is within our grasp.  Our Parish Goal is a large ask – but together as the Church of Holy Rosary it is possible.
 
Priest Retirement
The primary driver of the Called to Serve as Christ campaign is to assist our priests in their retirement.  These priests have often served for 30-50 years in parishes, giving their lives in service to God and His Church.  Every year, the needs of the Priest Pension Plan are funded by assessments on parishes and a significant portion of the Annual Catholic Appeal.  At present, Holy Rosary and its parishioner’s contribute about $39,000 a year.  As medical costs increase, as people live longer, as the number of priests retiring increases, the costs are rising, increasing the burden on our parishes and our people.  Fifty years after starting the Priest Pension Fund with a pay-as-you-go model, this campaign will fully fund the Priest Pension and Retirement Medical Funds.  The interest will pay for the current needs, reducing the annual burden on our Catholic parishes and people and giving us more funding for our own ministries. 

The recent scandals have made some wonder if this campaign will support priests removed from ministry after abusing minors, or if it could be used for liability settlements.  As a separate corporation, this money can only be used for its restricted purposes – priest and religious retirement, and parish rebates.  Also, in order to ensure that parishioner donations are not used to fund settlements, counseling for victims, or required assistance for priests, a separate fund has been established, primarily funded by real estate sales.
This campaign is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices to assist them in their retirement.  PRIEST PENSION FUND – 40%, PRIEST RETIREMENT MEDICAL – 15%
 
Sister's Retirement
From the beginning of our archdiocese, religious sisters have been an integral part of Catholic life, through schools, hospitals, care homes, their service of the poor and those in need, and in countless other ways.  Here at Holy Rosary, the Tacoma Dominicans arrived just four years after the start of the parish to start our school, where they served for the next six decades.  Many parishioners have benefited from the closeness of Mt. St. Vincent and the Sisters of Providence.  And currently the Carmelite Sisters of our Lady serve in both our parish and school.  This campaign is an opportunity for us to show our gratitude for their dedication and sacrifices to assist them in their retirement.  SISTER’S RETIREMENT – 24%
 
Parish Rebate
This campaign also gives us an opportunity to benefit directly at Holy Rosary through a rebate.  Until we reach our Archdiocesan assigned goal, fifteen cents of every dollar donated as it is donated will come back to us.  After that, eighty-five cents of every dollar donated will come back to us, with the other fifteen cents to be used for the campaign goals of either priest or sisters’ retirement, or possibly returned to the parish.  PARISH REBATE – 15% Until your Archdiocesan Goal, 85% After your Archdiocesan Goal.

The Parish Finance Council, the Facilities and Maintenance Committee, and the School Commission leadership identified the following priorities as a part of our $2.0 Million Goal:

1. Stained Glass Windows – 20 years ago most of the windows were retrofitted, and new exterior covers installed.  There are about 18 remaining windows in need of work, many of which are bulging and even breaking.  Estimated Cost:  $48,000
2. New Big Toy – The Big Toy has had various parts breaking for years, and it is past its useful life.  This center of activity not only for our school, but of our wider community, needs replacing to provide a safe environment for fun and play.  Estimated Cost:  $200,000
3. Tuckpointing – The mortar between bricks on our beautiful buildings needs periodic maintenance to ensure the structural integrity of the buildings.  The Church and School building are in the most need.  Estimated Cost: $465,000
4. If we reach our Challenge Goal of $2.3 Million, we will also accomplish the following:
5. Church Doors – The doors of the church have worn and warped with age, and no longer accept new coats of varnish.  Previous donations have funded half of this project, and that money has been set aside.  Now we need to fund the remainder.  Estimated Cost:  $55,000
6. Bathrooms – The bathrooms in our school and gym are used by our 500+ students and parishioners attending social gatherings and events.  They are in need of significant improvements in order to continue to serve us well.  This campaign will fund some of the needed upgrades.  Estimated Cost:  $200,000

Responding to the Call to Serve as Christ

It is not just our priests and sisters who serve as Christ, but it is something all of us are called too – in different ways.  Members of Holy Rosary are asked to consider a 3-year pledge to this campaign, as we ourselves are called to serve as Christ in our own community.  Donations towards your pledge can be made through the Called to Serve as Christ website by credit card or electronic funds transfer.  Donations can also be made by check or stock donation.  Don’t forget to check with your company about matching gifts. 
 
The Called to Serve as Christ website has lots of further information about this campaign, including the Case Statement, a Detailed Breakdown of the Campaign, as well as various other documents, including an FAQ.