Peace of mind comes much more easily to worshipers who are in a safe environment. At Saint James Parish in Erie, Fr. James McCormick used the 2019 #iGiveCatholic giving day as a tool to raise funds for important security upgrades to the church. "Crash bars" now installed on the exterior doors of Saint James allow the side doors of the church to be locked during Mass. Visitors are directed to use the main church doors for entry and these doors are monitored by the ushers. The crash bars also allow for a quick and safe exit in case of an emergency. The fact that the doors close and lock quickly prevents any unauthorized entry.
Commenting on the generous response of parishioners to the 2019 #iGiveCatholic day, Fr. McCormick says, “This is a tribute to the responsiveness and generosity of our parishioners. How blessed I am to be their pastor!”
Not only did Saint James’ parishioners respond generously on the #iGiveCatholic giving day, but Saint James Parish was also the recipient of $750 from the cash prize drawing sponsored by the Catholic Foundation. The Foundation facilitates the Diocese of Erie’s participation in #iGiveCatholic and offers cash prizes to generate more excitement and encourage giving.
Fr. McCormick is grateful for the prize and is already looking ahead to the 2020 #iGiveCatholic giving day. He says, “If we did this well last year, imagine what we’ll do this year!”
#iGiveCatholic 2020 Registration Now Open
In service to the Catholic community in northwest Pennsylvania, the Catholic Foundation is again facilitating the annual #iGiveCatholic giving day campaign in the Diocese of Erie on #GivingTuesday, December 1.
Organizations must register to participate by October 30.
Last year, a total of $92,842 was raised by 561 donors benefiting 67 different Catholic organizations in the Diocese of Erie. The Catholic Foundation will be again offering participating organizations the opportunity to win cash prizes. Making a gift to your parish, school or Catholic ministry could help them win a prize!
Gifts can be made on December 1, 2020 or at any time during the advanced giving period from November 16 – November 30. Gifts are accepted either online or by sending a cash or check gift directly to your Catholic ministry of choice.
For more information about #iGiveCatholic, contact Michelle Basista at 814-824-1192 or by email.