***SPECIAL UPDATE***
It’s about more than dollars raised…. It’s about lasting relationships.
There are moments in our work that remind us that fundraising is never only about dollars raised or projects completed. It is about people, faith, sacrifice, community, and the sacred spaces that serve generations. In the spring of 2023, we assisted St. Mary’s as part of the Diocese of La Crosse's diocesan-wide effort to raise funds to renovate and restore their church.
Normally, a parish of this size may never have been able to undertake a project of this magnitude. With approximately 350 families and a modest annual offertory, the dream of restoring and beautifying their historic early-1900s church may have been out of reach. But by opting to conduct a combined or “piggyback” campaign through the Inspired by the Spirit diocesan campaign — and the extraordinary generosity of parishioners — this community accomplished something remarkable!
Together, they raised nearly six times their annual offertory, truly a witness to their faith and love for their church.
This past Mother’s Day weekend, we were blessed to share in the celebration of our Holy Mother Mary and her church through the fruits of this campaign.
A building that was showing the wear of time and was approaching a dangerous level of disrepair is now safe and radiates a renewed beauty and reverence! Click Here for some before and after photos!
During the liturgy, Bishop Gerard Battersby consecrated the new altar with sacred oil as well as the new candles and walls. He blessed new holy water, which was sprinkled throughout the walls of the church as well as all who were there. What a celebration that was years in the making!
It was an awesome experience!
For us, as campaign counsel, these moments are true gifts. Often, years pass between the campaign and project completion, and consultants are long gone before the work is celebrated. We are grateful that St. Mary’s invited us back! While our campaigns may have timelines – a beginning and an end, the relationships we build should not.
At Lynch Development Associates, we believe that our work is not simply helping parishes raise funds, but helping communities come together, strengthen their mission, and build and preserve sacred spaces for future generations to encounter Christ.
Being surrounded by parishioners whose prayers, sacrifices, and generosity made this restoration possible, we were reminded why we do this work. Not for projects alone, but for people. It is a privilege to journey with them — not only during a campaign, but long after the final pledge card is processed.
We are grateful to Fr. Jerzy Rebacz, pastor, Ann Hemmy, Parish Life Administrator, and the community of St. Mary of Mount Carmel parish for allowing us to share in such a holy and joyful day!
LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION
Original Background
Many times, during a Diocesan Capital Campaign parishes need to raise additional funds for projects right at home. These campaigns are referred to as combined campaigns. While the parish is still responsible for the diocesan campaign goal, they have chosen to go above and beyond to complete their own parish projects. That is just what Fr. Jerzy Rebacz did during our recent Diocese of La Crosse, Inspired by the Spirit all-parish campaign. Responsible for two parishes, Fr. Jerzy took advantage of the opportunity to raise substantial funds for much-needed restoration in both churches. With the support of his staff and a dedicated LDA director, both parishes not only exceeded their goals but St. James touted 116% of goal while St. Mary of Mount Carmel boasted 151% or almost 6 times their offertory! What an amazing time for these two parishes!