Greetings in the Lord!

This year marks our 125th Anniversary of the very first Mass celebrated in our Church building, presided by Bishop Patrick Donahue on Christmas Eve of 1897. As we remember and give praise to God for those who built our Church, now is the time to care for the Church building they entrusted to us. Through God’s blessings, our community has grown into a welcoming parish, with a strong tradition of worship that makes us a vibrant, active and dynamic place for parishioners of all ages

I am delighted and grateful to announce that the Basilica of Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart is undertaking a major campaign to provide funding for our parish and the needs of Sacred Heart Grade School – Renewing Our Present, Securing Our Future. I am humbled by the many parishioners, parents and volunteers who are leading this campaign, as well as to those who have already made a commitment of support. Thank you!

To be successful, I am asking every parish and school family to make a gift from the heart. Before you decide on the amount of your gift, please prayerfully consider the generosity God has shown you, and the importance of our mission.

I am blessed and thankful for your prayers as we begin this campaign. I am confident, with your help, we can Renew Our Present and Secure Our Future.

Yours in Christ,

Very Rev. Donald X. Higgs

 

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope to raise $3,000,000 over the next three years. The funds raised will be allocated:

  • $1 million Endowment Fund for the Parish
  • $1 million Endowment Fund for Sacred Heart Grade School
  • $1 million for other parish needs and obligations

We ask that you pray for the success of the campaign. Pray for God to provide direction for our campaign leaders and volunteers. Finally, pray for guidance on how you may offer financial support for our campaign. Ask the Lord to assist in defining your sacrificial and meaningful donation.

Our campaign offers a wide range of gift opportunities to participate at all levels. You may choose a plan that provides you with flexibility and time to complete your commitment. You can make an annual donation or set up recurring monthly payments.

A gift to the campaign does not take the place of your regular offering, or tithe. Parishioners are asked to make gifts above and beyond their regular weekly giving. To embark on a capital campaign is an extra-ordinary effort, meant to address extra-ordinary parish needs. Our weekend offertory can only support basic, budgeted parish needs.

Yes. Please note this on your commitment card.

The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston is supporting our campaign in numerous ways. First, they are matching every dollar we raise, in excess of $600,000.  Secondly, we are utilizing the Catholic Sharing Appeal professional staff to conduct our campaign. And lastly, we are engaging the West Virginia Catholic Foundation to invest and manage the endowment funds that will be created from our campaign.

There are NO Diocesan fees on any donations to the Renewing Our Past, Securing Our Future campaign. By utilizing the Catholic Sharing Appeal, we are saving money on material design and printing, as well as postage. This savings allows us to retain donations for the financial goals of the campaign.

Cash gifts are most common; however, there are other types of gifts that are accepted such as gifts of appreciated securities, donor advised funds, life insurance, qualified charitable distributions, and other tax-smart giving strategies .

 Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor or attorney for more information.

Campaign Resources

Ways to Give

Cash or Check

Checks should be made payable to Sacred Heart Campaign (CSA on memo line).

Credit Card / ACH Debit

Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express are accepted. Please see giving form above.

Employer Matching Gift

Your employer may have a matching gift program that will double your gift at no extra cost to you. Check with your (or your spouse’s) Human Resources Department to see if your employer offers a matching gift program.

Gifts of Appreciated Securities

Gifts held for more than one year, such as stocks, bonds, exchange-traded funds (EFTs), and mutual funds are accepted.

Download Guidelines and Instructions

Donor-Advised Funds

It’s easy to make a gift through a DAF. You make a gift of cash or other assets to your DAF (you may get a potential tax deduction at the time of your gift). Then, you simply recommend a grant to support the campaign.

Download Instructions

QCD

A QCD, also known as an “IRA Charitable Rollover Gift” is money that you can transfer directly from your traditional IRA account to any 501(c)3 charity.

Download QCD/IRA Instructions
and
Download a Letter Template for QCD/IRA