You Will Be My Witnesses Campaign
A Campaign for the Rockford Diocese
Dear St. Peter Family,
With a grateful heart, I am happy to share wonderful news: St. Peter Parish has reached and exceeded our goal for the You Will Be My Witnesses Campaign.
St. Peter Goal: $2,016,878
Total Funds Raised: $2,041,454
Percent to Goal: 101.2%
Percent Participation: 13.8%
When we launched this campaign on Pentecost, I asked each of you to pray a simple question: "Lord, how are You calling me to be Your witness?" You answered that question with remarkable generosity, and the result is a milestone in the life of our parish. Because we reached our goal, $806,751 will return to our parish to fund the four projects we identified together:
- Establish an Evangelization Endowment: $300,000
- Improve Campus Door Security: $150,000
- Renovate the Adoration Chapel: $150,000
- Establish a Major Repair Endowment: $206,751
And because we went beyond our goal, 60 cents of every dollar raised above $2,016,878 also comes back to St. Peter, roughly an additional $14,700 for our parish needs. The remainder of what we raised supports our brothers and sisters across the Diocese of Rockford — our Catholic schools, bilingual outreach through the Life Office, the Bishop Lane Retreat Center, and the Parish Opportunity Fund that helps parishes with fewer resources than our own.
A note on timing: campaign funds are returned to the parish as pledge payments are received over the three-year redemption period, not all at once. Faithfully fulfilling our pledges is what turns these promises into projects.
Our participation stands at 13.8%. I am genuinely grateful to every household that stepped forward. If you have not yet made a pledge, you are still warmly invited. Pledges may be fulfilled over three years; a gift of $30 a month becomes a $1,080 commitment.
My sincere thanks to our Campaign Chairs, John Callahan and Randy Tavierne, whose leadership carried this effort from beginning to end, and to every volunteer who made phone calls, hosted conversations, and encouraged their neighbors. We could not have done this without you.
Gratefully in Christ,
Fr. Browning
FAQs
How much will I be expected to give to the campaign?
Each of us will be invited to prayerfully consider making a sacrificial gift to the campaign. What that looks like will be different for every family. I encourage you to reflect on the many blessings God has given you and to respond in gratitude. Our giving is not simply financial—it is spiritual. It is an act of trust in God and a way we grow in holiness as we return a portion of what He first gave us.
How will we stay informed about the campaign’s progress?
We are committed to keeping you informed throughout the campaign. You will receive regular updates on our progress, goals, and projects through our parish bulletin, Flocknote emails, social media, The Observer, and the campaign website. Transparency and communication will be
important every step of the way.
How is our parish goal determined, and how much will St. Peter receive?
Each parish’s goal is based on its average offertory over the past three fiscal years. This helps ensure that the goal is both fair and reflective of the parish’s capacity. For every gift made by our parishioners, 40% will come directly back to St. Peter Parish to support our local projects. Even more encouraging, once we reach our goal, 60% of any additional funds raised will remain here at St.
Peter, allowing us to do even more for our parish community.
What happens if we do not reach our goal?
There is no penalty to the parish if we do not reach the full goal. The expectation is simply that we make a sincere and faithful effort, following the guidance provided by the diocese and the Steier Group. This campaign is not about pressure—it is about participation, prayer, and generosity according to each family’s ability.
Why This Campaign?
You may be wondering how this campaign differs from other collections you see during the year. The Diocesan Appeal is an annual appeal that supports the ongoing ministries and operations of the Diocese of Rockford, including seminarian education, Catholic Charities, and diocesan programs. Other special collections throughout the year support particular needs of the Church at the national or international level.
A capital campaign, however, occurs only occasionally and focuses on major, long-term initiatives for the future of the Church. In fact, it has been nearly twenty-five years since the Diocese of Rockford last conducted a diocesan-wide capital campaign, the “United in Faith” Campaign of
2000–2001, which established important endowments for Catholic education, seminarian formation, assistance for parishes in need, and the care of retired priests.
OUR PROJECTS
Establish an Evangelization Endowment
Cost: $300,000
An evangelization endowment fund will assist St. Peter Parish in sharing the Catholic faith more effectively. By providing
ongoing financial support, we’ll be able to offer faith formation workshops, host outreach events for families and youth, provide sacramental preparation programs and retreats, and offer adult education opportunities centered on the Gospel. The endowment will enable us to expand our community outreach, nurture the spiritual growth of our parishioners, and warmly welcome new members into our
faith family.
Improve Campus Door Security
Cost: $150,000
The safety and security of our parish and school community are paramount. Upgrading locks and installing advanced surveillance cameras at all campus entrances will modernize exterior access points by improving control systems and enhancing camera coverage. These enhancements will support a safe space for worship, learning and fellowship.
Renovate the Adoration Chapel
Cost: $150,000
The Adoration Chapel serves as the spiritual center of our parish, providing a dedicated environment for prayer, reflection, and encounters with Christ. By updating the flooring, improving lighting, and introducing new devotional artwork, we will enhance the chapel’s atmosphere, enrich parishioners’ experiences, and strengthen their connection to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
Establish a Major Repair Endowment
Cost: $206,751
A Major Repair Endowment will ensure perpetual funding for the essential preservation and restoration of our sacred
spaces. This endowment will support significant future undertakings, including HVAC systems, masonry, stained-glass windows, and other vital projects that maintain the beauty and integrity of our parish buildings. Our church and school buildings are priceless links to our heritage,
inspiring those here today and those who will come after us.
Why Pledging?
One of the most effective ways to participate in the You Will Be My Witnesses Campaign is through a pledge made over time. A pledge allows you to make a meaningful, even sacrificial gift, while still being attentive to your family’s financial responsibilities. By spreading your gift over three years, what might seem difficult at first often becomes very manageable.
For example, a family might initially consider a one-time gift of $1,000—which is already generous. But with a little reflection and planning, that same family may realize they can offer $1,000 each year for three years. That simple shift transforms a good gift into a truly impactful one—tripling its effect to $3,000 in support of the Church’s mission
This is how pledges strengthen the entire campaign. They allow us, together, to reach our goal and to do so in a way that is both generous and sustainable. It is also important to remember that 40% of what we raise will directly support our own parish project, making your gift not only an investment in the wider Church, but in our parish family as well.
A pledge is not a legal contract, but a good-faith intention—an offering made prayerfully and responsibly. It can be fulfilled in a way that best fits your situation: monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. In some cases, your generosity may even be increased through an employer matching gift. Additionally, your contribution may be taxdeductible, and the diocese will provide the necessary documentation each year. Above all, this is an invitation—
to prayerfully consider how the Lord is calling you and your family to respond with generosity, trust, and faith.
