St. Martha Capital Campaign and Annual Fall Fundraiser Q & As

The Lord has placed before us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen the presence and affordability of Catholic education in our area now and well into the future. As in previous years, we will conduct the annual Saint Martha Fall Fundraiser for current student needs. We will also participate in the Diocese of Lansing’s Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Capital Campaign for long-term needs.  Below are answers to common questions you may have:

Why are we doing two fundraisers at once? I worry it’s asking too much.

The timing of two financial appeals at the same time – the annual Fall Fundraiser and the Diocesan Capital Campaign – presents an opportunity to clarify differences between the two: The annual Saint Martha Fall Fundraiser raises resources to benefit our students today while the Stewardship for Saints and Scholars capital campaign is asking for pledges to be made over a five-year period. Due to strong parishioner response to build new classrooms for the school, parish finance council and pastoral leadership – in consultation with the diocese and the Steier Group – believe the time is now to begin the pledge drive.   

What are the differences between the two campaigns?

The Fall Fundraiser is Saint Martha’s long-standing annual appeal to raise money for the current needs of school and faith formation students. The Stewardship for Saints and Scholars campaign is a future-orientedfive-year appeal driven by the Diocese to support Bishop Boyea’s vision for the future of Catholic education, both across the Diocese and here at Saint Martha. 

What is the purpose for the Diocese of Lansing Stewardship for Saints and Scholars Campaign?

Bishop Boyea and the Diocese of Lansing have launched a five-year pledge appeal to raise $70 million across the Diocese for four Catholic education-related purposes: tuition assistance, teacher retention and formation, special needs students, and faith formation and homeschool initiatives. Parishioners are asked to make a pledge, payable over a five-year period. Saint Martha is responsible for raising $1.4 million in pledges toward this effort. The Diocese is also allowing parishes to raise funds for a significant local need and we are now working to raise an additional $3.8 million to build 5-6 new classrooms for Saint Martha School. 

What is the purpose of the Saint Martha Fall Fundraiser?

The Fall Fundraiser directly benefits current needsof the youth of Saint Martha. Your contribution will support students enrolled today in the school and those in the faith formation program through the purchase of necessary academic and religious materials. Contributions also help to keep tuition low and affordable for all who wish to provide their child(ren) with the gift of a Catholic education.

Will there be a celebration like previous years to close out the Fall Fundraiser?

Yes!  Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 16.  From 6 to 11 pm we will celebrate the close-out of the Fall Fundraiser and hold a live and silent auction in the Blessed Chiara gymnasium with music, dancing, and food. This celebraton is 21 and up with semi-formal attire. Come prepared to bid on excellent items, excursions, and opportunities.  All proceeds from the November 16 auction will go toward the Fall Fundraiser to benefit current needs of the youth of Saint Martha Parish and School. Donation cards for the fundraiser and invitations will be sent this fall to families registered with the parish. 

Thank you for your support of our youth at St. Martha Parish & School!