Development Office staff 'blown away'  by Project Advance generosity despite economy 

In spite of record inflation and an ever-increasing cost of living, Vancouver Catholics tightened their belts and gave generously to Project Advance in 2023.

In a statement, Archbishop J. Michael Miller expressed his “heartfelt gratitude to all those who gave so generously” to Project Advance in 2023. 

“Once again, the faithful of the Archdiocese showed their love for the needs of their parish and of our local Church,” he wrote. “May the good Lord reward your thoughtfulness.”

Fernando Amaral of the Development Office said there were concerns that the terrible economic climate would reduce donations, but staff were “blown away” by the results.

“We knew that everyone is struggling: groceries are expensive, the news is always talking about it. We sort of expected to see that in Project Advance,” Amaral said.

“Instead, we saw crazy generosity; it surpassed all our expectations,” he said.

Vancouver Catholics donated more than $7.3 million to the annual campaign, more than double the target of $3 million. While much of the fund will be returned to parishes as rebates fund their development projects, Project Advance also funds parish and school building infrastructure across the Archdiocese.

An additional $100,000 is set aside for special grants for causes like Sancta Maria House, which provides lodgings and resources for women overcoming drug addiction. Catholic Street Missionaries, which ministers to the spiritual and material needs of Vancouver’s homeless population, is among other programs that will receive funding.

The personal approach is key: pastor

Father Reynaldo Usman, the pastor of Precious Blood Parish in Surrey, picked up the phone and personally called many of his parishioners who have given to Project Advance in recent years.

He transferred into the parish halfway through the year to find donations were low, although not uncommonly so for that period in the campaign. By November, the numbers hadn’t improved as much as he had hoped.

He was aware of the financial stress people were dealing with, but the parish school, Cloverdale Catholic Elementary, needed a new boiler, and Project Advance contributions would help cover the cost of replacement. He set a goal for himself to raise $75,000 – a sum well above the archdiocese’s goal for the parish.

Father Usman knew from experience that when he reached out to parishioners personally, they responded. After some discernment, he decided to call anyone who had given in recent years to simply find out how things were going with them.

“I didn’t have an expectation for them to give the same amount as last year,” he told The B.C. Catholic. “I just wanted to get them to give any amount they were comfortable with. I know the situation. I didn’t expect any big amount.”

As expected, a personal touch made all the difference. “When I tell people I will call them, they become more aware. They welcomed the call and were happy to speak with the pastor.”

The calls also helped him connect with parishioners. “During the phone conversations, I could tell them I would like to get to know them more,” he said. “After Mass, they sort of say ‘hi,’ but over the phone, I get to know their voices.”

Transparency also helped, with clear communication about how the money would be used in the parish.

“I think people are happy to know where their money is going. I try to be transparent to the parishioner about the money that is going to the parish,” he said.

While the phone calls were a financial success – the parish hit $78,000 on final count, with one generous parishioner giving Father Usman a cheque for $5,000 the day after he called – this is up from the $65,000 raised the previous year.

“People were very generous. When you make it clear what the parish needs, they respond well.”

More information about Project Advance 2023 can be found here.

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