Frequently Asked Questions

St. Mark's Family of Faith Campaign Frequently Asked Questions

 WHY IS ST. MARK’S EMBARKING ON A CAPITAL CAMPAIGN NOW?

We desperately need expanded seating space to accommodate our growing parish family. With the Archdiocesan campaign also taking place, we have carefully considered and decided to use this opportunity to serve the needs of our parishioners and the overall Archdiocese.

HOW WILL THE EXPANSION IMPROVE THE LIFE OF THE PARISH?

St. Mark’s will continue to provide a spiritual home that is warm, welcoming and safe. We seek to expand our worship and greeting space as well as to have adequate meeting areas for our various ministries such
as the Women’s Group, the Youth Ministry, the RCIA, the Squires, etc.

WHAT IS THE CAMPAIGN GOAL?

The minimum goal for our campaign is $1,300,000. We hope to exceed that goal so that we can include an elevator and also reduce our loan.

HOW MUCH WILL THE CONSTRUCTION COST AND HOW WILL IT BE FUNDED?

Construction of Phase I is approximately $3.3M. We will also contribute $326,000 towards the Archdiocesan Family of Faith Campaign. Funding will be through the parish’s Building Fund account of $925,500, an Archdiocese loan of $1.3M and our Campaign goal of $1.3M.

WHY ARE WE BEING ASKED TO CONSIDER A FIVE-YEAR PLEDGE?

Raising these funds over a five-year period will help us to achieve our goals without placing undue financial pressure upon our parishioners and community supporters. Knowing the intentions of parishioners at the beginning of the period allows the parish to plan. All pledges can be changed at any time and are not legally binding. We realize that some people may not be in a position to pledge for this period of time. Gifts given one year at a time over the five year campaign are also most appreciated.

HOW LONG WILL THE CONSTRUCTION PHASE LAST?

It is anticipated that the construction phase will last approximately 18 months. The Building Committee advises that every attempt to minimize inconvenience and disruption to parishioners during this period will be undertaken.

HOW MUCH SHOULD WE GIVE?

Your gift should represent a meaningful and proportionate personal sacrifice (above your regular weekly offerings) in accordance with your financial ability to give. A Guideline has been provided for your prayerful consideration.

SHOULD OUR PLEDGE BE IN ADDITION TO WHAT WE ARE CONTRIBUTING IN OUR REGULAR OFFERING?

Yes, all gifts to the campaign are over and above your weekly offering. You will receive a tax receipt for the portion you give to the campaign.

ARE THERE OTHER WAYS I CAN GIVE?

Yes, we accept gifts of publicly traded securities (stocks or other marketable securities). Gifts-in-kind, annuities, gifts of personal property, life insurance and other Planned Gifts are also accepted. For more information, please contact Quentin Schesnuik at 416-934-3400 ext. 561 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

IF OUR FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES CHANGE, MAY WE ALTER OUR PLEDGE?

Yes. All pledges are non-legally binding and only an expression of our commitment. All gifts can be changed at any time by contacting the parish office or the Donations Processing Centre of the Archdiocese at 416-934-3400 ext. 536 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WHO CAN WE CONTACT TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN?

We have a campaign office set up at the Church. Additional information is available from any one of our Campaign Committee members and may be reached at sThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

WHAT ABOUT THE BUILDING FUND ENVELOPES?

Starting September, all donations for the building fund will be directed towards the Family of Faith campaign. Building fund envelops will be replaced with Family of faith / Church Expansion Fund envelops in January 2016 - 2021. Every member of the parish will be visited and receive a package of information and a pledge card and envelop to make a 5 year pledge. You are encouraged to use the envelopes to make a pledge towards the campaign after receiving your personal visit. Parishioners who pledge may redeem their pledge in these envelops over the course of 5 years, and may consider additional financial support over and above their original plans in this envelop. Those who do not wish to pledge but would like to financially contribute to the campaign may do so with these envelopes. If you have chosen pre-authorized payments as your method of contributing, you will not need to use the envelopes.

WHAT ABOUT THE ELEVATOR?

As we examined the numbers more closely, it became apparent that an elevator providing access to our parish hall was going to cost roughly $250,000. We have heard your comments from the feasibility study and understand that an elevator is something near and dear to your hearts. We will proceed with the elevator after a review of our plans and once we have sufficient funds to allow us to do so.

WILL THERE BE ANY RECOGNITION OF MY CONTRIBUTION TO THE CHURCH?

We are currently looking at different ways to recognize the generosity of our parishioners and community supporters. Certainly we would not do this publicly without your permission, but we would very much like to acknowledge all who take part in this important project.

CAN I DONATE TO THIS PROJECT IN MEMORY OF A DECEASED RELATIVE?

We are exploring the possibility of a memorial program. With your permission, appropriate recognition may be provided.

CAN I MAKE A ONE-TIME GIFT INSTEAD OF A 5-YEAR PLEDGE?

Absolutely! All gifts are gratefully appreciated! We understand that annual gifts may be forthcoming in the five years in lieu of pledging and people may make the kind and frequency of gift that they desire.

IS THERE GOING TO BE ANOTHER FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN AFTER THIS EXPANSION PROJECT?

We do not plan another fundraising campaign of this scale. We hope to raise enough money to reach and exceed our goal. This is our one chance to get it right!

AM I STILL GOING TO BE ASKED FOR MONEY FOR OUTSIDE AGENCIES?

We are still called to do God’s work with missions and other worthy causes. These opportunities are provided for those who are able to provide financial assistance. Your conscience must be your guide in these matters.