Frequently Asked Questions

Statute of Limitations

In light of recent news about the expansion of the statute of limitations for sexual abuse victims, we wanted to reiterate that gifts to Called to Renew are restricted to the elements outlined in campaign materials for both parishes and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.

A third-party vendor has been retained to ensure all campaign gifts are deposited into the appropriate parish and archdiocesan accounts as pledges are fulfilled. In addition, the archdiocesan Financial Services and Construction offices closely review how campaign funds are utilized to ensure gifts are solely used for the specified parish projects and ministries.

If you have any questions about the projects our parish has identified for its share of Called to Renew funds or the ministries that will benefit the Archdiocese as a whole, please contact the parish office.October, 23 2019

FAQ

What was the Called to Renew campaign?

Called to Renew was a capital and endowment campaign that raised toward a goal of $500 million to elevate parishes; strengthen ministerial outreach; support vocations and seminarian education; and to provide additional funding for scholarships to Catholic schools, religious education, and college campus ministries.

Why was this campaign needed?

The campaign was an historic opportunity to boldly renew the ways in which we live out our faith as missionary disciples in our communities. At the center of this renewal was the parishes and missions that make up our Archdiocese, most of which were built more than 60 years ago. Improvements in facilities and technology would create a more inviting environment for worship and community.

Parish Benefits

How did my parish benefit from this campaign?

The primary goals of the campaign were to help parishes fulfill their mission to serve others and to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Fifty percent of every dollar raised at each parish will be returned to the parish for its own needs. Once the goal is reached, the parish will receive 100% of each dollar collected above goal. This was a tremendous opportunity for parishes to expand and strengthen their ministries and programs. Parishes also received additional funds for their respective deferred maintenance needs.

When will parishes begin to receive their share of funds?

Parish are already receiving funds! The Archdiocese set up parish investment accounts for monies received through the Called to Renew campaign. Parishes will receive their first distribution at the conclusion of their parish campaign. Parish funds will be distributed quarterly thereafter throughout the redemption period. Distributions will be based on cash collected and will be deposited in special campaign Investment pool accounts. Statements will be issued monthly and available on the ADLA Investment Pool website.

Giving to the Campaign

How was this campaign different from Together in Mission?

The simplest way to think about this is to define the church as a home. Together in Mission and the weekly parish offertory are used to pay ongoing critical operating expenses such as salaries, insurance, utilities, etc., while campaign funds go towards larger periodic or one-time needs such as putting a new roof on the church, repaving the parking lot, or painting the exterior of the rectory. A recent facilities study confirmed that Archdiocesan parishes and schools require nearly $350 million in deferred maintenance needs.

How are pledges collected?

The Archdiocese has contracted with a vendor to receive payments and pledges, and will manage the redemption of gifts. The vendor will track pledges and gifts, and handle the payment reminders over the designated five-year pledge period. E-checks and credit/debit card payments are also accepted and encouraged.

Can I pay my pledge with an e-check or by credit/debit card?

Yes. We encourage payments by E-check or credit/debit card. Using one of these payment methods saves significantly in postage over the five-year redemption period.

Do you accept other methods of payment?

Called to Renew seeks to raise $500 million over a five-year period. To make fulfillment of pledges as easy as possible, we are accepting many forms of payment including, but not limited to: stock donations, IRA distributions, and corporate matching gifts. We will also accept bequests and other planned giving vehicles within guidelines. If you are interested in any of these, please indicate your preferred giving method on the pledge card and a campaign representative will follow up with you.

What is CCF-LA and how does it work?

The Catholic Community Foundation of Los Angeles (CCF-LA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that provides professional philanthropic services to individuals and charitable organizations. Those with a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) may recommend grants from their DAF be directed to the Archdiocese to fulfill a Called to Renew campaign gift.

Can I make a matching gift with my employer?

Yes, many corporations endeavor to match the charitable contributions of employees. Please contact your company’s human resources professional to determine if your company has a matching gift program.

What if a donor is unable to fulfill a commitment to the campaign?

Donors are asked to sign pledge cards to indicate they have agreed to the terms of the gift. Pledges to Called to Renew are not legally binding. If your situation changes and you need to adjust your pledge amount or payment options, we ask that you contact the Development Office at (213) 637-7555. There are several options available to modify your pledge to accommodate your new circumstances.

Accountability & Transparency

Will any of these funds be used for items other than the established case elements?

Absolutely not. The Archdiocese has both a legal and moral obligation to restrict these funds for the manner in which they are intended. The funds raised for the campaign will be used exclusively for the defined case elements. All gifts to the campaign are legally protected.

Will there be full reporting of the Campaign?

Yes. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles will issue an annual audited financial report that will be available online at lacatholics.org.

More Questions?

Contact Us

We’re here to answer any questions you have. Please feel free to call us: (213) 637-7555 or [email protected].