Parishioners' generosity on display once again for #weGiveCatholic

For the past six years, the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland has held its annual day of Catholic giving, #weGiveCatholic. The day helps parishes, schools, Catholic Charities and Catholic non-profits raise funds for a variety of projects.

This year, the parish set its sights on refreshing Utopia Hall with a goal of $40K which would have matched last year’s total.

During #GivingTuesday, the diocese hosts a livestream highlighting some select parishes, schools and Catholic organizations. This year, because of our previous success, St. Thomas More was one of the featured parishes during the afternoon show at weGiveCatholic.org (video of segment below).

The segment highlighted the generosity of the parishioners and the projects that have been completed this year from a new walkway, flag poles, parking lot and school upgrades. While not all the funds came from #weGiveCatholic, it was the 2020 campaign that got the ball rolling.

This year, the parish raised $22,555. In addition, the parish was awarded $800 in matching funds and was the top medium-sized parish for an additional $2,000 in prize money. When it’s all said and done, the parish stands to gain just over $25K.

While the amount was short of the goal, there are some impressive numbers to consider that made this #weGiveCatholic a great day and ultimately a great year:

• The average donation to this year’s #weGiveCatholic was $180.
• We had the highest total number of donors for a medium-size parish at 125.
• When we look at last year’s #weGiveCatholic, the 75th anniversary campaign and this year’s #weGiveCatholic, parishioners have donated almost $150K to the parish for needed projects and maintenance.

The parish and school continue to show its generous spirit with projects like the Thanksgiving food drive, winter clothing drive, Advent Giving Tree and more.

As Father Mike concluded his Dec. 5 bulletin column, "Let’s continue to say 'Thank You!' to all of our benefactors who helped us to have what we now have here at STM. Let us ALSO plan and build for our future for those who will be in these pews and walk our hallways. Just as St. Paul wrote, 'And this is my prayer; that your love may increase even more and more … for the glory and praise of God.'"