The Diocese of Hamilton’s One Heart, One Soul Campaign has raised more than $23 million so far, with most of it benefiting parishes and the projects of their choosing. Our parish will kick off its participation in the campaign on Feb. 20-21. For the next few weeks, we’ll feature Frequently Asked Questions about the campaign, beginning with questions related to COVID-19. For the full list of FAQs and much more about the campaign, visit www.oneheartonesoul.ca

Q. Why are we doing the campaign? With the virus, shouldn’t we be focused on other priorities?

A. From the beginning, this campaign has been primarily about strengthening our parishes. Because of the pandemic, our parishes have even greater needs than when we started. Because the campaign is in place, we are in a better position than almost any diocese in North America to help our parishes recover from the blows suffered from COVID-19. The campaign offers parishes the opportunity to better fulfill their missions. There is no greater priority than that. Let’s make something extraordinarily positive for our Church out of something extraordinarily challenging!

Q. How can we ask for money from people who lost their job or are otherwise hurting financially because of the virus?

A. We certainly are very sensitive to the struggles parishioners are facing, whether related to the virus or not. That’s why we work with pastors and leaders at parishes to set and review request amounts. That process will be even more important throughout the rest of the campaign. It is not foolproof, though. Pastors do not know every parishioner’s situation. But there is never an intention to be insensitive to a parishioner’s suffering. Meanwhile, some parishioners are in a position to give now, and they want to help. The campaign gives them the opportunity to help and the confidence of knowing how the money will be used. Be assured that only those who are able to give are expected to do so, and ultimately the decision is between the donor and the Lord.