Generation to Generation Campaign

Join us in this transformative campaign to strengthen our parish, support our dedicated priests, and uplift vulnerable communities. Together, we can share the light of faith with the next generation of disciples at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

  • Progress Tracker: Visual progress bar showing amount raised vs goal
    • Enhanced Goal: $6,000,000
    • Total Raised: $ $3,009,500 as of 4/07/2025 (this will have to be updated on a weekly basis)
Image
gentogen_Tracker042225

What the Campaign is About

  • Case Components at Archdiocese
    • Strengthen Local Parishes
      • Spiritually Renew Our Parishes
      • Support Our Priests
      • Assist Vulnerable Communities
      • CLICK HERE to learn more.

  • OLPH Priorities

Through much prayer, planning and conversation, we have identified our greatest needs and initiatives to strengthen our mission and vision for years to come. With our share of the funds raised – 50% of contributions up to $3,725,000 (Archdiocese Set Parish Goal), 80% of anything from $3,725,000 to $7,450,000 (twice the Archdiocese Set Parish Goal) and 100% of any amount raised beyond $7,450,000 – we plan to address the following projects, depending on funds raised through the campaign: 

Below are the areas designed for upgrading or renovation through the Generation to Generation Campaign. CLICK HERE for a  downloadable pdf for more information.

  • HOSPITALITY CENTER- learn more: We would like to build a Hospitality Center in the unfinished area of the first floor, at the north end of the parish center. This space will serve as a welcoming area for parishioners to gather after mass and share faith, meals and ideas, as well as for simple social gatherings. The Hospitality Center will become the host site for ministry meetings and other faith-based groups as it will feature a kitchenette and lounge area. The goal is to create a warm and inviting environment that fosters community and spiritual growth.

    • ENHANCED CAMPUS ACCESSIBILITY- learn more: We would like to install two elevators on the parish campus to enhance accessibility for students and parishioners. One elevator will be located in the Playdium, while the other will be installed at the main entrance of the Lexington building, providing easy access to the gym and school. This project aims to ensure that all members of the community can navigate the campus comfortably and independently

    • UPGRADED CAMPUS SECURITY - learn more: To enhance student safety across campus, we will install secured second-tier entrance doors in our school buildings. We will also create a secured visitor entrance in the Lexington building. This measure aims to ensure the safety of students, staff and visitors by monitoring entry points and deterring unauthorized access. By implementing this system, the parish is committed to creating a secure and protected environment for the entire community

    • AIR CONDITIONING FOR OUR SCHOOL - learn more: Providing replacement air conditioning units for approximately 30 school classrooms is essential to maintaining a comfortable and conducive learning environment for students. This upgrade will improve focus, health and overall well-being, especially during warmer months. Investing in these new air conditioning units ensures our children and staff have the best possible conditions for success.

    • GLENVIEW ROAD ENTRANCE - learn more: We plan to enhance the Glenview Road parking lot entrance to ensure all church and school visitors feel welcomed. The renovations will include inviting signage and attractive landscaping, creating a prominent entryway along Glenview Road.

    •  SISTER PAULANNE’S SHARING PARISH LEGACY GIFT -learn more: We are committed to continuing our support for our Sharing Parishes by donating $25,000 to each: St. Sabina, St. James Church, Mother of the Americas and St. Josephine Bakhita. These contributions will help sustain their vital community programs and services. We recently celebrated 40 years with our sharing parishes and plan to make these gifts in honor of Sister Paulanne who initiated and sustained this ongoing partnership over 40 years ago.

    •  REFURBISH OUR PEWS -learn more: Our pews, which have served us for decades, are showing signs of wear. Refurbishing them will provide a more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing worship environment. By restoring the pews, we can maintain the church’s beauty and ensure a welcoming space for our congregation.

Ways to Give

We’re inviting every household in OLPH to prayerfully consider making a campaign pledge. Pledges can be spread over five years, giving families the flexibility to give more than they might with a one-time gift.

You can choose the payment schedule and method that works best for you—monthly, quarterly, or annually. Every gift brings us closer to reaching our parish goal and meeting our shared needs.

FAQ Section

Q: What is Generation to Generation: Answer the Call?

A: Generation to Generation: Answer the Call is a capital campaign with a goal to raise $300 million+ in gifts and pledges to strengthen local parishes, spiritually renew our parishes, support our priests, and assist vulnerable communities.

Q: Why is the Archdiocese of Chicago embarking on a capital campaign?

A: The Archdiocese of Chicago is at a pivotal moment in shaping the future of our local church. Today confident of God’s grace, we are being called to take up with fresh energy the mission of Christ by reimagining our Catholic presence, ministries and service. Through the campaign we aim to strengthen all our parishes in Cook and Lake counties.

Q: Which parishes are participating in the Generation to Generation: Answer the Call campaign? 

A: All parishes in the archdiocese will participate in the campaign.

Q: How will parishes participate?

A: Parishes will conduct their own Generation to Generation campaigns, supported by a member of the campaign team and relying on the following five principles to reach their targets:

1) prayer, 2) personal visits, 3) proportional giving, 4) phase-by-phase approach and 5) pledged gifts

Q: Is the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) taking place during the campaign?

A: Yes, the ACA will continue to be conducted annually. Generation to Generation is a capital campaign to meet the future needs of the archdiocese, while the ACA helps fund the ongoing ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago each year. The campaign office will work with parishes to educate parishioners on the difference between Generation to Generation and the Annual Catholic Appeal.

Q: How are parish campaign goals set?

A: Parish goals will be set at 130% of the parish's offertory income from the most recent available fiscal year.

In line with Annual Catholic Appeal practice, a few parishes serving low-income communities will have goals of 100% of their latest fiscal year offertory. These parishes will be determined using known financial and demographic information of the parish community including U.S. Census data.

Q: How will campaign funds be allocated?

A: Funds designated for the shared ministries of Generation to Generation will be allocated based on the percentages outlined in the campaign case statement. These funds will be directed to ministries as needs arise, regardless of whether the overall campaign goal has been met. Parishes will retain 50 cents of each dollar up to goal, 80 cents of each dollar after surpassing the goal in cash payments, and 100% of each dollar after surpassing 200% of the parish's goal in cash payments.

Q: Will Generation to Generation affect parish offertory?

A: Donors will be asked to consider a gift above and beyond their offertory giving. Offertory is expected to remain constant during Generation to Generation’s five-year pledge period.

Q: How much will families be asked to give?

A: Every family in the archdiocese will be asked to consider a sacrificial gift to Generation to Generation in the spirit of Christian stewardship. The suggested request amounts will vary from donor to donor.

Q: Why emphasize pledged gifts?

A: Pledges may be paid in installments over five years, allowing families to make larger commitments than they might otherwise consider. Pledged gifts are typically four to five times larger than a one-time gift.

Q: Why is an initial payment requested? Is it required?

A: While not required, many donors are eager to begin fulfilling their pledges. In addition, an initial payment is a strong indication of a donor’s commitment to completing a campaign pledge. Initial payment checks should be made payable to: Generation to Generation.

Q: How should payments be made to fulfill a pledge?

A: After the initial collection of pledge forms at the parish level, the archdiocese will administer the pledge follow-up process. Donors will be given the option of making payments annually, quarterly or monthly for up to five years by check, credit/debit card, automated debit to checking account and securities. Checks should be made payable to: Generation to Generation.

Q: Why are donors asked to complete a pledge card?

A: Pledge cards record and acknowledge campaign commitments as well as provide donors with a reminder of their requested payment schedule. Donors sign the pledge card to authorize the terms of their gift.

Q: Are gifts to the campaign tax-deductible?

A: You will receive an acknowledgement of your gift for tax purposes. Please also consult with tax and financial experts.

Q: How will Renewal Funds be spent?

A: Together, led by the Holy Spirit, we will renew Christ’s Church. This generational effort will focus on two initiatives: The Archdiocesan Renewal Center and digital outreach for people exploring faith. Our Renewal Center will focus on intentional on-the-ground support of parishes, an ongoing calendar of renewal workshops and events, and ongoing faith research. The digital outreach platform will feature tailored online workshops and curated content, hosted on a digital platform, that will invite those who are spiritually hungry to spiritual exploration based on their own attitudes, preference and prior experiences.

Q: How will Priest Funds be spent?

A: Funds will be used to priest pastoral and professional development, and the care and well-being of our priests through health-care and retirement programs.

Q: How will Parish Vitality Funds be spent?

A: The Parish Vitality Fund will support parishes in vibrant but low-income communities through critical capital maintenance or improvement, operating support for vibrant ministry or service, and grants to help ignite parish renewal.

Q: Will funds raised be used to defray costs related to priest misconduct?

A: No money donated to Generation to Generation: Answer the Call will be used to defray expenses related to misconduct issues.

Q: What if I have to change or modify my pledge?

A: You are able to change or modify your pledge at any time. Please call the Stewardship and Development Office at 312.534.8500.

Q: How will I hear about campaign progress?

A: The archdiocese will distribute campaign updates and good news to parishioners and parishes throughout the campaign.

Q: What happened with the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign?

A: The To Teach Who Christ Is campaign allowed the archdiocese to invest generously in local parish needs, support scholarships for Catholic school families, increase funding for religious education and met critical facility needs. To learn more visit giving.archchicago.org/ttwci/your-impact.

Q: How will funds donated to Generation to Generation be maintained and distributed?

A: Gifts to Generation to Generation will be held in separate, restricted accounts and used solely for the specific priorities set forth in the campaign case statement, the Generation to Generation web page under “Case Components,” and, as to the funds allocated to the parishes, each parish’s campaign case statement.

Q: How will the campaign be paid for?

A: Campaign goals are approximate and based on anticipated needs and contributions. Final distributions will be based on actual contributions and net of related campaign expenses and fees.

For more frequently asked questions, visit our website at archchicago.org/gentogen.

Campaign Supporters

  • We will update this list as it becomes available.

  • By making a gift to the Generation to Generation campaign, you direct your donations to be used solely for restricted purposes specifically identified in the Generation to Generation campaign case statement as well as the relevant local parish case statement.

  • CLICK HERE from information for general Archdiocese information regarding the campaign.

Image
gentogen_footer