Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Parishes and schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville raised over $780,000 during this year’s #iGiveCatholic campaign on Giving Tuesday. Thirty-eight parishes and schools took part in the annual fundraising event, which is held each year on the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

The Archdiocese of Louisville ranked fourth among archdioceses participating in the national campaign, following St. Louis, New Orleans, and Atlanta. Across the United States, 1,845 Catholic parishes, schools, and organizations received more than $26 million from 64,000 donors.

Molly Keene Smith, director of the Office of Mission Advancement for the Archdiocese of Louisville, commented on the results: “Overwhelming testament to the goodness and generosity of the faithful here in the Archdiocese of Louisville.” She added: “I was amazed at the creative and fun videos and social media posts that our organizations produced to highlight their projects. We hope that #iGiveCatholic will continue to grow and provide funds for so many worthwhile good works!”

Smith explained that #iGiveCatholic allows parishes and schools to raise money for practical needs recognized by their communities. This marks the third year of participation for the archdiocese; it began with 31 organizations raising $220,000 in its first year. The second year saw donations double to $475,000 with a similar number of participants.

Funds raised this year will support various initiatives. St. Edward Church in Jeffersontown launched its “Renovate, Illuminate and Elevate Campaign,” surpassing its goal by collecting $103,295 from 181 donations. According to its #iGiveCatholic listing: “Your contribution will help us renovate our worn down flooring. Your donation will allow us to illuminate hallways with better lighting and fresh paint. So that, together we will elevate our academic environment.”

Holy Cross High School raised over $12,000 to support retreat programs for students as well as faculty and staff. Its campaign description stated: “We are committed to ensuring every student every year participates in a retreat program. Additionally, every faculty and staff person also participates in a retreat. Will you help us cover the cost of this program?”

Official giving day results include donations made between November 17 and December 9; however, participating organizations may continue collecting online contributions throughout the year.

The Archdiocese of Louisville oversees parishes and ministries across central Kentucky as part of its mission within the Roman Catholic Church http://www.archlou.org/. It promotes spiritual development through worship services, sacraments, faith education programs, community outreach efforts, stewardship resources, pastoral care services across multiple parishes http://www.archlou.org/, historical preservation activities http://www.archlou.org/, ministry leadership under an Archbishop http://www.archlou.org/, consultative bodies such as a Pastoral Council http://www.archlou.org/, all aimed at spreading Gospel values while advancing justice and compassion within Kentucky communities http://www.archlou.org/.

Those interested in joining next year's campaign can visit www.igivecatholic.org or contact Molly Keene Smith after the holidays at mksmith@archlou.org.