On my first day working at The Basilica, I was given a copy of Henri J.M. Nouwen’s book, A Spirituality of Fundraising. Nouwen, who died in 1996, was a Dutch priest and writer who published 39 books on a variety of theological and spiritual topics. I have always believed strongly in the importance of fundraising and philanthropy from a civic perspective, and I was excited to learn Nouwen’s thoughts on the topic from a Catholic one, and how it might apply to our current capital campaign.
Nouwen teaches that fundraising is itself a ministry of the Church. It is not a burdensome interruption of spiritual life but an extension of it. (Perhaps we could extend that line of thought to our impending move to celebrate Mass in Teresa of Calcutta Hall!) He explains that people do not give simply because a need exists. They give because they see lives transformed and want to be part of that transformation. The Basilica transforms lives in small and large ways every day, and our capital campaign speaks to this work and makes visible the resources needed to sustain where and how it happens.
As The Basilica asks for these resources, we strive to follow Nouwen’s words to ground asks in trust and gratitude and not in fear or guilt. We started this campaign with faith, believing that God, along with the intercession of Mary, will provide through the generosity of our parish and the wider community. An invitation to give is really an invitation to join your fellow parishioners in a shared spiritual journey, drawing us closer to Christ through gratitude and sacrifice.
Viewing the capital campaign through this lens, we see it is not only about fundraising goals and building plans, and it is never just about the money. It is an expression of faith, hope, and communal discernment. That discernment started years ago with thoughtful study and planning by parish leaders. As we move to the active fundraising phase, we will be inviting you to donate to the campaign (and to continue your stewardship giving for parish operations). We hope this invitation to give – whether done at Mass, in a letter, or in a one-one-one conversation – is followed by your sincere discernment. Responding to such an invitation becomes an act of discipleship for the entire parish community, and every gift becomes a sign of our commitment to The Basilica’s mission and to one another.
As we embark on this campaign, I hope we will respond as Nouwen advises and do so not with anxiety or apprehension, but with gratitude and hope, and that we see giving not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to participate in God’s work in the world. God has entrusted us with The Basilica during this time, and it is a mission worthy of investment. Each household has a part to play. Through this campaign let’s work together to restore the physical beauty of The Basilica and inspire hope in our future as a community of faith.
For more information, please visit RestoreOurBasilica.org or contact Nate Mueting, Managing Director of Mission Advancement at 612.317.3471 or nmueting@mary.org.