When I first started out in fundraising, this was more often than not the reaction among my friends and family when I shared my chosen career. Asked in a tone of mild disbelief, their reaction was somewhat understandable. After all, fundraising is not a very common job and, in our society, it is generally considered impolite to discuss money. And if all I did was talk about and ask people for money, I would probably share that sentiment and wouldn’t have stayed in fundraising long. Thankfully, that is not the case, and this year’s theme for The Basilica Fund drive—Gathered in Faith. Growing in Love. Giving with Joy—is an apt example of how I and The Basilica Mission Advancement staff approach this crucial task. It is also, in my experience, a perfect encapsulation of The Basilica community.
Since becoming a parishioner several years ago, I have had the great fortune to see firsthand how we as a parish gather in faith. One gathering that stands out in particular is my first Tenebrae service. In this powerful Good Friday liturgy, we commemorate the death of Jesus and his descent into hell. Taking part in this gathering impressed upon me in a new way the meaning of Christ’s suffering for our sins. Being able to experience this liturgy at my home parish made me grateful and proud of what The Basilica does for us as parishioners and the broader community, offering a variety of ways for us to come together in times of both celebration and reflection.
I have also witnessed our parish growing in love—love for one another, love for our Catholic faith, and love for the unique role The Basilica plays in our lives. As I served as an OCIA sponsor a few years ago, my own love grew for our faith—both for what it teaches us and how it calls us to action in the modern world. Even as a lifelong Catholic, there is always more I can learn.
Since joining as a staff member, I have had the great fortune of seeing how our faith community gives with joy—this includes financial gifts, of course, but also the gifts people give of themselves, their time, and their talents. I’ve met many people and donors and heard their “Basilica stories.” They have told me about what brought them to The Basilica, why they have become so involved, and the relationships they have made here. The joy conveyed in these conversations is palpable. And, for those folks I’ve talked with, their giving comes out of and supports this joy. This is why I have not minded asking people for money: because it is really asking them to support their joy, and a gift is how they do that.
This Fall, I encourage you to reflect on what about The Basilica and our parish community brings you joy. And from that joy, I invite you to join me in giving to The Basilica Fund. You can make a gift by using one of the envelopes in the pew, responding to a letter or email, or by donating online at mary.org/give.
If you find it difficult to find joy in your giving, I hope you will reach out to a staff member or parishioner to learn more about the amazing work happening at The Basilica and how your gift provides crucial support to the liturgies, programs, and services that are part of your Basilica story. Part of the joy in my own giving is knowing all the positive benefits that will result. If there is anything we can do to make that impact more apparent, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.
We hope you join us in this season to gather in faith, grow in love, and give with joy with our Basilica community.
Nathan Mueting
Managing Director of Mission Advancement