Assumption Church engaged CCS for a feasibility study, audit, and campaign management for Faith, Family, Future, the church’s 175th commemorative campaign, which raised over $5M on an original $2.5M goal. Funds will allow repairs across the sprawling, historic campus.

Exterior view of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary church.

Based in: Morristown, NJ, Northeast US, United States

Sector: Catholic, Faith

Reach: Local

Key Elements

  • The Faith, Family, Future campaign raised over $5M on an original $2.5M goal.
  • CCS conducted a feasibility study that garnered participation from over 300 families.
  • The campaign commemorated the parish’s 175th anniversary.

As the pastor of Assumption Church, I am profoundly grateful for the dedication and commitment of every individual who made this campaign a resounding success. Thanks to the dedication of CCS and the steadfast commitment of our parishioners, we have surpassed our goals, raising over $5.8 million in donations. Through the Faith, Family, Future campaign, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish has not only safeguarded its rich legacy but has also paved the path for a thriving future.

Rev. Msgr. John E. Hart, pastor, The assumption of the blessed virgin mary

THE CHALLENGE

In honor of its rich history, marking both the 150th anniversary of its church building and the 175th anniversary of its founding as a parish community, The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish in Morristown, New Jersey, embarked on a journey to safeguard its legacy and secure its future prosperity. Facing the necessity of addressing critical and long-term repairs across its sprawling campus, including its historic church, school building, rectory, offices, and Ministry Center, the parish sought CCS’s expertise to assess the feasibility of executing a comprehensive commemorative campaign.

THE SOLUTION

CCS undertook an exhaustive feasibility study, conducting 37 personal interviews and a parish-wide survey with 312 parish families participating. Through meticulous quantitative and qualitative data analysis, CCS devised a robust fundraising plan tailored to harness the full potential of the parish’s resources.

THE impact

Guided by CCS’s expertise, Assumption Church launched the Faith, Family, Future campaign, surpassing all expectations by securing over $5.5 million in donations. The campaign’s success not only exceeded the initial goal but also facilitated the revelation of unforeseen capital needs, such as replacing the church organ, prompting an increase in the campaign target from $2.5 million to $4 million. This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of Assumption’s pastor, Msgr. John Hart, and the committed efforts of parish volunteers.

Already, the campaign’s triumph has enabled Assumption to undertake essential projects, including installing a new roof for its school, with further initiatives underway to enhance the parish’s facilities and infrastructure, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.

Featured Team Member

CCS was honored to collaborate with Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the success of our partnership stems from several pivotal factors. A compelling case, fueled by the unwavering dedication of parish volunteers and spearheaded by the dynamic leadership of Msgr. Hart and John Wooters, served as the cornerstone of their achievements. Their tireless advocacy and strategic guidance were instrumental in propelling the campaign forward, underscoring the power of collaborative efforts in realizing impactful outcomes.

Terence curley, senior vice president, CCS Fundraising
Terence Curley's headshot.

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