Annual Appeal

June 5, 2025

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

So far we are slightly behind than last year in achieving our goal in the annual appeal of the Archdiocese of Newark. We have reached $58,785, or 85%, our primary goal of $ 68,715. We also have a stretch goal of $82,458. If we reach this 2nd goal we can become eligible for some extra benefits.

Pledges made by June 30, 2025, that exceed the Stretch Goal of $82,458 will make our parish eligible for a rebate. The actual rebate amount will be based on the funds pledged by June 30, 2025 and collected by December 31, 2025. In 2024 we received a rebate of $3500. And, perhaps more significantly, if we meet or exceed this stretch goal in funds collected by June 30, 2025, IHM will receive a 2% assessment rate reduction in our parish assessment for Fiscal Year 2024. This is a potential savings of $14,00-$15,000 for our parish. In 2024-25 we saved more than $14,000 in assessment reduction for fiscal year 2022024-2025. IHM will use any rebate money or savings towards our parish needs such as maintenance and infrastructure needs.

In short, if we make our stretch goal of $82,458 in donations received by June 30, 2025 we could save $14,000 + in annual assessment. If we reach that same goal in pledges we could receive a rebate for some of the amount over goal. We are currently $28,633 short of reaching our stretch goal in donations received ($23,673 in pledged funds).

If you have already made a donation to the annual appeal on behalf of those who benefit from your generosity I thank you. If you have made a pledge but have not fulfilled it I ask that you consider doing so prior to June 30, 2025 if feasible. If you are still considering a donation to this years appeal I ask that you make a donation prior to June 30, 2025. If you were not planning on making a donation I would ask you to prayerfully consider doing so. It will not only help our parish community but will also benefit many throughout the Archdiocese of Newark in many different ways.

Donations and pledges can be made online using this link: https://rcan.org/sharing. Please make sure you choose Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scotch Plains as your parish. You can also use the envelopes found in the church, which can be placed in the collection basket.

Here are some links that can help you know how the funds from this appeal are used in assisting the many ministries of the Archdiocese of Newark, parishes and schools in need, educating and on-going formation of priests and much more.

Thank you for your generosity and prayers.

Sincerely, Fr. Mike