Thomas A. Edison once remarked, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”
Father Paul Grunebach didn’t miss out.
The pastor of Saint Oliver Plunkett Parish in Greene County seized an opportunity last year by taking part in the initial phase of Our Campaign for The Church Alive! In all, 11 pilot parishes provided a powerful example for the other 188 parishes to follow. Father Grunebach’s fellow priests took note.
“I thought, if we can reach the target in our two little churches, other pastors will believe they can do it as well,” Father Grunebach said. “Our parishioners jumped in and took us well past our goal. That was phenomenal.”
Clergy across the Diocese of Pittsburgh have led by example, starting with their own sacrificial gifts. They’ve exceeded 700 percent of the target they set for themselves with an average gift of more than $12,000.
Seventy-two percent of priests and deacons have pledged to date, one of the highest clergy participation rates in diocesan campaigns nationwide, according to Tom Kissane, a principal and managing director with CCS, the consulting firm hired to help direct the Church of Pittsburgh’s historic initiative.
“There are 178 Roman Catholic dioceses and archdioceses in the United States and most have run similar campaigns,” Kissane said. “The generous giving by the clergy in Pittsburgh is unprecedented.”
Inspirational stories abound. Father Bernard “Mike” Harcarik of Prince of Peace Parish on Pittsburgh’s South Side donated half his salary for five years in gratitude for Bishop Zubik allowing him to continue serving past age 75.
Father Lawrence DiNardo, chair of the campaign Pastors’ Advisory Committee, said there were some questions at the outset.
“We have never done a campaign of this magnitude before; it’s very new,” Father DiNardo said. “The clergy believed there was an absolute need and they have faith in the leadership of Bishop Zubik, but as a general rule, priests don’t like to ask for money.”
“The process has helped bring people together. It’s a moment of evangelization, learning more about our parishioners. That was a benefit not necessarily expected,” Father DiNardo added.
Father Jim Murphy of Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen Parish in Butler County, endorsed the campaign as a worthy endeavor, not only to strengthen parishes and reinvigorate ministries, but because it’s helped him grow as a pastor.
“I’ve found that our parishioners have a deep faith and trust in the Church that she will guide them,” Father Murphy said. “The campaign has helped me get closer to the people and learn more about their faith lives.”
Deacon Al Heiles, who serves on the Clergy Phase Task Force chaired by Most Rev. William Winter, retired auxiliary bishop, personally invited more than 200 priests and deacons to prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the campaign.
“I was blown away by their response and truly humbled by how they embraced the campaign,” Deacon Heiles said. “It shows they truly love Bishop Zubik and the church.”
“The priests especially gave sacrificially,” Father DiNardo said. “They love their faith and calling. There’s also a great deal of loyalty to the diocese since most of them grew up here, and they also respect the bishop’s leadership.”
“It’s harder to get the first donor than the last donor,” Father DiNardo noted. “The priests are the leaders. They are to be commended.”
Father Grunebach comes back to that first word in Edison’s quote.
“This has been an opportunity for me to show how grateful I am for my 38 years in the priesthood,” Father Grunebach said. “The campaign helps fulfill a longer term vision. It’s a sign that the people who are part of the kingdom of God want it grow stronger—not just in their lifetime, but well into the future.”
