After almost 20 years and three failed attempts to secure the funds to create a permanent worship space, St. Gerard Majella Parish in Port Jefferson Station, NY nearly gave up.
Under the new leadership of Fr. Gregory Rannazzisi and Deacon Frank Dell'Aglio, it became clear that the past had to be faced and the community needed to be freed from this cloud of failure and move forward.
With a fresh plan and renewed spirit, Fr. Greg and Deacon Frank sought the right partner. They invited LDA to guide them in this new and enhanced effort to raise the necessary resources to renovate and expand their campus and finally establish a permanent worship space.
We learned and acknowledged their past, kept our eyes on the present, and our hearts focused on the future.
LDA journeyed with St. Gerard's throughout this campaign, being ever-present to the leadership and the community. St. Gerard's raised more than $2.1 million to replace their roof, HVAC, and alarm systems, renovate the parking lot, build a new parish hall, and yes, finally create a beautiful, permanent church.
Congratulations to the community of St. Gerard Majella!
Some Keys to Their Success:
- A Clear and Focused Plan – any campaign effort must be strategically designed, realistic, and achievable.
- Committed Leadership – from the pastor to the staff to the heads of ministry, everyone must be on board.
- Transparency and Communication – when battling against negative history, acknowledging the past and stating the facts clearly, directly, and regularly will prevent additional misinformation, and trust can begin to grow.
- Stick to the Plan – while doubt may enter at points, trusting in your customized plan and following through will produce results.
- Dedicated Counsel – with any campaign effort, the greatest success can be attained with a partner who understands your parish and is present for each step of your campaign journey.
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION