This past Fall, our parish underwent a pre-campaign study to help us determine the best way to address much-needed repairs and upgrades to our church. The study was conducted by Ruotolo Associates (RA), a philanthropic consulting firm based in Ridgewood, NJ, with 45 years of experience working with Catholic organizations.

The parish leadership received a detailed report of the findings. Due to the very positive results of the study, we plan on moving forward with the planning stages of the campaign. In the coming months we will share with you more information of our plan and approach.

Below is summary of the Study Report. We are very grateful to all who took the time to participate.

Purpose of the Study:

•        To engage parishioners of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish, particularly those most active, supportive, and engaged.

•        To determine strengths, weaknesses, and overall image of St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish.

•        To gauge receptivity of parishioners toward the Statement of Need.

•        To determine philanthropic potential for a capital campaign.

•        To define an approach for fundraising.

•        To determine strategic issues that may impact the implementation of a capital campaign.

•        To identify prospective volunteer leadership.

Methodology:

•        Ruotolo Associates (RA) was retained by St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish (SMK) in September 2025 to conduct a Pre-Campaign Study. The study concluded in November 2025.

•        Over 100 parish families received a personal invitation to an interview or focus group.

•        A total of 42 families participated in interviews.

•        One focus group was held. A total of 18 parish families participated.

•        All other parishioners were invited to participate in a survey. The survey was made available both electronically and in-pew. There were 85 responses to the survey.

•        In total, 139 families participated in the study.

•        According to the past fiscal year (2024):

o  The parish consists of approximately 1124 registered families

o  Approximately 570 families contributed to the regular offertory.

o  Annual offertory is approximately $506,985.

o  Roughly 387 families (68%) are considered financially active by RA ($260 per year toward the regular offertory); they account for $96% of the regular offertory.

o  The largest annual contribution from a single household was $15,010 with an approximate average gift of $890.

Key Highlights:

•        68.8% of participants have been parishioners for more than 10 years.

•        Overall, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish is perceived as a faithful community that is active, vibrant, welcoming, close-knit and with outstanding and supportive leadership.

•        77.5% of participant feel their needs (spiritual, ministerial, pastoral, and fellowship) are met, and 21% said they are somewhat met.

•        81% of participants feel that the parish communicates effectively with parishioners, 17% said somewhat, and only 2% said no.

•        The top three preferred methods of communication by parishioners in order of preference are the Pulpit Announcements, the Bulletin, and Email.

•        86.9% of parishioners believe the parish is well managed, 13.1% believe it is somewhat well managed, and 0% said it’s not.

•        Participants were asked if they believe that the projects proposed in the Statement of Need accurately reflect the needs of the parish. 74% said yes or to some extent.

•        The Church Entrance, the Pews, and the Roof were identified as the top 3 priorities from the list of proposed projects.

•        81% of participants see the parish as their “high” or “highest” philanthropic priority.

•        80% of parishioners said they will or may consider supporting a capital campaign for the proposed projects, in addition to their current contribution to the parish.

•        The average gift indication shared in the study was in the range of $7,000 – $10,400.

•        30.9% of participants indicated they will or may consider volunteering their time for the campaign.

“Full study report summary can be found by clicking here.