SS. Peter and Paul Parish, 12433 S. Halsted St., embraced the mission of To Teach Who Christ Is, and its efforts helped the current wave of parishes participating in the campaign to surpass their collective goal. The seven parishes of Wave IIIa have now received $6.2 million in gifts and pledges, totaling 104 percent of their $5.9 million goal. Three of the parishes — SS. Peter and Paul, along with St. Vincent Ferrer in River Forest and St. Paul of the Cross in Park Ridge — have exceeded their individual goals. “This a great, great sacrifice,” says Father Honoratus Mwageni, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul, with its 160 registered parishioners. “Committee members worked very hard to make this campaign a success.” SS. Peter and Paul has raised $175,678, putting it at 211 percent of it standard campaign goal. The funds the parish will retain from To Teach Who Christ Is — just over $142,000 — will be designated for facility needs, including painting the interior and exterior of the church and remodeling a restroom. Mwageni credits campaign executive committee members for his parish’s success. Not only did all nine members pledge their own gifts, they decided to personally visit their fellow parishioners to explain the importance of To Teach Who Christ Is. The parish has a 58 percent participation rate — one of the highest of the campaign to date. “The CEC understands the needs of the parish and the needs of the diocese,” Mwageni says of committee members. Larry Campbell, chair of the campaign committee and frequent parish volunteer, was passionate about helping SS. Peter and Paul meet its To Teach Who Christ Is goal. He says he and other leaders embraced the campaign as an opportunity for the parish to benefit from campaign funds, as they realized the urgency of the parish’s facility repairs. “It was tremendous for the parish to be together, to work as a family, and everyone in our parish sacrificed,” Campbell said. “We’re very proud of our achievement.” Campbell is not surprised the parish was successful. “I’ve learned very strongly in this parish that the Holy Spirit enriches our efforts,” he says. “The many times that Father and his various committees have challenged us to do big things, we seem to exceed.” St. Vincent Ferrer and St. Paul of the Cross both set enhanced goals to meet greater local needs. To date, St. Vincent Ferrer has raised $1.6 million, or 143 percent of its standard goal, and plans to build a new multipurpose hall for parish gatherings. St. Paul of the Cross has raised $3.4 million, or 147 percent of its standard goal, and has significant renovations planned, including remodeling its upper church and Holy Family Chapel, refurbishing its conference room, building a new playground, and making its adoration chapel handicapped- accessible. Gifts continue to be accepted at Wave IIIa’s remaining parishes: St. Vincent de Paul, St. Mary of the Lake and St. Bede the Venerable in Chicago; and St. Joseph in Round Lake. Wave IIIb’s 22 parishes are currently at 28 percent of their collective goal of $14.3 million. Wave IV will begin in early autumn in 68 parishes, following a kickoff orientation with Archbishop Cupich in July. To Teach Who Christ Is is a capital and endowment campaign to raise a minimum of $350 million for parishes, faith formation and Catholic education, such as through scholarships, and grants for facility improvements. For more about the campaign, visit www.toteachwhochristis.org.