The early impact of Multiply the Hope

When Multiply the Hope launched across the Diocese of Calgary in December, it was more than a fundraising initiative. Inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope, it became a shared invitation to strengthen our parish communities and invest in their future.

Just a few months in, the response has been strong. Through the generosity of parishioners and the support of the Diocese, more than $7 million has been raised in qualified matching funds, reaching over 58% of the overall campaign goal. Already, 56 parishes are participating, with many others discerning how they may take part.

At the heart of this initiative is something simple but powerful. Every dollar given to a parish’s Building Fund or Repairs and Maintenance Fund is matched by the Diocese, up to each parish’s goal. Each gift goes twice as far.

A shared effort for parish renewal

Rather than focusing only on immediate needs, Multiply the Hope looks ahead. Some parishes are using this opportunity to reduce loan balances and ease financial burdens. Others are building up their Repairs and Maintenance Funds, preparing for the realities that come with caring for parish buildings over time.

In both cases, the goal is the same: to help parishes become more sustainable so they can focus more fully on their mission: “the essential mission of Christ: evangelization.”

Our parishes are more than buildings. They are spiritual homes for individuals and families, for newcomers, seniors, and those returning after time away. They are where the Eucharist is celebrated, where people encounter Christ, and where communities grow in faith and service.

Yet many parishes carry financial pressures, whether through existing debt or the ongoing costs of maintaining their facilities. Multiply the Hope offers a way forward by easing these burdens and helping parishes plan with greater confidence. ​

Looking ahead together

Participation across the Diocese continues to grow. Most participating parishes are already working toward or have completed their matching goals, reflecting both strong engagement and growing confidence in the initiative.

Parishes are moving forward with long-awaited projects, strengthening spaces for worship and community life, and preparing responsibly for the future. For many, the matching component has made the difference, turning what once felt out of reach into something possible.

Multiply the Hope continues through the end of 2027, and even though the initial response has been strong, $4.9M in matching funds remains available for parishes across the Diocese. Bishop McGrattan has encouraged each parish to take part in this once-in-a-generation initiative by fully embracing the campaign. 
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In this season of Renewal, the invitation is simple: to strengthen our parish communities in hope. Together, we are helping ensure that our parishes remain places of encounter, belonging, and mission for generations to come.

Ask your parish office how you can participate. To learn more, contact:  www.catholicyyc.ca/multiplythehope  ​