How to Become Involved

Pray

Bishop Allen Vigneron often asks that we begin with a simple prayer for the construction of the cathedral and for the safety of those laboring to complete it. Our purpose is strengthened by acts of faith. Read the Bishop's Prayer >>

Share the Story

Communicating with family members, friends, fellow churchgoers and colleagues about the cathedral encourages a broader understanding of the project's significance and helps promote awareness. Speak with your pastor about how to marshal support for the cathedral within your local parish. Simply referring others to this website is a good way to spread the word.

Volunteer

The gift of your time is valuable. If you have the ability to dedicate part of your schedule each week to advocate for the cathedral in your community, let us know by emailing Dan Jordan, Director of Community and Corporate Campaigns, or phoning him at 510-271-1936.

Giving

More than 95% of the money raised to-date is from charitable foundations and individuals and families.

All parishes will hold a special collection for the Cathedral at some point in 2008. All East Bay Catholics will be invited to participate as a donor to their Cathedral. The opportunity to make a one-time gift or a multi-year pledge will be provided.

Your contribution will help to make the Cathedral of Christ the Light a reality. Every gift, large or small, matters. All will help the Cathedral Center serve the Church's mission in the East Bay.

In addition to gifts of cash there are other ways to contribute that may suit the short- and long-term objectives of individual donors. Donors should consult their attorney and/or their tax advisor to determine what ways to contribute are appropriate.

Here are various ways to contribute:

Gifts of Cash or Multi-Year Pledges
Gifts of Appreciated Property or Securities
Bequests
Life Estate Agreements
Retirement Funds
Life Insurance Policies
Charitable Remainder Trusts
Charitable Lead Trusts
Charitable Gift Annuities

If you are planning to make a gift please also consider the following:

Is it possible to make a tribute or memorial gift in honor of a special person?
Pledges of planned gifts that qualify for recognition on the Cathedral's Donor Wall require the donor's agreement that the gift will be binding upon his or her heir and must have a present value of $10,000 or more.
An irrevocable pledge of a bequest or trust to the Cathedral Campaign may be added to a donor's previous gift. The donor will be recognized for the cumulative total.
Donors who make irrevocable future gifts may wish to guarantee their present value by "curing" them through an annual contribution of the amount that it costs the Diocese to borrow against their pledge. This will assure the donor of being recognized at the full value of their gift. An annual gift, such as this, is tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Gifts of tangible personal property will be recorded and credited at fair market value at the time received. Donors should consult their attorney and tax advisor to determine the legal and tax implications of such a gift.

Donate

Real progress is being made but the mission is not complete. Donations are crucial to our ultimate success and can be made in many ways, either for yourself or on behalf of a loved one. They can be made by mail, through bank funds or by the donation of stock. If you have questions, please e-mail Mike Romo, Cathedral Fund Director, or phone him at 510-271-1932.

You may make a gift or pledge using a check, credit card, or other means, using a Christ the Light Cathedral pledge form. Simply download the form and mail or fax to:

The Cathedral of Christ the Light Office
180 Grand Avenue, #1325
Oakland, CA 94612-3741 Telephone (510) 271-1928
Fax: (510) 271-1938

If you make a contribution by check, please make your check payable to Christ the Light Cathedral.

You may make a gift of securities by following the instructions on the form.

Christ the Light Cathedral Corporation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and all contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. For information on tribute and memorial gift opportunities, tax-planned giving, and any questions, please call the Campaign Office at 510-271-1928.