Open Wide the Doors
Capital Campaign
Preserving our sacred home. Welcoming the next generation.
Blessed Sacrament Church has stood for generations as a place of worship, beauty, memory, service, and Catholic witness in the heart of Buffalo.
Now we are called to open wide the doors for the future.
The Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign will support major improvements to Blessed Sacrament Church so that our parish can better welcome parishioners, visitors, families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities. This campaign is about preserving what we have inherited, strengthening the life of our parish today, and preparing our church to serve the community for generations to come.
Through the McGloin Juenker Foundation, your gift directly supports the preservation and renewal of Blessed Sacrament Church.
Why this campaign matters
Blessed Sacrament Church is more than a building. It is a sacred home.
It is where generations have gathered for Mass, received the sacraments, mourned loved ones, celebrated marriages, formed friendships, served neighbors, and encountered Christ.
The beauty of our church is a gift. It is also a responsibility.
The work proposed through this campaign will make Blessed Sacrament more accessible, more welcoming, more beautiful, and more ready for the future. Some needs are practical. Some are urgent. All are connected to our mission: to love God, love our neighbors, and make disciples.
This is our moment to act with gratitude, courage, and faith.
Campaign projects
The proposed campaign work includes major improvements inside the church, including:
Accessibility upgrades
Restroom renovations
Restoration of the altar and transepts
Improved pew spacing
Dedicated wheelchair seating
Stained-glass window restoration
Interior painting and plaster repairs
Floor restoration and related improvements
Other repairs and upgrades needed to preserve the dignity, beauty, and functionality of the church
These projects will help ensure that Blessed Sacrament remains a joyful, vibrant, and welcoming Catholic church for the Elmwood Village, the Delaware District, and the wider Buffalo community.
Our campaign goal
Campaign Goal: $1,000,000
Campaign Period: June 2026 - September 2026
Pledge Fulfillment Period: Three Years
Every gift matters. Every pledge matters. Every parishioner and friend of Blessed Sacrament is invited to participate in a meaningful way.
A capital campaign is different from regular weekly giving. Weekly offertory supports the ordinary operations of the parish. A capital campaign supports major, long-term improvements that require extraordinary generosity.
Please continue your regular parish support while prayerfully considering a special gift or pledge to the Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign.
A message to parishioners and friends
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Blessed Sacrament Church has been entrusted to us by those who came before us. They sacrificed, built, repaired, prayed, and gave so that we could inherit a sacred place of extraordinary beauty and significance.
Now it is our turn.
The Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign is an invitation to preserve our church, strengthen our parish life, and make Blessed Sacrament more welcoming to every person who enters our doors. The proposed improvements will address accessibility, worship space, restrooms, restoration, and other important needs that will help our parish serve the faithful for generations.
We ask you to prayerfully consider making a gift or pledge. Some will be able to make a leadership gift. Others will give more modestly. What matters most is that each person participates with faith, gratitude, and love for this parish.
Together, we can honor the past, serve the present, and prepare Blessed Sacrament for the future.
With gratitude,
Michael & Catherine Pitek
Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs
Ways to give
You may support the Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign in several ways:
Make a one-time gift. A one-time gift may be made online or by check.
Make a pledge. A pledge allows you to make a larger gift over time. Pledges may be fulfilled monthly, quarterly, annually, or on a schedule that works for you.
Give in honor or memory of someone. Memorial and honorarium gifts are welcome. You may make a gift in honor of a loved one, in memory of a loved one, or in thanksgiving for a special blessing.
Give through a donor-advised fund. Donor-advised fund gifts may be directed to the McGloin Juenker Foundation, Inc.
Discuss a leadership gift. Those considering a major gift are invited to contact the campaign leadership team for a confidential conversation.
Suggested pledge guide
Use this chart as a guide when considering a pledge over three years.
Please choose the level of giving that is right for your circumstances.
Make a gift
Gifts may be made online (click here), by check, through donor-advised giving (EIN: 99-4575247), and via stock or other asset. When making an online gift, please indicate “Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign” in the note or designation field, if available. For gifts by check, please write “Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign” in the memo line.
Make checks payable to:
McGloin Juenker Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 218
Buffalo, NY 14215
For questions, contact:
Phone: (716) 218-9139
Email: contact@mcgloinjuenker.org
Why give through the McGloin Juenker Foundation?
The McGloin Juenker Foundation was created by long-time Blessed Sacrament parishioners to help secure the future of the church and its community.
As an independent 501(c)(3), the Foundation exists to support the preservation and development of Blessed Sacrament Church as a place of historic, religious, architectural, cultural, and community significance.
Your contribution to the Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign through the McGloin Juenker Foundation directly supports this work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign?
The Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign is a special fundraising effort to support major improvements to Blessed Sacrament Church, including accessibility upgrades, restroom renovations, restoration work, improved seating, stained-glass restoration, painting, plaster repairs, floor restoration, and related improvements.
Why is this campaign needed now?
Blessed Sacrament Church is a historic and sacred place that requires ongoing care. Several important improvements are needed to preserve the church, improve accessibility, and make the building more welcoming and functional for parishioners, families, visitors, and people with disabilities.
Is this different from regular weekly offertory?
Yes. Regular offertory supports the ordinary operations of the parish. The Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign supports major capital improvements. We ask parishioners to continue their regular parish support while prayerfully considering a special campaign gift or pledge.
Can I make a pledge instead of a one-time gift?
Yes. Pledges are encouraged because they allow donors to make a larger gift over time. Pledges may be fulfilled monthly, quarterly, annually, or on another schedule that works for the donor.
Can I change my pledge later?
Yes. If your financial circumstances change, you may contact the campaign team to adjust your pledge.
Can I give anonymously?
Yes. Anonymous gifts are welcome. Please indicate your preference when making your gift or pledge.
Can I make a gift in honor or memory of someone?
Yes. Gifts may be made in honor or memory of a loved one. Please include the name of the person you wish to honor or remember when submitting your gift.
Are gifts tax-deductible?
Yes. The McGloin Juenker Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their personal circumstances.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please contact the McGloin Juenker Foundation at contact@mcgloinjuenker.org or (716) 218-9139.
Make a pledge
A pledge allows you to make a meaningful campaign gift over time. Pledges to the Open Wide the Doors Capital Campaign may be fulfilled monthly, quarterly, annually, or according to another schedule that works for you.
To make a pledge, please complete the pledge form below. A member of the campaign team will follow up if additional information is needed.
Please note: A pledge is a statement of charitable intent. If your financial circumstances change, your pledge may be adjusted by contacting the campaign team.
Become a campaign volunteer
The success of this campaign will depend on prayer, generosity, and the help of many volunteers.
We invite parishioners and friends to assist with outreach, hospitality, mailings, phone calls, campaign receptions, and other projects. Your help will make the campaign stronger and more personal.
Campaign prayer
Lord God,
You have blessed Blessed Sacrament Church through the faith, sacrifice, and generosity of generations. Guide us now as we seek to preserve this sacred home, welcome all who enter, and prepare our parish for the future. Open our hearts to generosity, strengthen our community in faith, and bless the work of this campaign. May all we do give glory to You and serve Your people.
Amen.