The Archdiocesan Expansion Campaign approached its minimum goal this week when returns at the second general report meeting in Region 5 brought subscriptions to $1,711,501. Region 5 was the second of six regions to make their second series of reports in the general phase of the campaign. An outstanding report of $314,000 rendered in Region 3 on Friday evening, March 26, made possible this week’s substantial rise in pledges.

In reviewing campaign progress at a special analysis meeting with the priests of the archdiocese, Archbishop Hallinan expressed confidence that not only would the minimum goal of $1,750,000 be reached, but what has been termed the “aspiration goal” of two million dollars would also be exceeded in the remaining days of the general phase of the Campaign.

In reviewing progress to date Archbishop Hallinan stressed the fact that the true needs of the archdiocese actually exceed two million dollars. Land purchase, construction cost, and equipment on the three building projects included in the expansion program, and the setting aside of a substantial sum for the beginning of a high school development fund make it imperative that all parishes strive to reach and surpass their individual goals. At the conclusion of the analysis meeting, in which each pastor reviewed and discussed his parish’s progress, Very Reverend Harold Rainey, chancellor and archdiocesan coordinator, summarized the comments with a prediction that remaining visits to be completed would make it possible for the campaign to exceed two million dollars in the next few weeks.

Several additional parishes surpassed their individual goal this week. They are: St. Paul of the Cross in Region 1; St. John Melkite in Region 3; St. Joseph’s of Washington, Ga. in Region 4; and Our Lady of Lourdes in Region 5. This brings the total of parishes which surpassed their goal to ten.

General chairman, G. Albert Lawton, announced that all regions - with the exception of Region 6 whose parishes have completed all of their visits to parishioners - are planning a third general phase report meeting. The meetings will begin this Sunday evening, April 4, and will be held on the same night, in the same meeting hall as previous regional training and report meetings.

Rev. Noel C. Burtenshaw, vice chancellor and assistant coordinator, Michael J. Egan, Jr., assistant general chairman, made a particular appeal to parish secretaries to complete subscription record forms and forward them to campaign headquarters as soon as possible. They urged that returns from upcoming report meetings be sent to campaign headquarters within five days of the day of the meeting. Mr. Egan explained that this was necessary in order to begin establishing the pledge reminder system which will be put into effect shortly after Easter.

Campaign leaders stated that a permanent headquarters will be established from which payment reminders will be mailed once a month - or on a quarterly or other basis, as indicated by the donor.

Archbishop Hallinan also revealed plans for a central victory meeting at which parishes will make a final cumulative report. He indicated that a committee of clergy and laity are making arrangements for the occasion, which will include a religious ceremony and an informal reception for workers. Details will be completed and announced shortly.