Meet Rich Mastrogiacomo, Major Gifts Officer

Rich works at Big Woods Mission in Abbeville, Louisiana.

How long have you been working as FMC staff?
RM: I have been fundraising for FMC for almost eight years. My wife, Rachel, and I went through Intake in 2016 with the understanding that I would first be serving as a Development Officer at Big Woods, helping to complete FMC’s first-ever capital campaign, which raised funds for our new office and chapel.

From 2017-2019, my family served on and off the field in Uganda, on the border of South Sudan. Since then, I have fundraised for FMC either part-time, full-time, remotely, or during the final quarter of the year. It’s great to be back full-time in the office at Big Woods.

What does your role as Major Gifts Officer entail?
RM: I am responsible for helping deepen and expand the mission of FMC by fundraising for the organization centrally and soliciting major gifts. I work to grow our relationships with those who already love and support FMC, as well as connect with people around the country who desire to see lay Catholic foreign missionaries preach the Gospel, serve the poor, and make disciples of all nations.

What advice would you give to a new missionary?
RM: Suffering unleashes greatness. To the degree that our Lord wills to reveal His own mystery to us, to that degree also does He place the cross on our shoulders.

How long have you been working as FMC staff?
RM: Nothing is better than knowing that your daily efforts are directly tied to the Great Commission of Jesus Christ and what He has commanded us to do. I believe wholeheartedly in what FMC does and have seen and experienced first-hand the impact our missionaries make in this world.

Therefore, while my job can be challenging at times, I consider it an honor to have the opportunity to invite people into closer intimacy with Jesus Christ, to live their own missionary discipleship more intentionally, and to view their economic situation in light of the teachings of the Gospel.