The first wave of parish appeals for the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign has been underway since mid-April. In that time, generous parishioners from the 19 Wave One parishes have contributed more than $5 million (and counting) in new gifts and pledges, bringing the campaign total to $16.7 million.

“I’m so pleased with the response we’re seeing from these parishes,” said Mike Wescott, diocesan director of Development.

“This campaign is a call to extraordinary stewardship, and it’s exciting that more and more people are stepping up in support of our local church. Our pastors, parish leaders, and volunteers are going above and beyond to make this a joyful, meaningful experience for everyone in their parishes.”

For a campaign of this scale to be successful, pastors, parish leaders, volunteers, and the diocesan development team will work closely to plan and conduct appeals at every parish across the diocese.

While the campaign is tailored for each parish community, the keys to a successful effort are the same: strong pastor leadership, active and engaged volunteers, ongoing communication with parishioners, and an enthusiasm for everything this campaign will make possible for the diocesan church.

“We are blessed with so many remarkable leaders in this diocese – priests and lay people alike,” Wescott said. “Beyond raising funds, this campaign is bringing people together around a shared vision and mission. We are laying a foundation for the future of the Catholic Church in our region for generations to come.”

Over the course of the campaign, each parish in the diocese will participate in one of three parish waves. Appeals in 19 Wave One parishes are underway and will conclude later this summer. Thirty-two parishes will participate in Wave Two. These parishes have started to plan and prepare for the campaign and will kick off active fundraising later this year. Thirty-nine Wave Three parishes will kick off their appeals early next year.

“Our team is working closely with pastors and parish leaders to tailor the campaign for their communities,” said Connor Meier, assistant director of Development and Planned Giving. “From identifying Parish Needs projects to creating materials, to recruiting and training volunteers, to planning events – we are working hard to support our pastors and parishes every step of the way.”

As the parish waves progress, every registered Catholic family will be asked to make an extraordinary gift or pledge in support of five priorities: salary enhancements for Catholic school teachers; purchase and development of a family and youth camp; restoration work at the Cathedral; support for Individual Parish Needs; additional funding to serve the poor and vulnerable in communities.

“During our last diocesan campaign, we took a different approach that did not involve pastors and parishes as much,” Wescott said. “This time around Bishop Kemme wants us to show our strength and unity as one family of faith – every parish and every family can do something, and every gift will make a difference.”

This campaign invites everyone in the diocese to embrace extraordinary stewardship – giving over-and-above their already generous support of their parish, diocese, or other Catholic causes. While gift amounts may vary among individuals based on personal circumstances; all contributions aim at inspiring meaningful sacrificial giving proportional blessings received by each person.

“We are going see both physical spiritual things built with this campaign,” said Patrick Goebel Campaign chair St Catherine Parishioner "There something should inspire everybody give Our gifts Campaign real lasting impact every school ministry."