Active appeals for the "One Family, Fully Alive in Christ!" campaign are concluding in 19 parishes across the Diocese of Wichita. To date, more than $19.1 million has been raised towards the overall campaign goal of $50 million, thanks to donors' support during both the Silent Phase and Wave One of the campaign.

There is potential for additional contributions from Wave One parishes as personal outreach continues in many communities. Most of these parishes have not yet hosted their Commitment Weekends, events that typically boost participation and total funds raised.

“We are thrilled with the response from Wave One parishes so far,” said Mike Wescott, diocesan Director of Development and Planned Giving. “Our pastors and lay leaders have gone above and beyond to make this a joyful experience for their people and set the tone for the rest of the campaign. Their leadership will impact their parishes – and our entire diocese – for years to come.”

Each parish has been given an aspirational financial goal to achieve during their active appeal. Once a parish exceeds its goal, 80% of funds raised over that target will be directed back to that parish for local projects and priorities. Several Wave One parishes have already surpassed their financial goals, with others likely to reach them soon.

“I am beyond grateful for the leadership of the pastors who participated in this first wave of parishes,” said Bishop Carl A. Kemme. “This whole process is new for our diocese, and it’s inspiring to see so many people rally around these important projects and priorities early in the campaign. Together, we are building up the Catholic Church in our region, now and for many years to come.”

As Wave One concludes, 32 parishes in Wave Two are preparing for their campaign kickoff later this year. Preparation will take place from July through September, with active fundraising starting in October and continuing through year's end.

“It’s exciting to work with a whole new group of pastors and parish leaders to prepare for the campaign,” said Connor Meier, assistant director of Development and Planned Giving. “The more people learn about the priorities of this campaign, the more excited and engaged they become."

Every registered Catholic family will be asked to make an extraordinary gift or pledge supporting salary enhancements for Catholic school teachers, development of a family youth camp, restoration work at the Cathedral, support for Individual Parish Needs, and additional funding serving poor communities.

When each parish participates in its respective wave of the campaign, every registered individual or family will receive an appeal packet including a letter from Bishop Kemme outlining campaign priorities.

“During our last diocesan campaign," Wescott said," we took a different approach that did not involve pastors and parishes as much.” He added that Bishop Kemme aims to show unity as one family of faith where every parish can contribute significantly.

This initiative invites everyone within the diocese towards extraordinary stewardship—giving what they can beyond ongoing support—to inspire meaningful contributions proportional to individual blessings received.