The Diocese of Wichita has announced the conclusion of its One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign, which raised $60.1 million in gifts and pledges. This amount surpasses the original goal of $50 million by over 20%.

Bishop Carl A. Kemme, D.D., shared the news with members of the diocese, highlighting both the financial achievement and the collective effort behind it. “With great joy and a heart full of gratitude, I am pleased to share that the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign has officially concluded with $60.1 million in gifts and pledges – exceeding our original goal of $50 million by more than 20%,” Bishop Kemme stated.

He emphasized that this campaign represents more than a fundraising success, describing it as “a milestone in the life and health of our local Church – a shared witness to what is possible when thousands across our diocese come together in faith, unity, and hope.” Bishop Kemme added, “I will long remember this effort not simply for what was accomplished, but for how it was embraced: with joy, sacrifice, and a renewed sense of belonging to one another as members of the Body of Christ.”

Participation spanned various groups within the diocese. “From rural missions to urban parishes, from longtime parishioners to young families just beginning their journeys, the response was extraordinary,” he said. According to Bishop Kemme, over 11,450 households contributed financially while others supported through service and prayers.

Funds from the campaign are being allocated toward several initiatives. Teacher salary endowments have been established for Catholic school educators; restoration work is underway on cathedral domes and windows; Camp Kapaun is active with youth programs; grants from the In Love of God and Neighbor Fund are aiding those in need; and all 90 parishes within the diocese are receiving resources for new projects.

Bishop Kemme attributed these developments to collective faithfulness. “All of this – and more – has been made possible through your faithfulness and trust in God’s providence,” he wrote.

He also noted that this achievement coincides with significant anniversaries for the diocese: “It is no coincidence that this campaign concludes during the Jubilee Year of Hope and the 40th anniversary of our Stewardship Way of Life. Indeed, the fruits of this effort confirm that stewardship is not just a model we follow, but a way of living that continues to bear fruit in every generation.”

Bishop Kemme concluded his message by inviting further reflection: “Please join me in giving thanks to God – and to one another – for this remarkable season in the life of our diocese. May we continue to grow in unity and missionary discipleship, all while being fully alive in Christ.”