Diocesan campaign will address local needs and strengthen parishes

Wave One parishes identify projects for “Parish Needs” funding

The One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign has officially kicked off in 19 parishes across the diocese. The early response from campaign volunteers and lead donors has been strong, and momentum is building as more and more people step up in support of the campaign. To date, the campaign has raised more than $12 million in gifts, pledges, and planned gifts from hundreds of generous families.

Parishes will receive a portion of funds raised

One element of the campaign that is generating excitement within these parishes is the Individual Parish Needs funding. For the first time in the Diocese of Wichita, parishes will receive a portion of funds raised by their parishioners to address local projects and priorities identified by pastors and parish leadership.

“It is my hope that every parish will be more vibrant and better equipped to share the Gospel – now and for years to come – as a result of this campaign,” said Bishop Carl A. Kemme. “It is exciting to think of the many ways our parishes will use the Parish Needs funds to advance their missions and expand their ministry.”

Through the Individual Parish Needs component of the campaign, each parish receives 20% of all unrestricted gifts from their parishioners.  Pastors, along with parish leaders, have been asked to plan and dream for the future. Parish Needs projects identified in Wave One parishes include facility improvements and renovations, deferred maintenance, expanded ministry and outreach programs, church and campus beautification, and more.

Every parish benefits

“Every parish will benefit directly from their participation in the campaign while also supporting the diocesan-family priorities that impact lives across the diocese,” said Mike Wescott, diocesan director of development and planned giving. “The goal of the Individual Parish Needs component is to encourage strong participation within our parishes while also ensuring that everyone sees the direct, immediate impact of their generosity.”

“Our parish leadership team is excited to discern how to use the additional campaign funds,” said Fr. John Jirak, pastor of the Church of the Magdalen. “We will likely tackle the next phase of our master plan with parishioner support of the Fully Alive! Campaign.”

Wave One needs identified

The parishes participating in Wave One have selected a variety of Parish Needs projects, including a new adoration chapel at St. Mark, Colwich, an expanded outreach ministry building at St. Jude, Wichita, support for Catholic counseling services at St. Paul Catholic Student Center at Wichita State University, expanded youth ministry at St. Joseph, Andale, to name a few. These and many other worthy projects will be funded through this historic effort.

“We are going to see both physical and spiritual things built with this campaign,” said Patrick Goebel, Campaign Chair and St. Catherine of Siena parishioner. “There is something that should inspire everybody to give. Our gifts to the campaign will have a real and lasting impact on every parish, school, and ministry in our diocese.”

From early on, Bishop Kemme has emphasized that this campaign is about much more than raising funds. It is about building stronger relationships, energizing parishes, and taking bold steps to advance and extend the mission of our diocesan Church.

“To have a portion of the funds coming back directly to our parishes tells the story that this is OUR campaign, and we are raising money for everyone,” said Frances Mitchelson, Campaign Chair and Our Lady of Lourdes parishioner. “We have to do this together… we are asking not just for extraordinary gifts. We are asking everyone to participate in a way that is meaningful for them.”

Momemtum building

“It’s exciting to see momentum building in our Wave One parishes,” said Wescott. “We are so grateful for the strong leadership of our pastors and parish chairs, along with all the parish volunteers who have stepped up to help.”

More details about the campaign – including the current fundraising total – will be shared in the upcoming Catholic Advance. In the meantime, please visit OneFamilyFullyAlive.org to learn more about the One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign.