Diocese launches One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! Campaign
Want to learn more about the campaign?
For more information about the One Family, Fully Alive In Christ! campaign, visit OneFamilyFullyAlive.org or contact the Office of Development and Planned Giving at 316-269-3917.
The Diocese of Wichita is launching a $50 million fundraising campaign to strengthen its parishes, schools, and ministries and lay a foundation for the future. The campaign is the result of years of study and strategic planning, and its priorities have been shaped with input from clergy, ministry leaders, and more than 2,000 local Catholic families across the region.
“I am so pleased with the early response and positive feedback we’ve received from so many in our community,” said Bishop Carl A. Kemme. “Their enthusiasm and support for the future of our diocese and the projects this campaign will make possible is an inspiration.”
Theme finalized
The bishop recently finalized the theme for the campaign: One Family, Fully Alive in Christ! More than a tagline or a slogan, the theme embodies who we strive to be as a community of faith: missionary disciples boldly witnessing the Good News of Jesus. The theme is rooted in the pastoral plan and vision for the diocese and aims to inspire a renewed commitment to our shared mission and ministry.
“The Holy Spirit was at work as we developed the theme for the campaign,” Bishop Kemme recalls. “In fact, the theme was finalized on the feast of St. Irenaeus, who famously said, ‘The glory of God is man fully alive.’ This is my dream and vision for our diocese: for each of us to be fully alive in Christ’s love.”
Five funding priorities
The diocese has identified five key funding priorities totaling $50 million that will have an immediate and lasting impact on our entire faith community. This ambitious effort – the first diocesan-wide campaign in nearly 12 years – will strengthen the proud tradition of our Catholic schools, form young people in their faith journey, serve our neighbors in need, care for our Cathedral, and enliven each of our 90 parishes.
“This is a pivotal moment in the history of our diocese and the church at large. This campaign will help us meet important immediate needs while also laying a solid foundation for the future,” said Fr. David Lies, vicar general for the diocese. “These projects will have a transformational impact on the lives of Catholics in our region, now and for many years to come.”
Teachers’ salaries a key component
One key component of the campaign is additional support for Catholic school teachers in the form of school-based endowments. Diocesan superintendent Janet Eaton has been meeting with school administrators, faculty, and staff across the diocese over the last 18 months to assess the state of Catholic education and better understand the challenges schools face.
“Because of the stewardship way of life in our diocese, we have one of the best Catholic school systems in the country,” Eaton said. “Recruiting and retaining dedicated, faith-filled teachers is critical to maintain the excellence of our Catholic schools. To do that, we need to offer fair and competitive salaries. This campaign is one more important step in that direction.”
Family, youth camp
Another campaign priority is the purchase and development of a new family and youth camp. The new facility will be home to Camp Totus Tuus and other retreat experiences throughout the year hosted by our parishes, schools, and ministries. The diocese has long dreamed of owning and operating a camp facility, and this campaign will make that dream a reality.
Totus Tuus has big impact
“So many people in our diocese have been impacted by Camp Totus Tuus, including many of our priests, seminarians, and religious,” said Anthony Keiser, director of the Office of Faith Formation. “I am thrilled that we’ll be able to have a permanent home for this life-changing camp along with many other Christ-centered, outdoor camps and programs for everyone in our Catholic community.”
In addition to support for Catholic schools and the new camp facility, the campaign will fund necessary repairs and restoration work at the Cathedral, provide additional resources for outreach ministries, and help all 90 parishes address local projects of their choosing.
All parishes included
The first of its kind in the Diocese of Wichita, this campaign will include all 90 parishes and will roll out in three parish waves beginning in January 2024 and concluding in July 2025. Over that time, every Catholic ho1usehold in the diocese will be asked to consider making a sacrificial gift.
“Broad participation at every level is an important part of this campaign,” said Mike Wescott, director of Development and Planned Giving. “Everyone can do something to help, and every gift makes a difference. Strong diocesan-wide participation will serve as a powerful sign of our commitment to the stewardship way of life and the future of our local church.”
A blessed diocese
“We are abundantly blessed in the Diocese of Wichita,” Bishop Kemme said. “Those who came before us and embraced the stewardship way of life have laid a strong foundation for our local Church. Now it is our turn to continue that legacy of generosity, to advance our shared mission and provide for future generations of disciples.”
More information coming
More information about the campaign plan, timeline, funding priorities, and parish waves will be shared in the coming months. You may also visit OneFamilyFullyAlive.org to learn more.
“At this time, I am inviting everyone in our Catholic community to join me in praying for the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit as we embark on this historic effort,” the bishop said. “Trusting in God’s providence, I am confident that we will be successful in accomplishing these goals as one family, fully alive in Christ. Thank you for your continued prayers and support!”