KNXT PASTORAL MESSAGE August 2004

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN FOR THE DIOCESE

 

By Bishop John T. Steinbock

 

My dear people of God,

 

We are at a crossroads in our Diocese.  With the possibility of acquiring St. Anthony’s Retreat House in Three Rivers from the Franciscans, we are launching a major capital campaign that will affect the whole future of our Diocese.  The theme of this campaign is Our Faith, Our Family, Our Future.  The minimum goal of this campaign (hold your breath) is $28 million dollars.  It sounds incredible, but, with God, all things are possible.

 

7 million of the funds raised will be returned to the parishes.  Each parish will be given a goal.  25% of that goal will be returned to the parish, with 75% of everything raised over the goal also being returned to the parish.  Each parish will be able to respond to its particular needs as we strive to respond to the needs of the Diocese as a whole.

 

7 million will be used for the retreat house at Three Rivers.  Two and a half million to purchase the retreat house; Three million to build a youth retreat house on an added 17 acres contiguous to the retreat house which is being donated to the Diocese for this purpose; One million to have an endowment fund to subsidize poorer parishes to use the retreat house.  The remaining $500,000 will be used to remodel the retreat house as a whole and to remodel the wing for the Franciscan friars into a house of prayer for our priests.

 

7 million will be used for Catholic Education.  Two and a half million for an endowment fund for tuition assistance for our Catholic Schools, the only way our Catholic Schools will survive.  A million each will be given to our two high schools for their specific needs. Two and a half million will be used as an endowment fund for helping in the education of our youth attending public schools, and for adult Religious formation. 

 

7 million will be for ministries and evangelization in general.  Two and half million of this is to help with evangelization in our many poorer parishes and many small towns without the presence now of the Church.  2 million will be used to communicate the Good News of Jesus both through our Diocesan paper and our TV Station.  One and half million to help with the continuing service of the poor though our Catholic Charities and one million for our priest retirement fund and for the Bishop’s annual appeal which we will not be having in those parishes where this major capital campaign will be taking place.

 

In this month of August we are beginning this campaign in 7 pilot parishes.  This is a six-month campaign but pledges will be taken for a period of five years.  In January of this coming year we will have this campaign in 40 other parishes and in August of 2005 the remaining 40 parishes.  At that time, you will be hearing more through your particular parishes.

 

I cannot overemphasize the importance of this campaign.  This is a once in a lifetime campaign, which will affect all future generations to come in our Diocese.  It is only possible with the unity and cooperation of all our priests and God’s people in each of our parishes.  I ask that cooperation of all and beg for your prayers as the success of this will depend totally on God and His working in and through our lives, all aimed ultimately for his glory.  With God all things are possible.  If God wants this, it will happen even in these difficult times through which we are passing.  God bless you and your families very, very much.