In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign

Last updated on: December 18, 2015 at 8:32 pm by CNA Daily News

In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign 2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Lincoln, Neb., Dec 18, 2015 / 01:32 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- The Diocese of Lincoln’s capital campaign has raised $62.5 million since early 2014 to help fund Catholic schools and parish projects, educate seminarians, support retired priests, and evangelize – nearly $10 million over its goal.

“This speaks to the faith and missionary spirit of the Catholics in our diocese – no matter the amount pledged, I know that Catholics have made sacrifices to support the mission of the Church,” Bishop James Conley said Dec. 17.

Bishop Conley said he was “deeply grateful” to God for the Joy of the Gospel campaign. It far exceeded its initial goal of $53 million.

“I hope that we can build on the success of this campaign, most especially by continuing to grow in faith and holiness.”

The bishop said it was most gratifying to see so many families contribute. More than 11,000 households, about 45 percent of Catholic households in the diocese, pledged a five-year gift.

Peter Hoskow, managing director of fundraising consultant Community Counseling Service, said the campaign was “among the most successful diocesan efforts” in U.S. Catholicism. Typical diocesan campaign participation is 20 to 25 percent. The average pledge amount was over $6,800, the highest average gift the consultant service had seen in its decades of operation.

The diocese’s 32 Catholic elementary and high schools will receive the largest portion of funds. Diocese spokesman J.D. Flynn said other funds will provide school grants for new programs, personnel needs, and “innovative approaches to Catholic education.”

St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, 25 miles west of Lincoln, will use some of the funds to expand and to defray the costs of tuition. The diocese's minor seminary is presently at maximum capacity.

More than $10 million from the campaign will fund parish needs such as roofing projects, disability access, remodeling churches and parish halls, and programs of faith formation and evangelization.

The campaign’s support for diocesan pastoral outreach and evangelization will back a new pastoral plan, a staff director for Hispanic ministry, expanded prison ministry, online resources, and outreach to divorced Catholics.

“Pope Francis reminds us constantly to remember people on the margins,” Bishop Conley said. “We need the Joy of the Gospel to reach people the Church might not otherwise impact.”

The campaign will also provide seed capital for the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, an accredited educational effort for university students.

The bishop credited the drive’s success to the generosity of the laity and the hard work of diocese’s clergy, staff, and volunteers. He also credited the Virgin Mary, “the patroness of our diocese, who prays for the success of our ministry.”

Almost $1 million in pledges to the diocese came from 145 priests. Bishop Conley personally raised over $16.8 million in pledges.

About 86 percent of parishes met their fundraising goals. Six parishes joined diocesan needs and larger parish projects in “combined campaigns” that raised another $11 million not included in the diocesan total.

The bishop said the diocese is still working towards a sustainable financial model for ordinary operations.

“We have to continue to be good stewards, and to be supportive of the Church’s work,” he said. “But the campaign reminds us how many Catholics are willing to give generously to our mission.”

Previous Post

December 18, 2015

We contemplate God's mercy in the Nativity scene – Pope Francis

Next Post

December 19, 2015 Pope Francis wants the 'great mystic' Gaudi to become a saint

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What did God tell Moses from the burning bush?

Select your answer to see how you score.

That he would lead Israel out of Egypt That he would be king of Israel That he would build the temple That he would become Pharaoh