Parish Case Elements Illustrate Campaign Impact
Parishes in every corner of the Archdiocese have formulated their case statements and are embracing the Faith In Our Future Campaign as a wonderful opportunity to enhance ministries and accomplish goals that might otherwise have been beyond reach.
To date, 202 parishes have launched campaigns and many are continuing follow-up efforts to maximize their success. Ninety Wave 3 parishes launched campaigns in spring of this year, and the final five parishes will launch campaigns in early fall.
As of May 17th, 2010, $94,327,761 (90% of our goal) has been raised in pledges from 44,701 donors! This is a remarkable testament to the faith-filled generosity of Catholics in southeastern Wisconsin.
Exciting parish initiatives made possible by the campaign are coming alive throughout our archdiocese:
154 parishes are enhancing education programs and facilities including:
- Building or renovating classrooms
- Adding science and computer labs
- Upgrading textbooks, technology and audio/visual equipment
- Making ADA modifications
- Enhancing campus security
- Offering faculty and leadership development and education opportunities
120 parishes will be making improvements to their worship spaces including:
- Adding gathering spaces to strengthen the sense of community
- Implementing ADA modifications making worship more accessible for those with disabilities
- Upgrading lighting, sound, electrical and other systems to enhance the worship experience
76 parishes are establishing or adding to endowment funds supporting:
- Elementary school tuition assistance
- Peripheral cost assistance for textbooks, school supplies, program fees, etc. for families in need
- Scholarships for Catholic high schools and Christian Formation programs
- Intergenerational and lifelong faith formation programs
- Ongoing technology development
46 parishes plan significant outreach efforts.
- Parishes are embracing the stewardship spirit of the campaign by sharing their proceeds with other groups engaged in Catholic education and faith formation including inner city Catholic schools and religious orders.
- Several remarkable examples of living stewardship have occurred as a number of parishes have designated most or the entire parish portion of campaign proceeds for outreach efforts.
14 parishes are planning for future building needs.
- Establishing building funds for projects in the initial planning stages
- Conducting feasibility studies and long range planning
17 new ministry positions are being created.
- Some will serve our youngest parishioners in pre-school while others will serve the critical group of young adult parishioners.
- Several parishes have taken the opportunity to collaborate and will be sharing Youth Ministers.
- A number of parishes are collaborating on Parish nurse positions.
The campaign has made it possible for these parishes to initiate ministries in the belief that momentum will build, enabling these positions to become self-sustaining integral parts of parish life.
In addition to benefitting individual parishes, the Faith In Our Future Campaign will positively impact Catholic education and faith formation within the broader Church. For information on the archdiocesan initiatives of the Campaign, visit the Faith In Our Future Trust website.
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