In response to changes in both the Church and the communities we serve, the schools, programs, ministries and parishes within the Diocese of Green Bay have embarked on several extensive mission planning exercises to ensure the alignment with our new organizational mission statement.  As a result of both school and parish mission planning, new and urgent opportunities and challenges have and will be identified that will require resources above and beyond the revenue derived from regular Diocesan or parish collections.  The successful completion of this campaign will ensure, in all we do, we fully express our vision as a community of missionary disciples, striving to lead all people to the Kingdom of God.

The goal for this campaign is $70 million dollars of which $60 million will be raised in the parishes.  The remainder will be raised by Bishop Ricken through a series of meetings with select families.  Of the $60 million dollars that is raised in the parishes, 50% will be returned to parishes to meet local needs, much of which will be identified through parish mission planning.  The remainder will be used to enhance Diocesan programs and ministries in the following areas:
• Catholic charities and living justice;
• Catholic education in all forms;
• Evangelization;
• Clergy recruitment and formation; and
• Providing for retired clergy.

Every household in the Diocese of Green Bay will be asked to participate in this historic undertaking with sacrificial gifts of time, talent and treasure.  As the campaign is being implemented in a phased approach, each parishioner will be solicited for support at the appropriate time.  While not everyone will be able to make the same commitment, all will be asked to make an equal sacrifice.  Gifts may be fulfilled over a three-year period.

All parishes will be asked to put forth a good faith effort to reach their campaign goal.  Parish leaders will be asked to make, in coordination with the parish lay leadership and their campaign field director, a minimum of twenty personal visits, request a specific and proportional gift from each family, implement a personal approach to requests, adhere to the campaign timeline, remain a positive advocate for the campaign and conduct at least one in pew commitment weekend.  Each parish will be provided with a campaign plan to follow and assigned a campaign director to guide parishes through campaign implementation.

Parish campaigns will be implemented in a series of phases over a six month period in one of the following blocks:
Block                                                           Timeline
Pilot                                                             January 2019 – June 2019
One                                                             July 2019 – December 2019
Two                                                             January 2020 – June 2020
Three                                                          July 2020 – December 2020

Along with the pastor or pastoral leader, the designated campaign director, a core of parish volunteers will be recruited to assist in the implementation of the campaign.  Volunteers to be recruited include a campaign chair and campaign leadership committee members.

Each parish will receive 50% of the funds raised through their parish campaign.

Parish offertory is expected to remain constant as parishioners will be asked to consider campaign gifts over and above their regular giving.

The Seminarian Collection and the Bishop’s Appeal provide essential operating support that ensures the day to day operations of essential Diocesan ministries and programs – they are programs that ensure maintenance.  This campaign will ensure fidelity to the new vision and mission of the Diocese.

Yes, these annual programs are critical to maintaining the daily operations of the Diocese of Green Bay.  Suspending these appeals during the campaign would significantly depress, over time, the performance levels of these campaigns and, by extension, place at risk the future of the many people who benefit from supported programs.

Campaign expenses are built into the campaign plan and will not be deducted from those funds returned to the parishes.

Each family will be asked to make an equal sacrifice to the campaign.  Gifts may be paid over a three to five year period.  Parishioners will be asked to select a commitment plan that best suits their specific circumstance.

Yes, a donor may fulfill their pledge using a credit card, debit card or automatic withdrawal once the appropriate authorization form is completed.

Yes, the campaign accepts gifts of stock and other non-liquid assets including real estate pursuant to the gift acceptance policies of the Catholic Foundation.  Donors wishing to make such gifts should contact the Foundation Office at (920) 272-8197 or click here to complete our online form.

Yes, as allowed by law.  For non–cash gifts, donors are encouraged to consult with their financial advisor.

The Catholic Foundation has managed, historically, all of the development programs that support the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Green Bay.  Additionally, this campaign will raise the awareness of the centrality of the Foundation in the life of the Diocese of Green Bay.

Contact Josh Diedrich, Executive Director of the Catholic Foundation, at (920) 272-8197.