Diocese Of Evansville Launches
After thoughtful analysis with diocesan leadership and input from clergy, staff and lay leaders over the last year about the needs of the Diocese of Evansville and its parishes, Bishop Charles C. Thompson recently launched a feasibility study to determine the level of support for a shared diocesan/parish capital campaign.
When asked about his goals for this study, Bishop Thompson said, “The ultimate goal, of course, is the Kingdom of God and the Salvation of Souls. All else flows from our faith in God’s Kingdom and Our Salvation being brought about by the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To that end, I know we must invest in vocations, outreach, Catholic education and most importantly, making each of our parishes strong and vibrant.”
Representatives from the Steier Group, a Catholic development and fundraising firm, are in the diocese interviewing priests, diocesan officials and parishioners. They are seeking feedback on the diocesan needs and the plans to launch a shared campaign that will raise the funds necessary to address these priorities.
Unfortunately, not everyone can be personally interviewed during the seven-week study. However, parishioners will be able to share their thoughts and opinions by filling out a mail-in or online survey, or attending regional meetings hosted at a parish. Answers to the most common questions will be available on the diocesan website.
“Details about how to submit an online survey or participating through regional meetings will be published in parish bulletins during November and December,” said Tim McGuire, Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer for the diocese. “We need to hear from as many parishioners as possible so we can gauge their interest in addressing these needs and the direction they want to see our diocese head in the future.”
The Steier Group will use the results of the feasibility study to recommend if and how the diocese should proceed with a major fundraising effort, and what the diocese could expect to accomplish if it does move forward.
