It is evident that there are several pressing financial challenges facing the diocese that if not taken care of today, will continue to grow. Through consultation with every priest in the diocese and diocesan ministry directors, interviews with parish lay leaders, and a direct mail survey to 2,000 families, a realization developed of the vital need for support for the Infirm Priests’ Fund, a new Catholic Pastoral Center, more Catholic School Scholarships, Youth Ministry, Religious Education, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, Holy Family Retreat Center and our parishes and missions.
2. Will this campaign replace the Bishop’s Faith Appeal (BFA)?
The Bishop’s Faith Appeal is a significant part of this campaign and is a part of the case statement. Two million dollars for the 2010 BFA will be incorporated into this campaign; however BFA is scheduled to resume as before in 2011. The reasoning behind this is funding from the BFA provides the essential funding for existing ministries and the operation of the diocese. It makes sense to conduct this campaign in conjunction with the capital campaign this year as opposed to separately.
3. Does the Diocese of Beaumont anticipate conducting another capital campaign in the future?
Although some Catholic dioceses conduct a campaign of this magnitude every 15 years to address larger, challenging financial needs, there are no current plans to conduct another campaign in the Diocese of Beaumont. Therefore, this campaign will focus on the needs as they are now.
4. Do the parishes have to reach their campaign target goal to receive their parish share portion? And do they have to wait until the end of the five-year redemption period to receive their parish share?
No. Once a parish reaches the 2010 BFA goal, 20 cents of every dollar raised is returned to the parish for its needs. A parish receives these funds whether it reaches their campaign target goal or not. Parish Share payments will be disbursed once a year so that parishes do not have to wait until the end of the five-year redemption period to begin taking care of their needs.
5. How long is the pledge period?
A pledge to the Together for God’s Good Work Campaign can be spread out over five years. However, the donor has the option to select either a five or three year payment plan or pay it at one time.
6. How were the parish target goals determined?
The parish targets are based on approximately 1 times each parish’s annual offertory plus its 2007 Bishop’s Faith Appeal Goal. However, this campaign is based on a “Good Faith Effort” and is not an assessment.
7. I thought this was going to be a $20 million campaign. When did it turn into a $25 million campaign?
A major benefactor was concerned that several elements needed more funding. The donor generously offered to make up the difference between $20 million and $25 million to meet that extra need. The increase in goal has not affected the campaign target goals for the parishes.
