{"id":12358,"date":"2015-12-18T20:32:00","date_gmt":"2015-12-18T20:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/news\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign-47496\/"},"modified":"2015-12-18T20:32:00","modified_gmt":"2015-12-18T20:32:00","slug":"in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/","title":{"rendered":"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

<\/p>\n

Lincoln, Neb., Dec 18, 2015 \/ 01:32 pm (CNA\/EWTN News<\/a>).- The Diocese of Lincoln\u2019s 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 \u2013 nearly $10 million over its goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis speaks to the faith and missionary spirit of the Catholics in our diocese \u2013 no matter the amount pledged, I know that Catholics have made sacrifices to support the mission of the Church,\u201d Bishop James Conley said Dec. 17.<\/p>\n

Bishop Conley said he was \u201cdeeply grateful\u201d to God for the Joy of the Gospel campaign. It far exceeded its initial goal of $53 million.<\/p>\n

\u201cI hope that we can build on the success of this campaign, most especially by continuing to grow in faith and holiness.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Peter Hoskow, managing director of fundraising consultant Community Counseling Service, said the campaign was \u201camong the most successful diocesan efforts\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

The diocese\u2019s 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 \u201cinnovative approaches to Catholic education.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The campaign\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cPope Francis reminds us constantly to remember people on the margins,\u201d Bishop Conley said.\u00a0 \u201cWe need the Joy of the Gospel to reach people the Church might not otherwise impact.\u201d<\/p>\n

The campaign will also provide seed capital for the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, an accredited educational effort for university students.<\/p>\n

The bishop credited the drive\u2019s success to the generosity of the laity and the hard work of diocese\u2019s clergy, staff, and volunteers. He also credited the Virgin Mary, \u201cthe patroness of our diocese, who prays for the success of our ministry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Almost $1 million in pledges to the diocese came from 145 priests. Bishop Conley personally raised over $16.8 million in pledges.<\/p>\n

About 86 percent of parishes met their fundraising goals. Six parishes joined diocesan needs and larger parish projects in \u201ccombined campaigns\u201d that raised another $11 million not included in the diocesan total.<\/p>\n

The bishop said the diocese is still working towards a sustainable financial model for ordinary operations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have to continue to be good stewards, and to be supportive of the Church\u2019s work,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the campaign reminds us how many Catholics are willing to give generously to our mission.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

Lincoln, Neb., Dec 18, 2015 \/ 01:32 pm (CNA\/EWTN News<\/a>).- 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.<\/p>\n

“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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

The campaign will also provide seed capital for the Newman Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture, an accredited educational effort for university students.<\/p>\n

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.”<\/p>\n

Almost $1 million in pledges to the diocese came from 145 priests. Bishop Conley personally raised over $16.8 million in pledges.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

The bishop said the diocese is still working towards a sustainable financial model for ordinary operations.<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1031,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12358","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-us"],"yoast_head":"\nIn Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"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.”\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"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.”\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Catholic News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/images\/size340\/Bishop_James_D_Conley_celebrates_his_installation_Mass_at_the_Cathedral_of_the_Risen_Christ_in_Lincoln_Credit_Southern_Nebraska_Register_courtesy_of_Kevin_Clark_CNA.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"CNA Daily News\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"CNA Daily News\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"3 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/\",\"name\":\"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#\/schema\/person\/35d4bd7addc580050842c844a11575f1\"},\"description\":\"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. 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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.”","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign","og_description":"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.”","og_url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/","og_site_name":"Catholic News","article_published_time":"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"http:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/images\/size340\/Bishop_James_D_Conley_celebrates_his_installation_Mass_at_the_Cathedral_of_the_Risen_Christ_in_Lincoln_Credit_Southern_Nebraska_Register_courtesy_of_Kevin_Clark_CNA.jpg"}],"author":"CNA Daily News","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"CNA Daily News","Est. reading time":"3 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/","url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/","name":"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#website"},"datePublished":"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00","dateModified":"2015-12-18T20:32:00+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#\/schema\/person\/35d4bd7addc580050842c844a11575f1"},"description":"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.”","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/2015\/12\/in-lincoln-diocese-faithful-sacrifices-lead-to-record-setting-pledge-campaign\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"In Lincoln diocese, faithful sacrifices lead to record-setting pledge campaign"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/","name":"Catholic News","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#\/schema\/person\/35d4bd7addc580050842c844a11575f1","name":"CNA Daily News","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8f1180c7dca7995d4a997aac72a3a88a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8f1180c7dca7995d4a997aac72a3a88a?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"CNA Daily News"},"sameAs":["http:\/\/www.catholicnewsagency.com\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/author\/cna-daily-news\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1031"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12358"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12358\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12358"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12358"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/catholicnews\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}