DIOCESE—In a letter sent in late November to participants of the recent capital campaign assessment process, Bishop David Malloy announced that a capital campaign to help diocesan parishes and ministries would move forward.
Bishop Malloy told those involved in the assessment process that “As the Church, we must always seek to do more and be more for the people of Northern Illinois. Even now, the Holy Spirit presents us a path forward to accomplish something hopeful for our future, a legacy that is powerful, inspiring and bold. We do not want to look back from the months and years ahead and conclude that we could have done more with our God-given opportunities. Rather, we should sow the seeds of faith for future generations and live our mission in inspired, prophetic ways today.
“As I have shared with you already, our diocese, through careful study and strategic planning, has been considering a major fundraising effort to take up our call, strengthen our resolve and build resources in our parishes and diocesan ministries to spread the Gospel. After reviewing the positive results of our recently completed campaign assessment, in which many of you participated (to view the summary, scan the QR code), I sought additional counsel from clergy and laity throughout the diocese. These trusted advisors have recommended to me (some strongly and others with caution) that it would be appropriate to move forward with a major fundraising effort. After months of personal prayer and discernment, I am pleased to share with you that our diocese will be moving forward with a capital campaign in 2025.”
The Steier Group, a Catholic development consulting firm based in Omaha, Nebraska, conducted the assessment and has been retained to provide counsel for the campaign. The preparation phase of the campaign has already begun. The Office of Charitable Giving, in concert with the Steier Group and several clergy and lay leaders, has assembled leadership teams with representation from parishes throughout the diocese.
“Over and over again, feasibility study and campaign assessment participants said they want ‘to see the churches full again… with individuals and families alive with faith,’” said Broman. “This campaign will help provide resources and support for each of us to do what we are called to do as baptized Christians — witness to our faith and the love of God in the person of Jesus Christ. In conversation with family, friends, acquaintances, or strangers, we have something great we can share — God loves us and wants us to live with Him forever. It’s as simple as that,” said Claudia Broman diocesan director of Charitable Giving.
The Clergy Committee, led by Father Phillip Kaim, is meeting regularly to discuss policies and procedures for the campaign. Broman said the “clergy’s hard work and due diligence will result in recommendations for Bishop Malloy to review and approve.”
Many questions, such as those surrounding specific financial goals to benefit parishes and ministries, as well as how and when parishes will be asked to participate, will be answered in the next weeks and months. Broman and Steier managers said that lay and clergy leaders will work closely to develop and then share more specific plans for the campaign and seek the support of the faithful of the Diocese of Rockford.
Use the QR code provided below or go to Campaign Assessment Results to view the summary.
Watch for updates on the diocesan website, in The Observer, and via social media, in the weeks and months to come.
