Faith In Our Future Campaign Concludes

The Catholic Church of southeastern Wisconsin has set aside the weekend of May 23rd to celebrate the success of the Faith In Our Future Campaign with celebratory Masses at parishes throughout southeastern Wisconsin.  The historic campaign has generated over $94 million in pledges, 90 percent of the original goal of $105 million, despite a challenging economic environment.

“We thank all those who stepped out in faith to support this campaign, including our pastors, parish leadership, the thousands of campaign volunteers, and every Catholic who offered their prayers and support,” said Archbishop Jerome Listecki. “This campaign has done a great deal to strengthen and unite our Catholic community.”   

While the primary goal of the campaign was to raise funds to strengthen Catholic education and faith formation, deepening Catholics’ understanding of stewardship and strengthening Catholic identity were the pastoral goals of this campaign.

“Today we offer our heartfelt thanks for the incredible stewardship of Catholics in southeastern Wisconsin.  This has been an historic campaign, the first of its kind in the area.  In the midst of the worst recession since the Great Depression, the truly remarkable generosity of the Catholic community will allow us to meaningfully strengthen Catholic education and faith formation for years to come,” said Ed and Diane Zore, chairs of the Faith In Our Future Campaign.  

Archbishop Listecki and the Zores confirmed that efforts to reach the $105 million goal will continue throughout 2010.

The campaign was structured so that parishes will receive 60% percent of the funds they helped raise.  The remaining funds will be administered in the Faith In Our Future Trust to support Catholic education and faith formation initiatives.    

“Catholic schools and our five Catholic colleges and universities are thriving and will become even stronger.  Through the fruits of this campaign, schools can renovate classrooms, improve technology, expand curriculum, and more,” said John and Jo Ellen Stollenwerk, honorary chairs of the Faith In Our Future Campaign.  “Now more than ever, Catholic schools are producing future leaders who are both academically and spiritually strong, with solid values and an outstanding work ethic.”

An archdiocesan-wide Faith In Our Future Celebration Liturgy will be held at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 812 N. Jackson, Milwaukee, Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m.  Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki will be the main celebrant and homilist.   Bishop William Patrick Callahan and Bishop Richard J. Sklba will concelebrate.  Priests, deacons, and representatives from Catholic schools and parishes, will also participate.  FIOF campaign leadership will speak after Communion.  A reception in the Cathedral Atrium will follow Mass.

About Faith In Our Future

Faith in Our Future was a three-year campaign, launched in fall of 2007 that generated over $94 million in pledges to support Catholic education and faith formation.  Sixty percent of pledges will be returned to projects at the parish level and the remaining 40 percent will be administered in the Faith In Our Future Trust.

About the Faith In Our Future Trust

The Faith In Our Future Trust, a tax exempt charitable trust under Section501(c)(3) and  170(c)2  of the Internal Revenue Code, was created for the specific purpose of promoting and supporting Catholic education and faith formation.  For more information about the trust, visit trust.faithinourfuture.org.