Capital campaign seeks to raise $60 million

Photo: Jordan McMorrough | Today's Catholic

After conducting a feasibility study in the summer of 2017 and consulting with the priests and faithful of the archdiocese on the study’s findings, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, announced last fall that the Archdiocese of San Antonio would embark upon a $60 million capital campaign, the first archdiocesan-wide capital campaign in decades.

“As the people of the archdiocese did decades ago when they undertook the first and only capital campaign in our history, we need to establish a legacy that will make a difference in the lives that follow,” said Archbishop Gustavo as he inaugurated the capital campaign. “It is an exciting time, and I know we will be blessed by an outpouring of generosity.”

The official public launch of the campaign was announced at a press conference at San Fernando Cathedral on Oct. 3. The event began with a morning prayer service in the cathedral sanctuary, followed by comments from Archbishop Gustavo and other leaders of this effort, including priests and laity.

Entitled On the Way — ¡Ándale!, the campaign commenced in February and has garnered over $18 million in generous contributions already, focusing on eight main goals: To Strengthen Our Parishes (35 percent), Strengthen Campus Ministry (14 percent), Fund Catholic Charities Outreach Projects (14 percent), Establish New Parishes (12 percent), Renovate Catholic Schools (12 percent) Modernize Assumption Seminary (5 percent), Support Lay Ministry Formation (4 percent), and Build a Pilgrimage Center at Mission Concepción (4 percent).

“We are encouraged by the extraordinary kindness of our early and lead donors. They have accepted the archbishop’s invitation to support this campaign with their gift of time and treasure serve as an example for all of us to give generously,” said Julie Seguin, director of Development.

Archbishop Gustavo has invited several prominent community members to serve as leaders in the On the Way — ¡Ándale! campaign. The general chairs are: Michael and Lee Barry, Gonzalo and Ana Bautista, Michael and Esther Belz, Larry Benson, Jr., Bryan and Mary Jo Grundhoefer, Thomas and Maryanne Guido, Clarence and Tina Kahlig, Richard and Jessie Kardys, Deacon Roger and Esther Macias, Chris and Veronica Martinez, Don and Carol Meyer, Sam and Karen Mitts, Gen. Josue and Patty Robles, Marcelo and Patty Sanchez, Bruce and Cindy Vaio, Steve and Sharon Vanderbur, George and Deborah Williamson, and Craig and Tammy Zgabay.

The honorary chairs are: Frank and Catherine Burzik, Carmen Drury, Father David Garcia, Frank and Cecilia Herrera, Bob Kelso, Bob and Linda Kiolbassa, Bill and Margie Klesse, Rosemary Kowalski, Deacon Bob and Ruth Kusenberger, Ana Maria Lecea, Roy Terracina, and Vivian Vance.

Eighteen priests are also serving on the campaign Clergy Committee for this effort.

The capital campaign began in early September in 13 parishes across the archdiocese. These 13 parishes together made up the Pilot Wave of the campaign and were leading the way for the other 150 parishes of the archdiocese to follow in three subsequent waves. Each wave of the campaign is six months in duration with the first several months used for preparation.

“This campaign is another historical moment calling us to give of ourselves as others have done before us for almost 300 years,” said Father David Garcia, pastor of Mission Concepción and an honorary chair of On the Way — ¡Ándale!

The pastor of St. Brigid Parish, Father Stuart Juleen, noted that “we serve others with our gifts” and that “our blessings are only ours through the grace of God.”

Father Tony Vilano, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi, invited his pilot parish to “lead with enthusiasm.” He said, “Pope Francis encourages us daily to help each other — we all need each other. ¡Ándale!”

The Archdiocese of San Antonio currently serves 2.6 million people in 19 counties across South Central Texas, and the number of Catholics in the region is growing substantially. The archdiocese has retained The Steier Group to assist with the capital campaign, and has been working closely with the organization for the past year.

More information on this campaign can be found on the archdiocesan website at www.archsa.org, e-mail developmentoffice@archsa.org, or call (210) 734-1907.

By Today's Catholic Newspaper

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