Chicago archdiocese launches massive formation campaign

Chicago, Ill., Jun 6, 2013 / 17:03 pm

Cardinal Francis George of Chicago announced a $350 million fund-raising effort to support Catholic education, religious education for children and teens, and adult faith formation in the archdiocese.

"The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago and our faith formation programs make their case in the lives of those transformed by them," Cardinal George said June 5.

He added that the "To Teach Who Christ Is" campaign is "well-named" and reflects the core mission of the archdiocese.

The campaign aims to provide $150 million in need-based scholarships for archdiocesan Catholic schools, $150 million for parish-specific needs, $30 million for capital needs in Catholic schools and related parish facilities, and $10 million for religious education programs.

Another $8 million of the campaign will  provide direct funding for Catholic school program enhancements, while $2 million will develop new approaches to religious education and faith formation.

Campaign priorities were developed with input from administrators, educators, pastors and staff.

Auxiliary Bishop Francis J. Kane, the campaign's general chair, said the campaign aims to raise sufficient funding "to help all of us teach God's word and the beauty of the Catholic faith."

The campaign has raised $82.5 million of its $100 million major gift goal. It is seeking $250 million from Chicago's 356 parishes, with 60 percent of parish-raised funds remaining with the contributing parish.