St. Martha Catholic Church and School

THE CHALLENGE

St. Martha Catholic Church and School in Okemos, Michigan, has long served its community well. However, the parish faced a significant hurdle: trust. Years ago, challenges with financial management left a community prone to skepticism. This mistrust created a significant barrier to generating financial support, both for parish needs and for broader initiatives, like a diocesan campaign. The parish’s pressing need for additional space, driven by the doubling of school enrollment over a five-year period, made addressing these challenges an urgent priority.

THE VISION

St. Martha envisioned a future where both its parish and school could flourish, providing the spiritual and educational resources necessary for families to thrive. The goal was to:

• Expand the school’s facilities to accommodate its growing student body and support their academic and spiritual formation.
• Strengthen trust with parishioners by implementing robust safeguards and transparency measures.
• Cultivate a spirit of generosity and shared mission among the community to ensure sustainable growth.

This effort was integrated into the Diocese of Lansing’s Stewardship for Saints and Scholars diocesan campaign, requiring seamless coordination between parish leaders, diocesan staff and the Steier Group expert campaign managers.

THE SOLUTION

The charismatic pastor’s energetic leadership and compelling vision were instrumental in overcoming the parish’s trust deficit. Under his guidance, St. Martha implemented rigorous financial oversight measures, ensuring parishioners that their contributions would be managed with integrity. Through a partnership with the Steier Group, these assurances were prominently featured in campaign communications, alongside compelling narratives of the broader impact of Catholic formation and the growth of the parish and school. The campaign’s messaging highlighted the school’s doubled enrollment and the urgent need for additional space to help each child achieve their God-given potential. It underscored the life-changing role of Catholic education and faith formation in building a vibrant, Christ-centered community. The joint effort with the diocese’s campaign further demonstrated the power of working together for a common cause. By partnering with the Steier Group and diocesan leaders, St. Martha effectively rallied support through a customized campaign plan that included graphic design, database services and communications professionals to craft a compelling story. Volunteers, staff and parishioners worked together tirelessly, sharing their enthusiasm and commitment to the parish’s mission.