The Diocese of Wichita has a reputation that stretches far beyond this rural Kansas diocese of 90 parishes. Across the country, it’s admired as the stewardship diocese – where giving is a way of life. For the past 40 years, Wichita’s parishes have embraced the call to give generously, sacrificially and proportionally. It’s a spiritual commitment that has allowed the diocese’s Catholic schools to thrive without tuition, kept second collections off the calendar, eliminated the need for a diocesan annual appeal and fueled thriving ministries. When the diocese decided to embark on the largest capital campaign in its history, it…
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It can start with a story. Teaching children about the importance of giving and sharing God’s gifts – adults call it “stewardship” – can begin at a young age. And a good way to start is with a story as simple as this one: “Sarah, you have two cookies, but Catherine doesn’t have any. Sarah, would you like to give one of your cookies to her so you both have one?” So simple, according to experts in child development, but so important and so effective. The stories you tell children – whether they are your own or the ones you…
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At the Steier Group, we define a capital campaign as an extraordinary fundraising initiative that requires giving beyond a donor’s annual support. Capital campaigns require large gift requests, requests that can sometimes elicit a collective gulp on both sides of the table. However, there are ways to lay the groundwork for a big ask that make it a rewarding experience for all. Well before a capital campaign begins, it’s important for organizations to find ways to engage non-donors and encourage regular donors to increase their giving. Consistent donors and those whose giving has steadily increased are demonstrating their loyalty to…
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After Pope Sixtus II was captured and executed, the prefect of Rome demanded that Lawrence turn over the riches of the Catholic Church. Lawrence asked for three days and, in that time, he quickly distributed as much of the church's wealth to the poor as he could. The prefect was so angry that he had given away the riches that he tortured Lawrence over a gridiron on top of hot coals. Although he is the patron saint of archivists and librarians, this act by Lawrence is a blessed example of Catholic stewardship and philanthropy. Mark Petersen, CEO of Stronger Philanthropy,…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 17th…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 15th…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 15th…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 14th…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The 13th…
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The Steier Group is proud to present our new podcast, Twelve Wicker Baskets with Christopher Beaudet. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast app. In the Gospel, Jesus fed 5,000 with only five loaves and two fish. After the crowd was satisfied, there were 12 wicker baskets left over. God provides the abundance. In each episode of this podcast, we will explore, with pastoral leaders and development professionals, all the many ways God meets the spiritual and temporal needs of our parish communities, our Catholic schools and the diocesan church. And not only meets those needs but provides in abundance. The…
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