Living the Mission Campaign
Bishop Gruss is leading the Diocese of Rapid City into the future through the Diocesan Priority Plan: Reconciliation, Forming Disciples, and Funding the Mission. In order to Fund the Mission, Bishop Gruss recognized the question, “What is our mission?,” needed to be addressed first. The five needs funded by Living the Missionwere identified as essential to carrying out the mission of Christ in western South Dakota.
All 81 parishes and missions in the Diocese of Rapid City are participating in the campaign. All 7,500+ Catholic households across 43,000 square miles are asked to consider a financial pledge to Living the Mission. Parishes will conduct their campaign with the assistance of a Campaign Director and the Campaign Office between October 2018 and June 2019. This timetable, scheduled within a four month window, provides flexibility and should accommodate all parish situations. Each parish’s participation will be based on five principles:
- Prayer
- Personal visitation
- Proportionate giving
- Phased approach
- Pledged commitment
Living the Mission FAQs
What is the campaign target and what does the money go towards?
The target for Living the Mission is $12,000,000. This is a comprehensive capital campaign in which funds raised will go toward five needs:
- New Pastoral Center
- Priest Pension Plan
- Native American Ministry Endowment
- Rapid City Catholic School System Endowment
- Thomas More High School Cafeteria and Multi-purpose Room
Will my parish benefit from the campaign?
When the parish goal is reached, all parishes receive 20% of parishioners’ gifts. All parishes will then receive 60% of gifts received over the parish goal. Likewise, all parishes benefit from shared ministries funded through Living the Mission campaign.
Why is each donor asked to complete a pledge card?
Each donor is asked to complete a pledge card so their gift will be appropriately recorded and acknowledged. The pledge card is an indication of good faith, an intent to meet the terms of the gift, and is not legally binding.
How will I be asked to participate in Living the Mission?
Your pastor and local campaign volunteers will explain how and when you will be invited to participate in Living the Mission. All parishioners can participate now by praying for the success of Living the Mission and considering their blessings in their prayers. Parishioners will be approached with personal visits, by mail and phone, and in the parish regarding how they can make pledged commitments to the campaign. Please accept any invitation to discuss the campaign with open minds and hearts, and as though the individual contacting you were your pastor.
When will I have the opportunity to pledge to Living the Mission?
Parishioners will have the opportunity to pledge to Living the Mission when their parishes participate in the campaign at a local level. Please review the Participating Parishes page to see at what time your parish is participating in Living the Mission.
Have more questions? Visit the Frequently Asked Questions page to find a question or submit a question.
