A HISTORIC CAMPAIGN
Impact Overview 2024
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MESSAGE FROM CARDINAL BLASE J. CUPICH
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
In 2012, Cardinal George and the Archdiocese of Chicago set out to increase faith formation within our parishes and schools through the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign, which included program funding, completion of urgent repairs and growing evangelization programs. The campaign’s mission and purpose were straightforward and simple, but it’s impact and significance proved to be powerful and long-lasting.
When I became archbishop of Chicago, I was thoroughly impressed by the structure of the campaign and unwavering support of our dedicated donors. Over the years, our sacred buildings have been renovated and restored, our parishes have created new spaces allowing ministries and outreach programs to thrive, and the future generations of our Church have experienced the love and teachings of Christ through scholarships and young adult engagement programs.
I hope you’ll join me in celebrating the many successes of the campaign, and take time to read through the testimonials from parishes, students and families who have been forever impacted by your generosity and thoughtful prayers. Thank you for your support of the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign and Archdiocese of Chicago.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Archbishop of Chicago
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85,000+ donors pledged
Funding for scholarships:
$70+ million
Student scholarships awarded to date:
27+ thousand
Funding for Academic Excellence initiatives:
$8+ million
Funding for facility needs at vulnerable parishes:
$10+ million
Funding for religious education:
$5+ million
Funding for local parish needs across the archdiocese:
$160+ million
Total number of parishes, shrines, and missions receiving funding from To Teach Who Christ Is:
350+
Campaign expenses: 8% of collected donations
2 OVERALL IMPACT
Our faithful donors’ generosity and prayerful support of the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign provided our parishes with the funds needed to restore historic buildings and churches, and tend to critical repairs.
St. George Parish
St. George, a welcoming parish community in Tinley Park, used funding to update their HVAC system, reconfigure the sanctuary, upgrade insulation, upgrade the sound system and more.
St. Clement Parish
“The To Teach Who Christ Is campaign allowed us make much needed 21st century safety enhancements to both the school and parish ministry center.”
—Nicole Zenner, director of parish strategy and planning
St. Peter Parish, Volo
St. Peter Parish in Volo rejoices in over 150 years of Catholic service and witness to its community, and was able to restore the church’s bell tower to its original form after a storm destroyed it in 1961.
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RENEWAL
PARISHES STRENGTHENED AND PREPARED FOR
SACRED SPACES FOR OUR MINISTRIES
AND PARISHIONERS
Throughout the campaign, many parishes utilized campaign funds to create new spaces that continue to improve parish vitality and provide designated areas for ministries, schools and outreach programs.
“When our parishioners saw the project was going on, their enthusiasm was palpable, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the support of this campaign, which helped us illuminate our parish even more and provide the resources to continue the mission of our faith community.”
—Fr. Noel Reyes, pastor at St. Jerome
“Before Kyte Hall, our parish had only one meeting room in the former convent. This was one of the reasons the parish had lapsed into inactivity for many years and after being approached by the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign committee, we knew it was the perfect opportunity to raise funds.”
—Father Thomas McDermott, OP, pastor at St. Vincent Ferrer
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St. Jerome Parish built a new adoration chapel for prayer and reflection in 2018.
In 2017, St. Vincent Ferrer completed construction of Kyte Hall, a common area for social and educational activities.
SUPPORT THROUGH DIFFICULTY AND HARDSHIP
The COVID-19 global pandemic brought change and uncertainty to all of our parishes, but through campaign and parishioner support, our parishes persevered and continued to serve and spread the Gospel.
Old St. Mary’s Petermann Parish Center
In 2016, Old St. Mary’s used campaign funds to build a parish center to be utilized for ministries and outreach programs, but it became most useful during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The parish was able to transform the rooms of the parish center into classrooms that allowed for social distancing and additional educational space.
St. James Parish
St. James Parish (Church) on Wabash Ave. continued to serve the community through the parish’s food pantry during the trying times of the pandemic. The parish had volunteers deliver pre-packaged bags and boxes outdoors and purchased tents and heaters so their volunteers have a secure environment to serve the local community.
“We are truly grateful to all who support the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign. You’ve made it possible for the children of our community to receive a quality education that challenges them to achieve their full potential and become successful, confident individuals that shape the future of our society.”
FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO KNOW CHRIST
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Catholic Education Scholarship Trust, Caritas Scholarship Fund and Phoenix Scholarship Fund have distributed approximately $4 million in scholarships each year to families in need of financial assistance.
Caritas Scholarship
The Caritas Scholarship Program is offered to elementary school students attending Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools. The scholarship is awarded to families in need of financial support to continue placing their child or children in Catholic school. Without this scholarship, thousands of students would not have the opportunity to receive quality education and grow in a faith-based environment. These students are also able to be a part of a community at school and receive multiple avenues of support and encouragement from staff.
“The Caritas Scholarship gave us the hope and help we needed during a difficult time. We are so thankful for the donors of the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign for funding this tremendous scholarship.”
—Becky Constantino, mother of Caritas Scholarship recipients
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—Principal Sr. Rita Range at Our Lady of Grace in 2017
Phoenix Scholarship
The Phoenix Scholarship ensures access to Catholic education for families throughout Cook and Lake counties and is eligible to families with children in any school listed in the official Catholic Directory for the Archdiocese of Chicago who demonstrate financial need and meet certain other criteria established by the Trust Board.
“Catholic education has impacted our children’s lives tremendously. The one-on-one attention they receive, the care shown by the administration and staff, and the open relationships provided have given them confidence and wonderful insight.”
—Jeanette Olivera, mother of Phoenix Scholarship recipients
YOUTH FORMATION
With evangelization playing an important role in the To Teach Who Christ Is campaign, campaign funding was used to create and staff the Archdiocese of Chicago Young Adult Engagement Team, and continues to support programming and initiatives that seek to connect with young adults on their faith and relationship with God. The campaign has specifically supported faith formation programs, alpha courses, Lenten small groups and young adult leader happy hours.
“We were floored by the generosity of the donors of this campaign and are extremely happy that our children were able to receive the scholarship. We are forever grateful for this opportunity to give our children hope for a better future.
Words cannot express our gratitude to all who help in this process. We pray one day our children will be able to repay this generous gift.”
—Agnieszka Garczynski, mother of Phoenix Scholarship recipients at St. Ferdinand
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MESSAGE FROM CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
To the Beloved Donors of the To Teach Who Christ Is Campaign,
On behalf of the entire Department of Stewardship and Development, thank you for the generosity, partnership and faithful support you’ve shown us over the past several years. It’s through your gifts and fulfillment of pledges, we’ve ensured parishes in the archdiocese are strong and vibrant communities of faith.
Through your unwavering commitment, we have witnessed the deep dedication of our parishioners to the well-being of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Your gifts have been strategically allocated to enhance the infrastructure of our parishes, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual enrichment. This campaign has breathed new life into our religious spaces, making them more welcoming and conducive to community growth. Your commitment to education has also empowered deserving students to pursue their academic aspirations. Thank you for investing in our future leaders.
Thank you for your continued commitment to the parishes, schools and ministries of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
Faithfully yours,
Brendan Keating Chief Development Officer Archdiocese of
Chicago
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Stewardship and Development
835 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611-2030
giving.archchicago.org
© 2024 Archdiocese of Chicago
Photography: Rob Hart , Karen Callaway, Alexander G0uletas, Natalie Battaglia, Donna Graves.