Encountering
CHRIST
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ.” ~ Rom 12:5
February 2022 Dear Friends, When we first imagined the Encountering Christ campaign, raising more than $100 million seemed like an impossible dream. It is because of all of you that this effort has now far surpassed our expectations — and our goal. Thank you, thank you, thank you! We are so grateful that you continue entrusting your many blessings to us here at the diocese. Stewarding the thousands of gifts we received for Encountering Christ is a responsibility we take very seriously, and we remain committed to keeping you up to date on how fulfilled pledges are making a difference throughout our diocese. If you have not done so already, please engage with us on social media to stay in the know about the exciting things happening in our communities because of your generosity. Sincerely,
Campaign reaches new milestone Two years after the fundraising phase for Encountering Christ officially came to an end, the campaign has set another historic milestone — raising $100 million to strengthen the Diocese of Austin for future generations. A handful of parishes that had planned larger, independent campaigns inclusive of the diocesan effort, but paused or changed course because of the pandemic, have helped the diocese further exceed the $85 million goal. But Bishop Joe Vásquez is quick to point out that the collective efforts of every person who contributed to the campaign are responsible for its success. “Each one of us has contributed to this legacy of generosity that will not only support essential ministries and projects, but also inspire many in the years to come,” Bishop Vásquez said. “Together, we are continuing to build a culture of encounter throughout our diocese.” After delaying participation, Christ the King Parish in Belton recently began the public phase of its Gather & Grow campaign, which will satisfy the parish’s obligation to Encountering Christ as well as raise funds to build a Family Life Center. The new center will replace the circa 1974 parish hall and provide space to meet the current and future needs of the growing community. Christ the King’s proposed Family Life Center.
“It’s very run down and inadequate,” said Krista Kaulfus, parish business administrator. “We do not have a facility that brings our family under one roof.”
Scott Whitaker Director of Stewardship and Development DIOCESE OF AUSTIN 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB AUSTIN, TX 78723 encounteringchristcampaign.org (512) 949-2400
The $2.2 million already pledged to Gather & Grow is a “true testament … to the giving spirit of our community,” Krista said, adding that the parish plans to continue fundraising in hopes of completing the project debt-free. Equally important to the more than 22,000 gifts that have been pledged is how many of these commitments are being fulfilled. Only after pledges have been paid are parishes able to accomplish the projects they identified during their campaigns. Even with the financial uncertainty many families have faced during the pandemic, the diocese has collected $60.5 million — 61 percent of the amount pledged — and has returned $16.2 million to parishes.
Parish projects, diocesan ministries depend on pledge payments Total raised
$100M
Gifts received
22,196
Cash received
$60.5M
Unfulfilled pledges
$39.5M
Returned to parishes
$16.2M