What is the 75/25 split?
The Diocese acknowledges that along with larger diocesan-wide needs, each local parish has its own projects, ministry outreach and service programs that may need funding. Therefore, 25% of every dollar raised will be shared with each parish up to the campaign goal. Once the goal is reached, the parish will receive 75% of each dollar raised above and beyond their goal.

How were the parish goals determined?
Parish goals were established at one times the reported 2008 calendar year offertory collection.

Who handles the redemption of the pledges?
The Diocese will be responsible for the redemption phase of the campaign (collecting the pledges). The Office of Stewardship and Development will process pledges, gifts and payment reminders over the designated pledge period. Checks should be made out to the All Things Possible Campaign. Pledge envelopes will be mailed to parishioners and available at the parish. Individuals can mail their pledges or drop them off at the parish.

Is this goal an assessment?
No. A parish’s overall goal is a good faith effort to strive toward and is NOT an assessment.

When will parishes begin to receive their 25% share?
The parish will receive their first distribution of 25% of cash collected six months after the completion of their campaign.

Will a parish still receive their portion of the 25% if the parish does not make goal?
Yes. But as an incentive to try and go over your goal the parish will receive 75% of the monies collected over their goal and the Diocese will receive 25%.

How will parishioners be contacted during the All Things Possible Campaign?
It is intended that every Catholic family within the Diocese be presented with the needs and objectives of the campaign. This will be achieved through a variety of methods including personal visits, receptions, pulpit announcements, mailings, brochures and a campaign video.

What are receptions and what is their purpose?
Parish receptions are simply informational gatherings that provide an opportunity to learn about the campaign and ask for support. They emphasize the personal nature of giving; allowing for a thorough presentation of the campaign needs and to give parishioners an opportunity to ask questions.

How will the All Things Possible Campaign affect parish-operating income?
In the short term, offertory giving should remain constant or even increase. Throughout the All Things Possible Campaign, parishioners will be asked to make pledges above and beyond their regular offertory giving. Parishioners are asked to consider a greater sacrifice and commitment to their church. In the long-term, similar campaigns in many parishes have enhanced offertory levels and parish stewardship.

How much will it cost to conduct the All Things Possible Campaign?
Although the expenses are based on bids and flat fees, the Diocese projects the campaign to cost approximately 6% of the established campaign goal. This is well below the cost of many fundraising efforts, which often exceed 10 percent of their overall goal. The cost percentage will decrease as the Diocese goes over the $40 million goal.

Why are parishioners asked to pledge different amounts? Would dividing the parish campaign goal by the number of households be an easier and fairer method?
We understand that each family’s situation is different. We are asking every family in the Diocese to make an equal sacrifice to the campaign. The amount of sacrifice will be different for each family. Some families will be able to give more than others, but we ask that the sacrifice be the same.

How much should I give to the All Things Possible Campaign?
All parishioners are asked to consider a sacrificial gift to the campaign in the spirit of Christian stewardship. Families who are working toward the traditional stewardship model or 5% to their parish, 1% to the annual diocesan appeal and 4% to other charities, are asked to consider contributing a portion of the "other charities" to this campaign. Parishioners are asked to prayerfully consider a specific gift plan in accordance with their own means and circumstances. Pledges are payable in monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments over a four year period. The principles of stewardship promote equal sacrifices rather than equal gifts.

Why are pledges encouraged, instead of one-time donations?
Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to make a more significant gift to the mission of the Church. A contribution is easier to pay off over a period of time rather than out of pocket. It is important to note that pledges are not legally binding but rather a statement of what you intend to do.

Will any of these funds be used for items other than the 15 designated elements?
Absolutely NOT. The funds raised for the All Things Possible Campaign will be used exclusively for the 15 listed elements. Bishop Vann has unequivocally stated that none of these funds will be used to settle any lawsuits or be used for legal fees. The Diocese has both a legal and moral obligation to restrict these funds for the 15 stated elements.

Can a donor designate their gift to a particular case item?
Yes. Donors can specify special interest on their pledge card. Please keep in mind, however, that if a donor restricts or designates their gift to a particular case item, it will be credited toward the parish campaign goal, but it does not qualify for the 75/25 Parish Share split. Legally, designated gifts must go in their entirety to the designated case item.

What is the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Corporation?
The Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Corporation is a separate 501(c)(3) Texas non-profit corporation organized and operated exclusively for charitable, religious and educational purposes. The Advancement Corporation, as a separate corporation, is an integrated auxiliary of the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth charged with receiving contributions intended to benefit the supported activities, and managing and distributing such contributions for the benefit of supported activities.

Why does University of North Texas receive the largest portion of the Campus Ministry funds?
The University of North Texas has the highest population of students (35,000 to 40,000) and therefore will become the first campus for increased Campus Ministry services through additional programming and services. Once the program is implemented successfully, plans will be discussed to expand Campus Ministry services to the other college campuses within the Diocese.

How were the campaign case items determined?
Bishop Kevin Vann was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth four years ago. During his first year as bishop, he visited every parish and school, along with meeting many parishioners, in order to get to know the Diocese. Following that first year, Bishop Vann consulted with his advisors to develop a strategy to address the needs he had seen and identified. Initially, a $60 million case was drafted and tested through a Feasibility Study to determine the level of support for the items he had identified. The study revealed that the people of the Diocese could successfully raise $50 million in a diocesan-wide campaign effort. However, after the economic downturn in the fall of 2008, the focus of the identified case items turned to needs, not wants, and the case was reviewed and modified to reflect a campaign goal of $40 million.

Economic times are bad. Why are we running a campaign now?
Bishop Vann, working with his priests and financial advisors, delayed the start of this campaign due to the economic uncertainty we experienced last fall. Throughout the winter and spring, historically strong supporters indicated to the Bishop that they would still be excited to participate in a diocesan-wide campaign, but would have to do so at a slightly lower level than prior to the downturn. It was with the advice of these long-time supporters, priests, and other advisors, that Bishop Vann made the decision to proceed with the campaign this fall. By turning the focus of the campaign to defined needs, rather than wants, the goal was lowered to $40 million.

Are there some case items that will be funded first or will all the items be funded proportionately as donations come it? There are eight case items that will be fully funded from the first dollars collected in the following order: local parish needs (25% of each dollar raised), the priest pension and care funds, rural ministry initiatives, adult catechesis and faith formation, center-city schools capital projects, the hospital in Honduras, and Sharing in Ministry. All other items in the case will be funded proportionately as donations are received.

Is Catholic school enrollment up or down right now?
First day enrollment figures in Diocesan Catholic schools reflect a decline of 2.6% - the first decline in four years. Since this Diocese begins school earlier than most in the area, Catholic school enrollment numbers tend to increase after school starts. In checking with the National Catholic Educational Association for a national perspective, we find that most locations are experiencing a decline in the range of 6+%, due to the economy. The significantly lower decline in this Diocese is due to hard work in recruitment and retention on the part of local schools and the ability of the Bishop’s Scholars Fund to support families with tuition assistance. This year’s award total was $704,750 - an increase of 15.8% over last year.

How many settlements has the Diocese had in regards to the priest scandals?
The Diocese of Fort Worth has settled 22 lawsuits involving five priests that formerly worked in the diocese. The total settlements amounted to $8,487,000. Over half of this was paid by Catholic Mutual Group (insurance), with the remainder paid from Insurance Reserve Funds and the Central Office fund balance.

In order to protect donations, all funds for the campaign are being deposited with and administered by the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth Advancement Corporation. As a separate corporation, any funds deposited to the Advancement Corporation are, by law, not part of the overall holdings of the Diocese and therefore, cannot be attached in lawsuits.

If anyone should have questions regarding the payment of the settlements, where should they direct their questions? Questions can be directed to Peter Flynn at the Catholic Center – (817) 560-3300.

Is $40 million enough to handle all the needs our Diocese has?
No. This campaign will begin to address the most pressing needs of the diocese, but it will not take care of every need. For example, according to the results of the recent Meitler Study for the Diocese of Fort Worth, this diocese will see an additional 600,000 Catholics move into the area by 2030. This will require new parishes, Catholic schools, increased vocations, and additional ministries and services. The campaign does not include funding for these growth needs.

Has there been any discussion on whether Catholic Charities will be expanding their
services to other areas outside of Tarrant County?
Since 2005, the Catholic Charities budget for services and outreach has increased from $10 to $15 million. Approximately 90% of time and service are facilitated in Tarrant County, with the remaining 10% servicing all other counties in the Diocese. The budgetary breakout follows the time percentages.

Recently, however, Catholic Charities received a $1 million restricted grant to expand and grow services in all counties but Tarrant. There is a 5-year plan in place to open 5 additional satellite offices throughout the Diocese. Until those offices are opened, Catholic Charities is interested in meeting the needs of its parishes on a case-by-case basis when approached by parish leadership.

If you have questions about the All Things Possible Campaign, please call
the campaign office at (817) 560-2452 Ext. 350.