Bishop Pledges 10% As Capital Campaign Begins

Catholic Voice
August 8, 2014

http://www.catholicvoiceoakland.org/2014/08-11/frontpage3.htm

Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ

Almost 100 receptions are planned before year-end for about half the parishes in the Oakland diocese as an effort to raise $65 million goes into full sway.

The other half of the parishes will host their informational receptions in the first half of 2015.

At a kickoff presentation to parish staff members on July 17, Bishop Michael C. Barber, SJ, suggested a standard for giving by pledging 10 percent of his salary to the Capital Campaign (See his column on Page 5). Archbishops Allen H. Vigneron and Salvatore J. Cordileone, both former bishops of Oakland, will make their own contributions, Bishop Barber said.

The parish receptions began Aug. 4. Most parishes have more than one event scheduled. The receptions are one way to provide information and develop pledges on the campaign. Personal contact, parish bulletins, announcements and the media are also being used to encourage participation.

Stephen A. Wilcox, former board chairman of Catholic Charities of the East Bay, has been named chairman of the Capital Campaign (More on Wilcox on Page 5).

The diocese is in sound financial condition, the bishop said, but it has needs. The Capital Campaign will provide an endowment fund to aid educational tuitions, priest retirement, local projects at schools and parishes, aiding ministries, aid to Catholic Charities and debt restructuring, including for the cathedral and local projects.

Pledge payments can be spread over four years. A $5,000 pledge works out to about $3 a day for four years.

Meetings with the bishop and major donors have already seen more than $3 million pledged, said Kenneth J. Hokenson, executive director of the Office for Mission Advancement.

For more information about the campaign, contact Hokenson at khokenson@oakdiocese.org or 510-267-8314.