Preparing for the Future...
What is Development?
Giving is much more than tax brackets and charitable deductions. Gifts to St. Joseph Catholic Church and School provide the meaningful difference in what we do.
The Ministry of Development has its basis in the concepts of stewardship as outlined in the Gospel message. It is a ministry to ask people to share in whatever way they can, in the work of the Church. Development is a people business in our parishes and schools. As a process or a science, it engages in those programs and activities that enhance the quality of service at the parish and the excellence of education in all our educational offerings. A parish or school that serves people and offers the very best of service attracts other people! Those who have not been properly exposed to the development process, concepts and principles, have often defined development as “fundraising.”
What is Fundraising?
Candy bars, wrapping paper, magazines—you name it, substantial income may be generated by Catholic elementary schools. Development is concerned with establishing a strategic plan, improving the public relations of the school and parish, marketing and securing support for the school and parish in terms of human and financial resources. Development is much more comprehensive than fundraising. The basic approach and concepts of development and fundraising differ greatly. Development offers a long-term solution to a school and parish’s financial stability. Development fosters terms such as complete integrity, long-range planning, public relations, positive attitudes, good business management and substantial investments.
What are some examples of each?
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However, as you can see, Fundraising is only a stopgap measure. It may keep a parish and school going for a while, but the results alone are not sufficient to assure their survival for the future. Development has to do with long-range plans. Our premise is St. Joseph Parish will be in existence 100 years from now so that has set into motion a series of activities that will lead to a secure and successful future.
Some of us have a greater responsibility because of the gifts we have been given and because of our faith experiences. Many of our people have boldly accepted that challenge, and that is why the St. Joseph Parish “Forward in Faith” capital campaigns’ success is what it is today! We believe that our new school and church will continue to be great gifts to our community. We commit ourselves to meet the challenges of the future and to look back on our past in gratitude to those who paved the way.