Diocese introduces Bishop’s Circle to support ministers

Budget cuts may save money, but for the diocesan ministries it also means losing funds that help them perform their mission more effectively. To help make up the difference, a new fundraising campaign called The Bishop’s Circle hopes to round up $125,000 to boost the ministries in need. “When we have different ministries that are falling short, we have to look at other ways of raising money,” said Kristie Arlt, diocesan director of stewardship and communications. “Instead of raising DAA goals for example, or increasing the cathedraticum tax, we have been brainstorming with a new funding idea and that came to be The Bishop’s Circle.”

The idea was tossed around by an advisory committee that Bishop R. Walker Nickless started this year that is made up of parishioners throughout the diocese and one priest, Arlt said. After deliberating questions such as if it was a necessary fund and if now was the right time to do it, the committee unanimously decided to give it a shot.

Unlike DAA, not every household will be asked to participate in The Bishop’s Circle, Arlt said. In order to be a member of the circle, donors must contribute at least $1,000.

“What we’re doing is selecting people who we think might give to the Bishop’s Circle, as well as continue to support their parishes and their schools, just like they have in the past,” she said.

What the diocese wants to avoid, Arlt added, is parishioners deciding between DAA, their schools and The Bishop’s Circle when it comes to making their donations. They should support their parishes and schools first, and if they still have money they’d like to donate, The Bishop’s Circle should come second, Arlt said.

Invitations have already been sent to potential donors for a social gathering at Bishop Nickless’ home to roll out the new fundraising effort. The gathering is important because it allows Catholics from the diocese to come together and learn more about what the diocesan offices do, Bishop Nickless said, and how they help him fulfill his role to teach, lead and sanctify.
“I want to tell the story of the chancery,” he said. “I want to tell the story of the dedicated men and women who work here, who sometimes get overlooked, and talk about their dedication and commitment, and the service they want to provide for others. The people who work at the diocesan offices in many ways could probably be making more money at other places, but there’s a commitment about them to the church and to the Lord that is evident in all that we do.”

One of the areas that may be helped by the fund is Hispanic ministries, which the bishop cited as being underfunded and needing a greater outreach. He also said more could be done for marriage and family life and youth and young adults.
“We just continue to see how we could do better,” Bishop Nickless said. “We’re doing the basics, but we need to do more and this will help us.”

The Bishop’s Circle isn’t unique to the Diocese of Sioux City, Arlt said, adding that other dioceses have similar funds. People should not assume that donors to this fund will receive special considerations such as having their voices heard over others. The bishop is open to hearing from everyone throughout the diocese, she said.
“It’s a group of people who have the financial means not to stop giving to their parish or to the diocese, but can do a little bit more to help us bridge the gap,” Bishop Nickless reiterated.

The Bishop’s Circle hopes to reach out to all parts of the diocese. Another gathering is scheduled in August in Fort Dodge. Arlt said she hopes to show parishioners that The Bishop’s Circle is crucial to the growth of the diocese.
“The main goals of The Bishop’s Circle are to reduce our reliance on parish funding and continue to enhance and grow the ministries that affect so many in our diocese.”

Those interested in learning more about The Bishop’s Circle or the gatherings should call Kristie Arlt at (712) 233-7513.