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Bishop’s Circle
New revenue source supports bishop’s work

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
(Email Renee)

The Office of Stewardship implemented a new program about a year ago to generate revenue to support the work and mission of the bishop and ministries in the Diocese of Sioux City.

According to Kristie Arlt, diocesan director of stewardship and communications, the Bishop’s Circle kicked off about 11 months ago when the first gathering was held for potential members at Bishop R. Walker Nickless’ home.

“The minimum to join the Bishop’s Circle is $1,000 and we have had gifts from $1,000 to $10,000,” she said.
Money generated through this new program, Arlt said, helps to sustain and enhance current diocesan ministries.
Bishop Nickless commended the work of the diocesan offices, which directly serve the parishes in the diocese and parishioners who attend those churches.

“I know that the things we provide from the diocesan level are very helpful to our pastors, parishes and parishioners,” he said. “I want those to be sustained and continued in the high quality that we know we need.”

At the same time, the bishop recognized the present day difficulties with the economy, so he stressed that he did not want to put any undue pressure on parishioners or take away from the support that they give to their parishes and Catholic schools.

Bishop Nickless said the Bishop’s Circle was devised for those who not only can support their parish, school and DAA, but also for those who can do a little more to assist the work of the diocese.

“It’s an invitation for them to join this special group that supports the mission and the purpose that I have as bishop and that we try to accomplish through our offices here at the chancery,” he said.

When the diocese was looking at new stewardship programs to generate alternative revenue sources, Arlt said it was very important to the bishop and the Office of Stewardship to seek initiatives that would not pull money away from parishes and schools.

“People need to support their church and school before they consider supporting the Bishop’s Circle,” she said.

Arlt pointed out that the diocese relies on investment income, the Diocesan Annual Appeal and the cathedraticum (an assessment on parishes) to support the chancery and its programs.

“The last thing that the bishop wants to do is increase the burden on parishes,” she said.

While the program is in its first year she mentioned that planning for this began about three years ago when she first started with the diocese. Since that time, Arlt was aware that she needed to establish a new stream of revenue to support diocesan ministries. Through research she learned that several dioceses had established Bishop’s Circles for this purpose.

To get an idea as to how people in the pews would feel about an endeavor like this, Arlt met with an advisory committee made up a wide range of representatives – business professionals, parish staff and school personnel - from throughout the diocese. She asked them how this new concept would go over in the diocese.

“A lot of them agreed that there are people out there who want to support the work of the bishop,” said Arlt, who acknowledged that this isn’t something that every parishioner will be asked to support. “This is targeted to specific people. It’s not like DAA where every single household in our diocese gets a solicitation.”

Through input from the advisory committee Arlt said they established $125,000 as the goal for this first year. While the fund was at $67,700 as of May 11, she is confident that they will reach their target.

She pointed out that at the first gathering of the 25 couples who attended, they all joined the circle. Recently a gathering was held in Fort Dodge and another gathering is planned for Sioux City on June 3. The Office of Stewardship also plans to directly contact some individuals.

The Bishop’s Circle will be a yearly program with membership renewed on an annual basis.

The bishop said he is very grateful for those who have opted to become members of the Bishop’s Circle and he looks forward to meeting more people who are interested in supporting the work of the diocese.

“I’m so grateful for their prayers and their financial support,” Bishop Nickless said.

If you are interested in giving to the Bishop’s Circle but have not been contacted, call Arlt for more information at (712) 233-7513 or e-mail her at kristiea@scdiocese.org.