Diocesan Catholic schools receive proceeds from Bishop's Dinner

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Dec. 20, 2007

Administrators and development directors from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Sioux City were invited to Sioux City for a special luncheon on Dec. 13.

The proceeds of this year's Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education were presented to school officials at the luncheon held at the Sioux City Convention Center.

All the Catholic schools in the diocese received proceeds from the dinner. Each school received a per pupil contribution as well as an $85 kickback per ticket purchased for the dinner.

During the luncheon, the dinner planning committee and chaircouple, Dick and Pat Collins, were recognized for their work on the dinner.

"Catholic schools are a phenomenal place to be. We have lots of great things going on in our schools currently and good things are going to be happening in all different areas of our Catholic school systems in the diocese," said Pat Collins. "Being chairpersons of the Bishop's Dinner was a big honor. When Dick and I were asked to do this, we felt very humbled."

She thanked the people who helped with the dinner and helped to minimize the work.

"The Bishop's Dinner is an annual event that is sponsored by the Catholic School Foundation," said Kevin Vickery, superintendent of Catholic schools in the diocese. "In addition to the support to the schools from the Bishop's Dinner, the Catholic School Foundation provides grants each year to support other things such as construction materials, faith formation, safety and media services."

He recognized the members of the Catholic Schools Foundation that were present at the luncheon.

"This year Bishop Nickless will distribute to our schools checks totaling in the amount of $101, 313," said Vickery. "We are grateful for the wonderful benefactors who have made these gifts possible and to the dedicated teachers, administrators, pastors and parishioners who are committed to the children of our parishes, who benefit from the efforts of the 2007 Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education."

A representative from each school was called up to receive a check and shake Bishop R. Walker Nickeless' hand.

At the end of the luncheon, Bishop Nickless said a few words and gave a final blessing.

"Since becoming your bishop, almost two years ago, I have been inspired by the tremendous support of our priests, our parents and the faithful of the diocese for our Catholic schools," said the bishop. "Success this year of the Bishop's Dinner is another sign of inspiration that you give me and many other people in the diocese."

He thanked the administrators, principals, pastors and others who care about the Catholic schools.

"Thank you for your hard work, day in and day out, 12 months a year," said the bishop. "Thank you for the inspiration you give to teachers, to staff, to parents and especially to students. The diocese is more than happy to support everything you do and this is one small token of our appreciation."

St. John the Baptist School in Bancroft received $1,985 this year from the Bishop's Dinner proceeds.

"In this day and age with finances going up, every amount of money that we can take in helps with fulfilling the needs of the students," said Lynn Miller, principal at St. John the Baptist School in Bancroft.

He mentioned that the money is usually ear-marked for something special. This year the money may be used along with their safety grant to help to update things in the school.

Storm Lake St. Mary School received $5,078 in proceeds from the Bishop's Dinner. St. Mary's School supporters who purchased tickets for the Bishop's Dinner and corporate sponsors of the dinner helped make this contribution possible.

"What I have learned in the last two years as an administrator is that Catholic education is so dependent on generosity of other individuals," said Bev Mach, principal at St. Mary's in Storm Lake. "Daily the Spirit does move within the walls of this school. It does seem that when we need it the most, we are gifted. The Bishop's Dinner money was a timely gift for us again at St. Mary's."

The funds were used to pay for half of the purchase of a new tractor with snow removal blade and mower for the school. The school's old equipment was in need of replacement for several years.

"We can't wait till the snow comes now," said Mach. "It not only helped the school but it is going to help the parish, too, because we are all one family."

Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools in Sioux City received a check for $26,786 at the distribution luncheon.

"We are thrilled for all the support that we get at the diocesan level, but especially the Bishop's Dinner," said Mimi Wieck, development director for BHCS. "I think Dick and Pat Collins did a great job this year exemplifying how important Catholic education is."

She pointed out that $20,000 of the funds received was ear-marked to help with the general budget. Anything in excess will go for the teachers salary endowment fund.

"Over the last couple of years we have really been trying to grow this," said Wieck. "We have been successful in doing that. It is nice that we are able to have this for the necessities, but also to give it to something that is important to us - to grow the endowment fund."