Capital campaign feasibility study includes online survey

Archbishop John Nienstedt is inviting parishioners throughout the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis to complete an online survey as part of a feasibility study to determine support for a proposed archdiocesan capital campaign.

The survey, which is available at study.archspm.org, is in addition to a series of town hall meetings on the topic being held across the archdiocese (see schedule below for a list of remaining meetings.)

The feasibility study is being directed by the Steier Group, a Catholic development consulting firm seeking feedback from representatives from every parish in the archdiocese.

“We are gathering input from priests and parishioners through personal interviews, mail surveys, town hall meetings and online surveys,” said Jim Steier, CEO of the Steier Group. “It is our intent to ensure that everyone within the archdiocese has the opportunity to share their thoughts. Having an online survey will give parishioners another way to provide their opinions.”

The Steier Group is scheduled to collect data through the end of May and present its final report and recommendations to the archdiocese in June.

“The purpose of this formal and confidential study is to gather valuable feedback from our priests and lay leaders so that I can make an informed decision regarding how to proceed,” Archbishop Nienstedt said. “The opinions shared by parishioners are essential in planning for the future of our local Church.”

The capital campaign would ensure ongoing support for key ministry efforts in parishes, schools and throughout the archdiocese. It proposes to raise $165 million to support six ministry areas: strengthening par­ishes, preparing the next generation of Catholic leaders, supporting Catholic Charities, preserving the Cathedral of St. Paul and Basilica of St. Mary, caring for the elderly and fostering Latino ministries and programs.

Spanish language town hall meeting set for April 30

As part of the feasibility study to determine support for an archdiocesan capital campaign, a Spanish language town hall meeting has been scheduled for 7 p.m. April 30 at Our Lady of Guadalupe in St. Paul.

The gathering will include an overview of capital campaigns, small group discussions to identify parish needs, and a question-and-answer session.

“This year is the most positive in a decade or more for our Latino community, and so we are ready to grow, to reach out and to deepen our faith,” said Father Kevin McDonough, pastor of St. Peter Claver in St. Paul and Incarnation in Minneapolis. “All of that takes resources, and I think this is the right time for us to learn together how to deepen a sense of stewardship among Hispanic Catholics.”

Bishop Lee Piché, auxiliary bishop of St. Paul and Minneapolis; Father Kevin Kenney, vicar for Latino ministry and pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe; and Mike Halloran, archdiocesan director of development and stewardship, will be in attendance to lead the discussion.

“It is important as part of the archdiocese that the Latino community gather to learn more about how we can support the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis,” Father Kenney said. “By attending the Spanish-speaking town hall meeting, we will be able to have a voice as part of the di- rection of the stewardship plan for the archdiocese. Because our input has been requested, I am hopeful that the Latino community will welcome this opportunity.”

Redescubre: — the archdiocesan Rediscover: initiative’s Spanish language counterpart — drew about 1,000 people to its speakers series in February and March. About 2,500 people attended a Latino Family Day celebration at the Cathedral of St. Paul last October. Currently, 23 parishes in the archdiocese have Masses in Spanish.