Three dioceses join for Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving fundraising event May 1
Southern Nebraska Register
All three Catholic dioceses in Nebraska will join together for a Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving fundraising event May 1.
The dioceses are combining their resources to celebrate and support the state’s Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in this way for the first time.
“The Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving is an outstanding opportunity for Catholics throughout our great state to unite as one to emphasize our shared Catholic mission and values,” said Katie Ostgren, director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Lincoln. “We are thrilled to be able to come together to celebrate our rich heritage.”
A steering committee with representatives from the three dioceses has been planning the 24-hour event for the past five months. More than 100 Catholic organizations have signed up to participate, with more expected to join the inaugural event. Anyone will be able to go to the website and donate to their favorite Catholic organization in the state.
The theme of the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving is “Give Catholic. Do More.” It is in recognition of the long history of Catholics in Nebraska supporting their local parishes, schools and organizations in many different ways.
“Our shared Catholic faith has had an impact on Nebraska from before it was even a state,” said Bree Kotulak, interim director of the Stewardship and Development Office at the Archdiocese of Omaha. “NCDG ensures that we can continue to make disciples far into the future, recognizing that when we give Catholic, we can do more.”
The fundraising event also is a reminder the Catholic faith is not contained by geography or diocesan borders in the state. Greg Fisher, director of operations for the Diocese of Grand Island, said Nebraska Catholics often have strong ties to different parts of the state. NCDG allows them to support the places where they are currently involved, as well as the school or parish where they grew up.
“NCDG provides a unique opportunity for people to support the places that mean so much to them,” Fisher said. “Plus, it’s a fun way to catch up on what is happening in their childhood parish or school.”
Participating organizations will be able to take part in webinars leading up to the NCDG to help them get ready for the May 1 event. Spirit Catholic Radio, the media partner for the NCDG, will feature stories, reminders and interviews before the day, including a special segment with all three bishops the morning of the fundraiser.
“This is a great statewide opportunity for Catholics to make a statement with their financial support for the Catholic entities that mean so much to them,” Ostgren said. “With our donations and most importantly our prayers, the outlook for our Catholic parishes, schools and ministries in each diocese will be a very positive one!”
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to donate money online to one or more participating organizations and find more information about the Nebraska Catholic Day of Giving at nebraskacatholicdayofgiving.org. Organizations will be eligible to earn prize money and participate in challenges throughout the 24 hours.
