Thursday, May 27, 2010

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES DEANERY — The Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary has launched a $15.75 million capital campaign to help the school maintain and improve its excellence for the next decade.

The campaign, with its theme “Investing in Our Future — Preserving Our Legacy,” will continue through October of this year.

“The capital campaign to anchor the future of the Athenaeum of Ohio/Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, shows the commitment of Catholics from throughout our archdiocese and beyond to providing the church with leadership that is solidly grounded in the teachings of Christ,” said Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr.

Citing the fact that 89 percent of the goal has already been met through pledges, the archbishop added that, “In these challenging economic times, such generosity in fulfilling the mission of the Athenaeum shown by caring Catholics from all walks of life is truly amazing. It is my prayer that, as we announce the success of the campaign to date, others will step forward to help meet, and perhaps exceed, our goal.”

The campaign encompasses four key components:

Investing in the Athenaeum’s annual fund. “The Athenaeum’s key donor group — the Bishop Fenwick Society — represents almost 600 committed members. Yet, to ensure long-term stability, the society needs grow to more than 1,000 members who commit a minimum annual donation of $1,000 in unrestricted funds,” said Michael J. Conaton, co-chairman of the campaign.

Investing in future ministry: While many men and women are being formed in vocations ranging from the priesthood to the diaconate and lay ministry, there is a critical need to grow and expand all programs.
 
Investing in future Catholic education: Growing the school’s endowment will aid the seminary in attracting and retaining quality faculty and assist with meeting long-term planning goals. Two new academic chairs will be established.

Investing in the future house of God: The existing Athenaeum building, built in the 1920s, requires the replacement of 780 original windows and a new tile roof. Technological advancements are needed throughout the campus.

Cincinnati Archbishop Emeritus Daniel E. Pilarczyk said that the Athenaeum “provides us with a library of unparalleled variety. It offers academic and ministerial programs that enrich local churches in this whole area of our country. We have access to the talents of highly learned professors and pastoral mentors. How poor we would be without this multifaceted source of blessings. But we need to replenish our riches once in a while. Otherwise we run the risk of taking them for granted; or even overlooking them. This campaign gives us all an opportunity to be mindful of our blessings, and to be grateful.”

To learn more about the campaign and how to help, please call the campaign office at 513-231-2223.