PRIORITY TWO

Strengthen Our Faith Communities

$63 million to support local parish needs, form young adults through Campus Ministry and secure land for future growth.

PARISHES AT THE HEART

Building up the communities where faith takes root

Our parishes are where people encounter Christ, receive the sacraments, form relationships and learn to live as missionary disciples. Making Room places parishes at the center of this effort, addressing immediate local needs while preparing for the continued growth of the Church.

$50 million
Local Parish Needs
$5 million
Campus Ministry
$8 million
Land Purchases

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”

1 Peter 4:10

STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES

Local Parish Needs

Our parishes are where people encounter Christ, receive the sacraments, form relationships and grow as missionary disciples.

Some parishes celebrate Mass in activity centers because they cannot afford repairs or a new church. Others need classrooms, gathering spaces and ministry resources to serve growing communities.

At least $50 million for Local Parish Needs

Each parish will determine its priorities

Parishes will discern the needs that matter most in their communities. This structure ensures that Making Room strengthens the Church in every city, town and neighborhood across western North Carolina. Funding Note: Parishes retain 50% of initial funds raised and 100% of funds raised beyond designated stretch goals.

EXAMPLES OF USE

  • Church expansions and repairs
  • Classrooms and gathering spaces
  • Ministry needs
  • New or enhanced parish endowments

STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES

Campus Ministry

College students are entering adulthood, navigating new influences and often living apart from their families and parish communities for the first time.

Campus Ministry provides the sacraments, spiritual formation, fellowship, mentoring and service opportunities that help young adults remain connected to Christ and the Church. More than 800 students regularly attend Mass, yet many programs lack stable funding, staffing and sufficient space.

$5 MILLION ENDOWMENT

Stable support for the next generation

Making Room will establish endowments that generate ongoing support for Campus Ministry programs serving nine colleges across the diocese.

AREAS OF SUPPORT

  • Sacramental and spiritual formation
  • Fellowship and mentoring
  • Retreats and service opportunities
  • Campus Ministry staffing
  • Gathering and activity spaces
  • Long-term program stability

STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH COMMUNITIES

Land Purchases

Western North Carolina’s population is estimated to grow by roughly 25% over the next 25 years. As the Catholic population grows with it, suitable land for new and expanding parishes and ministries is becoming more expensive and harder to find.

Past investments show the importance of planning ahead. Land purchased along the future Interstate 485 corridor later made possible St. Matthew, St. Mark and St. Luke — now among the diocese’s largest congregations.

$8 MILLION FOR STRATEGIC PURCHASES

Ready when opportunities arise

Making Room will expand the diocesan landbank program to $10 million and help parishes and ministries act when strategically important properties become available.

INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

  • Land for future parishes
  • Space for expanding ministries
  • Properties in high-growth communities
  • Grants supporting parish land purchases
  • Long-term diocesan planning
  • Opportunities that may not remain available

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