CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte has reached a fundraising milestone – receiving its 45th gift that totals $1 million or more – thanks to a $2 million donation to the St. Joseph College Seminary Chapel Capital Campaign.
Father Matthew Kauth, rector of the college seminary, said the gift completed their $22 million capital campaign goal and ultimately helps the seminary save on future building costs.
“This allows us to build structures needed to complete our vision of having St. Joseph become a place that can welcome the faithful around the diocese for visits, talks and prayer,” he said.
St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly was founded in 2016 and has helped spur priestly vocations in the diocese. Currently, 50 men are studying for the priesthood for the diocese: 29 at the Athenaeum in Cincinnati and 21 at St. Joseph. In total, 64 men have come through St. Joseph College Seminary in eight years, with seven men expected to be ordained next June.
“We have been blessed beyond measure,” Father Kauth said.
These 45 donors across the diocese have given either one-time gifts of cash or stock, pledged to capital campaigns or special projects, or left gifts in their estate plans. Such gifts have benefited parishes, Catholic schools, the diocese, the diocese’s foundation and the college seminary.
“So many generous parishioners and so many gifts have changed the lives of both the donors and the recipients of the gifts,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan development director. “We receive gifts of all amounts – and we’re grateful for them all.”
“There have been some individuals with significant resources who have had so much confidence in the Church’s leadership and commitment to their faith that they have given a million dollars or more. I invite more people to be a part of our mission in this kind of significant way to help build up the Church across western North Carolina,” he said.
A financial gift to the Church impacts future generations, Father Kauth noted. “I think most of us, at a certain time in our lives, begin to ask the question: What can I do with the resources I have earned and the gifts I have been given to invest in the faith, such that my children and grandchildren will have a healthy and vibrant Church?”
— Courtney McLaughlin
Fund an endowment
Interested in setting up – or adding to – an endowment to benefit your parish, Catholic school or St. Joseph College Seminary? You can establish an endowment in the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation by leaving a bequest in a will, a beneficiary designation from a retirement plan, a trust, or an annuity, or a gift of real estate, life insurance, cash, or securities.
For details, contact Gina Rhodes at 704-370-3364 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..