You Will Be

My Witnesses

A Campaign for the Diocese of Rockford

and Christ the Teacher Univeristy Parish.

“Christ the Teacher exists to bring the love of Jesus Christ to the NIU campus and the DeKalb-Sycamore community. This campagin is an opportunity to stregnthen our parish and continue this mission for generations to come. Thank you for your prayers, generosity, and faithful support as together we answer Christ’s call.”

— Fr. Robert Gonnella, pastor

Our Parish Goal: $372,964
Raised to Date: $XXX,XXX

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Upon reaching our goal, our parish will receive back $149,186. In addition, because of our parish’s special college ministry, if we reach our goal, we also qualify for the parish opportunity fund for an additional $48,823. That’s a total of $198,009 raised all for our parish needs!

What is the campaign for?

This campaign is twofold, supporting the Diocese of Rockford, our local church,
and Christ the Teacher University Parish, our beloved parish. Click below to learn more.

  • The Diocese will use the funds in two main areas: Evangelization and Diocesan Facilities

    Forty nine percent of funds collected will be used to strengthen evangelization efforts across our diocese. Support and formation will be provided throughout the diocese in the areas of religious education, youth ministry, adult faith formation, catholic schools, and more.

    Six percent of funds will go to providing much-needed maintenance to our Diocesan Administration Center which houses vital diocesan ministries including the Vocations office. 

  • Forty percent of funds raised will support the health and vibrancy of each parish in our diocese. With the funds raised for our parish, we will be pursuing a three phase process to refresh and elevate our church worship space (details below).

    Five percent of funds raised by each parish contribute to the parish opportunity fund which supports smaller parishes in our diocese. When we at Christ the Teacher meet our parish goal, we will become receipts of the parish opportunity fund and receive an additional $48,823 to be used for our selected projects.

Asbestos Abatement
& New Carpet

It’s no secret that our current church carpet has lived a lifetime. Desiring to replace it, underneath the original 1960 flooring we’ve discovered asbestos adhesive, commonly known as black mastic or cutback. In order to install brand new carpeting, the asbestos must be abated. This abatement will not only ensure the health of all who worship here, but ensure the new carpet remains firmly affixed for years to come.

Sanctuary Renovation & Beautification Project

Our Church, most especially the sanctuary where Jesus dwells and Mass is offered, is the heart of the Newman Center. It is here that students and faithful alike encounter the living God, allowing us to encounter the transcendent. As we replace the carpeting, we also have the opportunity to renew and enrich this sacred space with thoughtful improvements that draw hearts more deeply to Christ and reflect the beauty of the heavenly liturgy.

As we prepare for this campaign, we’re excited to soon share more details and preview photos for these parish projects!

“I adore Thee, O Almighty Lord, the Paraclete, because Thou in Thy infinite compassion hast brought me into this Church.”

St. John Henry Newman

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • It has been 25 years since the last diocesan capital campaign. Over the last 25 years much has changed in our world and in our diocese. The Diocese conducted an assessment seeking to identify new and changing needs within our diocesan community. It is time to embark on a large scale campaign to continue the work of Evangelization in our real world today.

  • Parish goals are determined by multiplying their average assessable income for the 2023 and 2024 Diocesan Appeal by a factor of 1.15. We are asked to pledge this amount with pledges which are fulfilled over the next three years.

  • Our parish projects were chosen through prayerful discernment and in consultation with the Parish Council, Finance Council, and previous pastors of Christ the Teacher. Renewing and renovating the interior of our church will help us continue as a parish to pursue our mission of praying well, inviting new people into relationship with Jesus Christ, and becoming saints together.

  • At least forty percent of all funds raised by our parish up to our goal come back to Newman to support our campaign projects. Once our goal is met, sixty percent of anything raised beyond the goal will stay within the parish. If we double our parish goal, one hundred percent of the additional funds go to the our parish.

  • The Diocese will use the funds in two main areas: Evangelization and Diocesan Facilities. Evangelization efforts will include helping Catholic schools in our Diocese, funding the Diocesan Faith Formation and Religious Education Office, funding the Diocesan Life and Family Evangelization Office, and renovating Bishop Lane Retreat Center in Rockford. The facilities fund will be used for much needed maintenance and repairs at the Diocesan Administration Building (Chancery). 

  • Here at Christ the Teacher, we are using the campaign as an opportunity to refresh and elevate our worship space by replacing the church carpet and renewing the sanctuary area. These improvements will create a renewed prayerful setting for Mass, strengthen our parish’s witness of faith, and welcome students, parishioners, alumni and visitors to encounter Jesus Christ for generations to come.

Still have a question?

Reach out to us at OfficeManager@newmanniu.org