Diocese of Buffalo launches five-year, $100 million “Upon This Rock” capital & endowment campaign

The Diocese of Buffalo, which has served the spiritual, pastoral and educational needs of Western New York for more than 150 years, today launched Upon This Rock, a historic initiative to reshape and strengthen the funding of key ministries and programs of the Church throughout the eight-county diocese.

The Most Rev. Richard J. Malone, Bishop of Buffalo, was joined by campaign volunteer lay leaders, pastors, women religious, parishioners, donors and other supporters at Cardinal O’Hara High School in Tonawanda, N.Y. this morning to introduce the $100 million capital and endowment campaign.

“As a Catholic community, we are asked to come together to establish a robust culture of evangelization and stewardship, and a vibrant future throughout Western New York,” said Bishop Malone. “This endeavor will transform the way we support our missions and ministerial works in perpetuity, and move us into the 21st century as a flourishing Church that is proud to evangelize and equipped to serve our community. It will help ensure our ability to continue to effectively carry out the Lord’s mission of service.”

While various individual parishes have conducted capital campaigns and increased offertory initiatives over the years, Bishop Malone said Upon This Rock is the first of its size and scope for the Diocese of Buffalo.

“We need to think about how the Church can build upon its strong foundation and prepare for the future, ensuring that a vibrant and healthy Catholic community is in place for current and future generations,” said Bishop Malone.

The Foundation of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Buffalo will manage and administer the campaign and the endowments it establishes. Richard C. Suchan, Executive Director of the Foundation, explained Upon This Rock will support three essential pillars of the Church in Western New York – Those We Serve, Those Who Serve and How We Serve.