By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Jackson has launched United In Mission – Forming Shepherds, Strengthening Parishes, a $21.5 million capital campaign for the Diocese of Jackson.
The campaign will direct $10 million toward parish needs, $10 million toward a permanent seminarian education endowment and $1.5 million toward the 2027 Catholic Service Appeal.
“Through parish gatherings, listening sessions and conversations rooted in faith and prayer, one message became clear: We must invest in the future of our Church by forming strong spiritual leaders and strengthening our parish communities,” Bishop Joseph R. Kopacz said in a letter introducing the campaign.

“As one diocesan family, we are called to move forward together,” Bishop Kopacz said. “United by our faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our Church today while preparing for the needs of tomorrow.”
Parishes will conduct their campaigns in one of two phases. Block 1 campaigns will continue through December 2026, while Block 2 parishes will participate from January through June 2027. Pledges may be fulfilled over five years.
The Catholic Foundation will oversee gift processing, pledge fulfillment, donor stewardship, campaign reporting and the long-term management of endowment funds. It is working with Guidance In Giving to provide pastors, parish leaders and volunteers with campaign training, materials and individualized support.
“United In Mission gives every parishioner an opportunity to help address the needs of the Church both now and well into the future,” said Rebecca Harris, executive director of the Catholic Foundation. “Through one unified effort, we can strengthen individual parishes, provide lasting support for the formation of future priests and sustain the diocesan ministries that serve people across the state. The Catholic Foundation is honored to help ensure that every gift is managed responsibly and according to the intentions of our donors.”
The first funds raised by each parish will fulfill its 2027 Catholic Service Appeal goal. Once that goal is met, half of the funds raised up to the parish’s United In Mission target will return to the parish, while the other half will support the seminarian education endowment. If a parish exceeds its campaign target, 70% of the additional funds will return to the parish.
Parishes may use their shares for locally identified needs such as building improvements, deferred maintenance, debt reduction, ministry expansion, outreach or preparation for future growth. Block 1 parishes are expected to begin receiving quarterly distributions in January 2027, followed by Block 2 parishes in June 2027.
The Catholic Foundation Shepherds for Tomorrow Seminarian Education Endowment will provide a permanent source of funding for the spiritual, academic and pastoral formation of men preparing to serve as priests in the Diocese of Jackson.
The diocese has experienced increased interest in priestly vocations, bringing both hope and a need for greater financial resources to educate and form future priests.
“God continues to bless us with young men answering the call to discern the priesthood, and it is our responsibility to ensure that the resources are available to prepare these future shepherds to serve the People of God throughout our diocese,” Bishop Kopacz said.
Campaign leaders are encouraging every Catholic household to pray for the campaign and consider a sacrificial commitment. Gifts may be made as one-time contributions or through five-year pledges fulfilled monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually.
“Together, we can ensure that the Diocese of Jackson remains strong, vibrant and faithful for generations to come,” Bishop Kopacz said.
For more information about United In Mission or ways to give, visit bit.ly/unitedinmissionjackson or contact the Catholic Foundation at 601-960-8477 or rebecca.harris@jacksondiocese.org.