Petrus Blog

In this episode, Andrew visits with Brian Russell, Campaign Manager at Caruso Catholic Center at University of Southern California. In this episode of the "COVID Solutions" series, Andrew and Brian talk about pivoting from a long-standing gala to a new virtual event. They discuss the initial steps they took to make the change, the monetary success of the event as well as the pros and cons of such a change. They also talk about the long-term viability of these types of events. 

Show Notes:

Brian Russell is the campaign manager at Caruso Catholic Center at University Southern California. He is currently in his 10^th year of working in Catholic fundraising and his 4^th year at USC.

They are talking about the long standing gala that they host every other year and how they went virtual this year.

History of the Gala

They started the Gala event in 2010 and it takes place every other year. It is the big fundraiser for the center/church.

In May 2020, they had to figure out how...

There is no guarantee that a particular football team will win a particular game. Also, there is no guarantee that a fundraising team will reach its goal. However both are more likely if they study, train, and have a plan. In both football and fundraising, luck/grace can move things along, but luck/grace tends to gravitate toward teams that are open, “in shape,” practiced, and ready.

The success experienced by St. John Catholic Student Center at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater proves this point. The community at St. John’s has a compelling vision for a church that will serve OSU for the next 100 years. They are executing a $25 million campaign, called Building Saints for the Kingdom. They are raising funds for a new church, expansion of ministry, and an endowment.

With $16.3 million in hand or pledged, they are looking forward to “making a statement” with the demolition of the current center for the graduation crowd in May.

In this episode, Andrew visits with Josh Whelan, Vice President and Senior Consultant of Petrus Development. This is the first episode of Season 3 for the Petrus Development Show. In this episode, we get to know Josh and hear some of his history which has led him to his work today. Andrew and Josh talk about Josh's experience in development and philanthropy. As well as Josh's faith and how to find the best practices for your organization and, ultimately, your personal journey. 

Show Notes:

At the time of this interview, Josh is celebrating his one year anniversary as VP of Petrus Development.

Josh attended the University of Mississippi and graduated in 2004. He worked for 1 year in psychology clinic and realized that while he wanted to help people, he did not what to help as a psychologist. He went back to school and earned his masters degree.

After his Master's Program he worked for the University of Mississippi Foundation. Then as the VP of sales for small company...

In this episode, Andrew visits with Scott Weeman, Founder of Catholic in Recovery. They discuss the connection between the Church and recovery. And they talk about what fundraising looks like in an arena that, historically, hasn't been viewed with high importance. And how fundraising and recovery is so much about building relationships. “So much of what we are seeking in life, it comes down to wanting authentic relationships.” This interview originally took place during the Petrus Virtual Conference 2020.

Show Notes:

Scott grew up Catholic but only for big holidays in rural Wisconsin. He was what you would call a nominal Catholic. In his junior year of high school, he began drinking. He moved to New York for college and added to his addictions with drugs and more. Within a year and a half he lost his debate scholarship and lost his friendships.

He received his second DUI when he was 21 after having to move back home. After this he checked himself into recovery for 15...

By Andrew N. Robison, President of Petrus Development and Jason Shanks, President of OSV Institute

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” - Henry Ford 

Toss the ball. Grab some jacks. Move your piece here and chute down the ladder. Have you ever considered the fact that life is a game? Do you ever feel like you are in a big game of checkers? Or Don’t Break the Ice? 

And what about other aspects of life? Is the world of business a game--with winners and losers? Is ministry a game? Were Saints Benedict and Dominic playing a game? Or Mary and Martha? 

In his book, The Infinite Game, Simon Sinek explains that we are all playing a game...in ministry, in business and in life. But what type of game are we playing? According to Sinek, there are two types of games: finite and infinite games. So what is the difference?

THE FINITE AND THE INFINITE GAME

Finite games, like football and chess, have winners and losers. The rules of the...

In this episode, Josh Whelan, Petrus Vice President, moderates the Career Counseling Panel with panelists: Frank Shannon, Valerie Pletcher and Dan Moraczewski. These three outstanding panelists have a combined 60 years experience in fundraising for the Catholic and non-profit sector and share great insights into the philanthropy world and the development career path. This interview originally took place during the Petrus Virtual Conference 2020.

Show Notes:

Introducing the Panelist -

Frank Shannon – Executive Director of Development at St. Mary’s Catholic Center in College Station, TX

Valerie Pletcher – Sr. Philanthropy Officer, Mid-Atlantic and Europe at FOCUS

Dan Moraczewski – Sr. Consultant at Petrus Development

Josh Whelan – Vice President at Petrus Development, Moderator

Questions asked during the Career Counseling Panel:

• What is the difference between working for Catholic campus ministry development vs outside of Catholic campus ministry...

 By Mary P. Walker, Petrus Blog Contributor & Local Charity Board Member

Where I live, we can now attend Mass in a socially distant way. Attendance is less than half of what used to be “normal.” At the offertory, instead of a pew collection, the priest reminds us to please drop off our donations as we leave. 

Right now, pastors and directors of ministry are really loving their monthly donors. THIS summer is the PERFECT time to “share the love” through appeals to grow your base and ask your current monthly donors to prayerfully consider increasing their gifts.

Your benefactors understand that cash flow can be the difference between thriving, surviving, or dying. If they haven’t experienced a loss of income, they know people who have. They’ve seen businesses and nonprofits in their communities struggle and even close their doors. Your benefactors do not want that to happen to your ministry. So—it’s time to share...

108 Hours...

No, this isn’t an intro to how I got stuck hiking in a Utah canyon, rather, it’s about Petrus that went from 12 hours of digital content to 108 hours’ worth of Zoom calls in 3.5 months because of a worldwide pandemic!

So what else could you do in 108 hours??

• Drive coast to coast 2.4 times
• Play 31 rounds of golf
• Watch 72 Disney movies
• Ride 3,465 roller coasters...

When I say we did 108 hours of Zoom calls, that’s what we pulled off. Now, I love roller coasters, and I have two girls and a little boy who I watch my fair share of Disney movies with; but 108 hours is a lot of time. How did we pull it off? Why does it even matter? And weirdly what does it even mean?

Lesson 1: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and attempt new ideas.

The first sign that things were going to be different came on March 11, 2020, when the Archdiocese of Seattle suspended all public Masses to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Many of the ministries...

In this episode, Josh Whelan, Petrus Vice President, visits with Matt Bond, Director of Development at St. John's Catholic Student Center at Oklahoma State University. They discuss the current Capital Campaign that is taking place at St. John's Catholic Center. They will discuss the $25 million campaign to build a new Church and Student Center, expand the campus ministry team and establish an endowment.  They have raised over $15 million in gifts and pledges and will launch the campaign to the public in September. In this interview, you will learn steps to launching a campaign and get insight into what to expect. This interview originally took place during the Petrus Virtual Conference 2020.

Show Notes:

This will be a broad overlay of the campaign along with Matt’s unique viewpoints.

Matt Bond

Matt graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in business administration and a minor in accounting. After graduation he spent 2-3 years flipping and selling...

In this episode, Andrew visits with John Cannon, Founder of SENT Ventures. They discuss the challenges that Catholic entrepreneurs face and how to find success in chaotic times. During this episode they talk about Saintly stories, fantastic failures, lasting legacies and divine inspiration. And even more deeply, new ways of serving the Church and the people of God. This interview originally took place during the Petrus Virtual Conference 2020.

Show Notes:

Before SENT, John worked in politics and different business management arenas. He experienced an intense conversion where he discerned the priestly life with the Carmalites and then continued on to studied theology. During his studies he recognized a spirit of entrepreneurship through Saints Benedict, Francis and other saints that ultimately led him to starting SENT.

What is SENT?

SENT contributes to Catholic Church renewal by fueling the next generation of leaders to meet their business, personal and spiritual goals with the...