By Kathi Stearns

Michael Wolfert has been named as the development director of the archdiocese, effective Jan 1, 1994, to build upon the Catholic Foundation of North Georgia.

He hopes that "this foundation will provide the growing and vibrant Archdiocese of Atlanta with financial security and stability."

The Catholic Foundation was established in 1992 by the late Archbishop James P. Lyke, OFM. The goal of the Catholic Foundation is to attract gifts for endowment and for those funds to grow through sound investment. It is hoped that donations to the Catholic Foundation will provide a strong financial base for archdiocesan growth in the next decade and into the next century.

Wolfert explained that there is a great need to educate people about the foundation. "A vehicle has been established for people to give to, and we need to educate everyone and make this (The Catholic Foundation) a viable option for all Catholics," he said. "That is our biggest goal, to make sure people know it's here and that thier financial support will see the diocese into the future."

He explained the stewardship and Archdiocesan Annual Appeal programs are in good shape and need some "fine tuning."

"Both of those programs have already proven successful. I'll continue to watch them grow and fine tune them on a need basis," he said.

Wolfert is currently employed by The Community Counseling Service Co., the largest fund-raising consultant firm in the world, whose specialty is the Catholic Church. Clients have included the Cardinal's Annual Appeal - Archdiocese of New York, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Catholic Life 2000 - Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and The Parish Campaign - Archdiocese of New York.

In working with the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, CCS set a goal of $100 million, which was met within 18 months with a $1 million surplus, according to Dave Oliver, the development officer for the archdiocese. Wolfert was personally responsible for raising $4,681 million in major gifts of $25,000 and above from nearly 90 parishes. According to New York Development Director Tim Manning, in the parish campaign for the Archdiocese of New York, a goal of $100 million was established and over $114 million was raised within 18 months.

A Holy Spirit parishioner in Atlanta, Wolfert received his bachelor's degree from Indiana University and his Master's from Ohio University. His wife, Michelle, is the director of the Alexander-Tharpe Fund, which is the annual appeal for athletes at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

To assist the archdiocese in determining possible donors, Archbishop John F. Donoghue has appointed Martin T. Gatins as a consultant to The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia. Working with the Development Office, Gatins will seek individuals, corporations and foundations who are interested in supporting archdiocesan ministries and programs with major gifts and bequests.

Wolfert said Gatins will have a short-term relationship with the diocese as he helps determine the potential of the Atlanta Archdiocese. "He'll help us determine in what direction we need to go ... he know who's who in the diocese and he'll help us know what doors to knock on," Wolfert stated.

Gatins brings extensive fund-raising experience to this position, and a long involvement in the Catholic Church and civic communities. He is currently the chairman of the Katherine John Murphy foundation, which is one of the founding donors to The Catholic Foundation of North Georgia, and has worked in numerous capital and endowment campaigns in Atlanta.

Wolfert believes that people have the misconception that the Catholic Church is and always will be financially stable. He explained, "People forget about all the services we provide. Those services cost the diocese money, as does the daily upkeep of the buildings."

"My goal is that through the development of this endowment, we can provide the diocese with the stability and security it needs to be around a long, long time," he concluded.

Wolfert replaces Carroll Sterne, who assumed the position of Secretary of Catholic Charities Oct. 1. Sterne had served as the director of development since August 1991.