This month, Twelve Wicker Baskets sits down with David Kimbell, Chief Financial Officer of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, for an inside look at how diocesan leadership approaches growth, governance and stewardship. Serving a rapidly expanding mission diocese in Northwest Florida, Kimbell shares how strong financial systems, transparency and thoughtful guardrails actually fuel, rather than restrict, evangelization. We explore the relationship between finance and development, how parishes can partner well with the diocese, and why healthy processes are essential for sustainable growth.

The conversation goes beyond budgets and building projects to examine the deeper theological vision behind Catholic stewardship. Drawing on his work with the University of Notre Dame Eucharistic Culture Project, Kimbell reflects on church property as “built theology,” the importance of mission-driven storytelling in fundraising and the irreplaceable role of authentic pastoral leadership. From practical approval processes to generational vision, this episode offers diocesan and parish leaders a compelling framework for aligning financial discipline with the Church’s ultimate mission: bringing people into communion with Christ.

Guest: David Kimbell

Title: Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee

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It's Catholic Schools Week, and host Christopher Beaudet discusses the renewal of Catholic education through strong mission-driven leadership and thoughtful fundraising with Kimberly Begg. Co-author of The Catholic School Playbook, Begg expresses that while some schools are closing due to declining enrollment, others are flourishing because they place mission first and integrate faithful Catholic identity with practical leadership and administration. Emphasizing that successful schools view fundraising not as a distraction from education, but as an essential way of inviting others to participate in the Church’s mission of forming young people for heaven and for human flourishing, Begg notes, “All good fundraising…is learning how to partner with people in a shared goal.”

Begg reframes financial development as relationship-building rooted in gratitude, transparency and shared vision. She stresses starting small, communicating clearly with parents and communities about real needs, and gradually building confidence and trust that make larger, long-term efforts like capital campaigns possible. Fundraising must be ongoing and personal rather than purely transactional.

To download a free copy of The Catholic School Playbook, simply visit www.catholicschoolplaybook.com

Guest: Kimberly Begg

Title: Co-author, The Catholic School Playbook

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In this episode of Twelve Wicker Baskets, host Christopher Beaudet welcomes Audrey Kintzi, vice president emerita for advancement and executive director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development program at St. Mary's University of Minnesota. The conversation explores the art and spirituality of fundraising, emphasizing that true development work is rooted in relationship, shared values and the joy of giving. Audrey Kintzi shares her journey from drama major to fundraising expert, recounting formative experiences and lessons from her mentor, Hank Rosso, who taught that “Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching people the joy of giving.” The episode delves into how philanthropy, especially in faith-based settings, is not about transactional requests but about inviting others into meaningful engagement with a mission. She advocates for replacing the word “fundraising” with “invitation,” explaining, “We are inviting people into our organization... and ultimately, we invite them to prayerfully consider a gift.” Closing with reflections on the joy and blessing of giving, and the transformative impact of nurturing relationships and shared purpose in philanthropy, this is an episode you wont want to miss!

Guest: Audrey Kintzi

Title: Vice President, Emerita for Advancement and Executive Director of the M.A. in Philanthropy and Development Program, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

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To contact the podcast, email twb@steiergroup.com.