The two-year "Called to Grow" diocesan capital campaign raised more than $2 million for the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania before its official conclusion at the June convention at Bucknell University in Lewisburg.

In his convention address, the Rt. Rev. Michael W. Creighton, diocesan bishop, said there was a growing missionary spirit in the diocese, but that it would need to be tempered by smart and prayerful planning. He said one area where consensus appears to be emerging is the need for a full-time diocesan staff person to work with children and youth.

A resolution was adopted to support the staff position with funding to come from part of the proceeds of the recent capital campaign.

Convention also unanimously supported entering into a companionship relationship with the Diocese of Recife, located in the Pernabuco region of Brazil. The relationship is to last five years with a possibility of mutual renewal. The emphasis will be on sharing youth ministries, education, intercessions and worship, particularly on a parish-to-parish level.

The proposed 2002 budget is $1.7 million.