What is the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The Annual Catholic Appeal is a diocesan-wide unified effort in which all members of our diocesan family are asked to provide critical, financial support to more than two dozen diocesan services, programs, and ministries.
What programs benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The programs supported by the Appeal are concentrated in five areas. Catholic Education includes Campus Ministry, Catholic Youth Ministry, Boy & Girl Scouts, Catholic Schools, Deaf & Special Needs Ministry, and Religious Education. Financial support of the five diocesan High Schools includes Padua Academy, Ss. Peter & Paul, St. Elizabeth, St. Mark’s, and St. Thomas More Preparatory. Pastoral Services includes Institutional Chaplains, Hispanic Ministry, Ministry for Black Catholics, Office of Worship, Office for Religious, and Ordained Deacons. Catholic Charities includes AIDS Ministry, Adoption Services, Casa San Francisco, Child and Adult Care Food Program, Clinical and Children’s Services, Catholic Thrift Store, Crisis Alleviation, Energy Assistance Program, Family Life Bureau, Immigration and Refugee Resettlement Program, Parish Social Ministry, Pre-Adolescent Program and Seton Center. Communications and Administration includes Office of Public Relations and Media, The Dialog, Tribunal and the Women’s Commission.
How does my parish benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal?
Your parish benefits because the Appeal supports many important programs the diocese can manage more efficiently at the diocesan level and provide consistency across our many parishes. By supporting training for Youth Ministry and Religious Education Programs, for example, the Appeal helps improve the quality of these programs in your parish. Also, when parishioners make contributions exceeding the target set for their parish, the parish receives back at least one-half the amount over the target. If the parish operates a school or directly supports a regional school, the parish receives back the entire amount over the target.
I have heard people talking about the Circle of Honor. What is it?
We welcome into the Circle of Honor individuals, families, and organizations making a minimum, yearly commitment for furthering the ministries of the Annual Catholic Appeal. Members receive special communications from the bishop and Appeal leadership.
Over the past 32 years, the Circle of Honor members have provided tremendous assets for our diocese to continue the ministry work of the Church. Sharing in gratitude for the many blessings they have received from the Lord, donors giving at the Partnership Level provided over 56 percent and at the Leadership Level provided over 33 percent of the amount raised in 2007.
Circle of Honor Partnership Levels: Supporter’s Circle: $120-$749
Sponsor’s Circle: $750-$999
Circle of Honor Leadership Levels: Benefactor’s Circle: $1,000-$2,499
Patron’s Circle: $2,500-$4,999
Bishop’s Circle: $5,000 and above
How do I make a pledge to the Annual Catholic Appeal?
During Mass on Commitment Weekend, April 5-6, 2008, your parish coordinator will invite you to complete a pledge card, which in turn, will be collected by your Appeal committee. If you are not able to attend church on Commitment Weekend, simply request a pledge card from your parish office, or call the diocesan Development Office at (302) 573-3120.
Instead of honoring my pledge with cash or a personal check, is it possible to give the Diocese appreciated securities or closely held stock?
Yes. Simply telephone the Development Office at (302) 573-3120 to obtain the necessary instructions.
I may be interested in participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal; however, I have more questions. Whom do I contact?
Please contact the diocesan Development Office at (302) 573-3120. The Development staff welcomes your call and the opportunity to answer your questions.
