Why is it important for me to support the Annual Catholic Appeal?
By participating in the Annual Catholic Appeal, you help those whose needs are the greatest – the poor, the vulnerable, those on the margins of our society. Your gift demonstrates your commitment to Catholic education and the fight of the unborn; it supports those who are ill, imprisoned and dying; and helps to strengthen struggling families as well as offers counseling to the grieving and the addicted. The success of the Appeal enables thousands of individuals and families throughout the diocese make positive changes to improve their lives.

What programs benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The programs supported by the Appeal are concentrated in five areas:  Catholic Education, High Schools, Pastoral Services, Catholic Charities and Communications.  A listing of supported ministries follows:

• Catholic Education
  Campus Ministry, Catholic Schools, Catholic Youth Ministry, Deaf Ministry, Special Education, Religious Education.
• High Schools
  Padua Academy, Ss. Peter and Paul, St. Elizabeth, St. Mark’s, and St. Thomas More Preparatory. 
• Pastoral Services
  Archives, Chaplaincies, Hispanic Ministry, Ministry for Black Catholics, Office for Family Life, Office for Religious, Office of Worship, Ordained Deacons and Tribunal. 
• Catholic Charities
  Adoption, Basic Needs Program, Bayard House, Casa San Francisco, Counseling Services, Immigration and Refuge Resettlement Program, Parish Social Ministry, Seton Center and Thrift Center.
• Communications
  Office of Public Relations and Media
  The Dialog

How does my parish benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal?
Once a year our bishop asks each of us to make a commitment to support the work of the diocesan programs and ministries which provide services that no one parish can offer on its own.  Additionally at least 50 percent of contributions received beyond a parish’s assigned target is returned to the parish.  Parishes that operate or help to support a school receives 100 percent of contributions collected above the assigned target.

How do I make a pledge to the Annual Catholic Appeal?
During Mass on Commitment Weekend, April 2 & 3, you will be invited to complete a pledge card which in turn will be collected and forwarded to the diocesan development office for processing. If you are unable to attend church on Commitment Weekend, simply call the development office at (302) 573-3120 to request a pledge card or make your pledge online by clicking here

How much should I give?
As stewards, we should take time to reflect on our God-given gifts of time, talent and treasure.  Charitable giving is a reflection of our Christian stewardship of treasure.  Giving back to God, either through contributions to your parish, the Annual Catholic Appeal, or other worthwhile charities, should require a sacrifice, one that recognizes God's generosity to us individually.  Therefore, your gift is a personal decision between you and God, and should be made after careful reflection.

Are Annual Catholic Appeal funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases?
No. Annual Catholic Appeal gifts are used solely to fund existing ministries, programs, and services that benefit the formation and well-being of individuals and families throughout the diocese. Annual Catholic Appeal gifts have never been or will be used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with matters of sexual abuse.

Why should I make a pledge instead of a one-time gift?
Making a pledge allows you to spread your gift over several months, which may make it easier for you to pay, and may also allow you to give a larger gift.

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 Deborah Fols, diocesan development director, at (302) 573-3120.  She welcomes your call and the opportunity to answer your questions.