News

Stop and consider all the people Appeal helps

First in a series on Bishop's Appeal 2003

	GIVING AT WORK: Pie chart shows how contributions to the Bishop's Appeal are divided among the various departments and the services that they provide. (Larger version of chart)

When deciding what you can give to the 2003 Bishop's Appeal, stop and consider the people helped by the diocese's annual fund-raising effort, said Ron Shaha, director of the Bishop's Appeal.

"There are 30,000 people who utilize the services of Catholic Charities," he said. "Approximately 50,000 children and young adults attend our Catholic schools and participate in religious ed programs. Every weekend, 125,000 people worship in our parishes. Bp. (Robert) Banks states it in a good way. 'Please prayerfully consider what you can give.'"

Specific examples of diocesan ministries supported by the Bishop's Appeal include counseling from state-certified therapists in the areas of addiction, abuse and conflict, Marriage Preparation, teacher training through Total Catholic Education, assistance for refugees and immigrants, the weekly TV Mass, support for a mission in the Dominican Republic, sacred music programs through Pastoral Services and The Compass. (See adjacent chart showing how the Appeal funds are divided among diocesan departments.)

The target for the 2003 Bishop's Appeal is $4.8 million. Last year, gifts to the Appeal totaled $4.4 million.

Stepping Together in Faith 2003 Bishop's Appeal

"I acknowledge and thank those who gave to the 2002 Bishop's Appeal," said Shaha. "In spite of the economy and some of the issues in the church during the past year, we did very well. I am very appreciative of the support."

Every gift is important, he added.

"The Bishop's Appeal is about people giving proportionally to what they can afford to give," he said. "It's inspiring when we receive a letter from an 85-year-old woman who explains that her gift of $5 is all that she can afford this year because the cost of her medication increased. That is real stewardship."

A video featuring services supported by the Appeal was sent to all diocesan parishes. Pastors, parish directors and parish staff members are encouraged to show the video during Mass or make it available for viewing. Bishop's Appeal 2003 kicks off this weekend, Feb. 1-2.

Gifts may be made by credit card. In response to donor requests, Discover Card, in addition to Mastercard and Visa, is now accepted for the Bishop's Appeal. Shaha would like more donors to consider making pledge gifts.

"We have a low percentage of donors who make pledges," he said. "Making a one-time, $100 donation may be difficult, but $10 a month for 10 months may work."

Shaha would also like to see continued growth in the number of matching gifts.

"Many companies offer matching gift programs for charitable contributions. Ask your human resources person. It really is a great way to increase your gift," he said.

A matching gift form, available from the company, can be sent with the employer's gift to the Appeal. Many companies will not provide a matching gift for religious purposes, but will provide a match for services offered by Catholic Charities, which receives funding from the Bishop's Appeal.

The Crozier Society -- for persons who give $500 or more -- continues to grow. In 2002, 379 new members joined the Crozier Society increasing the total membership to 1,280. Gifts from Crozier Society members represented 25% of the total funds donated to the 2002 Bishop's Appeal.

"Stepping Together in Faith" is the theme of the 2003 Bishop's Appeal. Shaha hopes that people will take the step in donating to the Appeal with confidence based on the accountability of the funds. A breakdown of diocesan finances was recently included in the 2001-2002 Annual Report, inserted in the Sharing newsletter. In addition to the Annual Report, Tom Kurkowski, chief financial officer for the Diocese of Green Bay, invited Catholics to request copies of nine audited financial statements available for review.

"When people look at the services the Bishop's Appeal supports, they see that the diocese is very accountable," said Shaha. "Only 8% of funds from the Appeal are put back into fund raising. That is a very low number compared to other organizations. The Council of Better Business Bureaus reports that funds used for future fund raising should not exceed 35%."

"Our people have always been very generous in responding to the Appeal," said Bp. Banks. "That is why our Church has been able to do so much for the Gospel and the poor here in northeast Wisconsin. I am confident our people will come through again."

For more information, contact Shaha at (920)437-7531 or 1-877-500-3580, ext. 8196; P.O. Box 23825, Green Bay 54305-3825; e-mail: rshaha@gbdioc.org.