News

Bishop's Appeal hits $4.67 million

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

Articles on Bishop's Appeal 2004: • Giving to Bishop's Appeal makes some major gains (May 21, 2004) • Gifts to annual Bishop's Appeal top $4 million (May 14, 2004) • Gifts to annual Bishop's Appeal near $4 million (Apr. 30, 2004) • Appeal tops $3.4 million (Apr. 2, 2004) • Diocese offers helping hands in many ways (Mar. 26, 2004)     Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal     Sidebar: Topping $3 million • Providing an escape from financial quagmire (Mar. 19, 2004)     Sidebar: Nearing $3 million • Parish finds help from diocese only a phone call away (Mar. 12, 2004)     Sidebar: Appeal giving up • Consultant helps parishes tune up Sunday liturgies (Mar. 5, 2004)     Sidebar: Appeal tops $2 million • Camp draws generations of diocesan youth (Feb. 27, 2004)     Sidebar: Appeal at 30% • Befriending persons in need (Feb. 20, 2004) • Diocese helps engaged prepare for marriage (Feb. 13, 2004) • Appeal theme mirrors Catholic way of life (Feb. 6, 2004)     Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David A. Zubik --     Blockbuster action and beyond (Feb. 6, 2004)

Bishop's Appeal 2004 has reached the 97% mark. The campaign has received more than $4.67 million from over 39,500 donors. The 2004 target was $4.8 million.

"My sincerest thanks to each person who gave a gift to the Bishop's Appeal," said Bp. David Zubik. "As a people of God, we come together to serve one another, and one of the ways in which we do this is by supporting the Bishop's Appeal."

"The increase of $300,000 in gifts is a tremendous testimony to people wanting to offer a helping hand to others." said Josh Diedrich, director of the Bishop's Appeal. "I also believe that the increase is due to two other factors. People are feeling more secure with the economy and our diocesan-wide emphasis on stewardship has begun to take a foothold. People are more cognizant of prayer, service and sharing, and making it a part of their lives."

The Bishop's Appeal provides 45% of the diocesan budget. The Appeal helps fund the Total Catholic Education Department, counseling programs, community services, missions, training of priests and lay leaders, The Compass and hundreds of ministries throughout the diocese.

"I met with some of the directors of religious ed, principals of our Catholic schools and coordinators of youth ministry," said Diedrich. "I asked them how they see the Total Catholic Education Department, which is supported, in part, by the Bishop's Appeal, helping them in the field. They all said that the department is a huge support. Without it they would have so many additional projects."

Among its functions, Total Catholic Education coordinates The Gathering and provides instruction and resources to assist diocesan educators.

"That's just one department supported by the Appeal," said Diedrich. "Catholic Charities, another example, helped 41,000 people last year through counseling services and other programs. A lot of people don't see the work behind the scenes supported by the Bishop's Appeal."

The 400,000 Catholics who celebrate Mass at diocesan parishes also benefit from the Appeal through the ministry programs it supports, added Diedrich.

"Each gift makes it possible to develop worship, ministry and educational programs as well as direct services to people who have nowhere else to turn to," said Bp. Zubik. "At our parishes, our schools and our diocesan offices, we do a tremendous amount of good work that is made possible by the grace of God and the generosity of tens of thousands."

The average gift per donor increased to $110 - $9 more than in 2003. The Crozier Society, those who give $500 or more a year to the Bishop's Appeal, continues to grow. Membership increased from 1,285 in 2003 to 1,622 in 2004.

"Every gift is equally meaningful," said Diedrich. "A $5 gift may be equal to a $25,000 gift in terms of the sacrifice made by the person making the gift. All we ask is for people to prayerfully consider what they can give back to God."

"We ask people to consider increasing their gift year-to-year, if possible," he continued. "It's also important for people to consider pledge gifts instead of a one time donation. A $100, one time gift may not be feasible, but a $10 monthly donation for 10 months may work for that person."

Diedrich also encourages donors to explore matching gift programs offered by employers. Some companies will not provide a matching gift for religious purposes, but will provide a match for services by Catholic Charities, since it serves people of all denominations.

"Offering a Helping Hand" served as the theme for the 2004 Appeal. Catholics in the diocese answered the call, said Diedrich.

"We appreciate the generosity," he said. "Occasionally, we receive letters with gifts. I remember a letter from donors who mentioned that they were making their gift because they had adopted two kids in the '70s and how their children were the joys of their life. They were glad the adoption program was still operating and wanted to support it. Gifts to the Appeal are testimonials of people's faith."