FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE BISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL
1. Why is our parish conducting the Bishop's Annual Appeal in the fall?
In 2007 the diocese reorganized the Bishop's Annual Appeal - all parish campaigns were brought together to create one united campaign to support the ministries and services provided by the Diocese. In an effort to create stability and a common structure to the appeal, the BAA will continue to be conducted in the fall.
2. What if I am still paying on my pledge from last year's appeal?
We ask that you continue making payments and fulfill your pledge.
For everyone that makes a pledge this fall they will not receive their first
payment notification until January of 2009. This year we ask that pledges
be made on a 10 month cycle.
3. Why do we need the ministries and services provided by the diocese?
Many very important programs, ministries and services are beyond the
resources of any single parish. By having the diocese coordinate these
programs, we eliminate the duplication of services and save both time and
money. Over thirty different ministries and services are funded by the
Bishop's Annual Appeal.
4. What are the ministries and what if I needed to contact a ministy office?
The minitstries include:
Catholic School Office
Central City School Fund
Bishop Helmsing Institute -
Adult Faith Formation
Social Services and Outreach:
Catholic Charities -
Children & Family Services, Mental Health Services, Education &
Training, Community Services, Senior Care Services
Human Rights Office -
Rural Life, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Catholic Relief
Services, Criminal Justice, Just Faith, Faithful Citizenship
Parish Based Ministry
Pastoral Ministries:
Family Life Office -
Marriage Preparation/Enrichment, Natural Family Planning, Antipornography,
African American Apostolate, Parent and Family Support
Respect Life
Vocation Office
Office for Consecrated Life
Worship Office
Diaconate Program
Hispanic Ministry
Young Adult and Campus Ministry
Youth Ministry.
All of these ministries can be contracted through the phone numbers in the Resource Manual.
5. Is it important to give to the Bishop's Annual Appeal even though I am
already giving to my parish?
The programs of our local parish are very important because much of the local work
of the Church and the diocese takes place at the local level. But there are
specialized services and ministries which the diocese has to provide to serve
all their parishes and community as a whole.
God has given each one of us gifts, graces, talents and abilities which are to
be shared responsibly and wisely with others. As a tithing guide, many
people break it down to 5% to their parish, 1% to the Bishop's Annual Appeal
and 4% to other charitable contributions. Your decision on how much to give
needs to be personal and prayerful.
Bishop's Annual Appeal will qualify you for membership in the
Guardian Circle
stewardship through their dedication and generosity to the Bishop's
Annual Appeal.
