Catholic Diocese of Kansas City

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
THE BISHOP'S ANNUAL APPEAL

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.

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.

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.

What are the ministries and what if I needed to contact a ministry office?
The ministries include:

EDUCATION AND FAITH FORMATION:
Catholic School Office
Bright Futures Fund
Bishop Helmsing Institute

SOCIAL SERVICES AND OUTREACH:
Catholic Charities
Human Rights Office
Parish Based Ministry

PASTORAL MINISTRIES:
Family Life Office
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.

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 parish level. But there are specialized services and ministries which the diocese has to provide to serve all our parishes and community as a whole.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal provides an opportunity to reflect upon the fact that every Catholic is part of our local church and part of the Universal church. Each of us is responsible not only for his or her parish, but also for the well-being of the Church throughout our Diocese and throughout the world. Since we are one community of believers, members of all parish communities throughout the Diocese of Kansas City – St. Joseph are asked to contribute to this appeal.

How much should I give to the BAA?
God has given each one of us gifts, graces, talents and abilities which are to be shared responsibly and wisely with others. We are continuously challenged to make our financial gifts from substance, not our abundance, in proportion to the blessings we have received. 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.

What is the St. Joseph Guardian Circle?
A pledge of 1% of your gross annual income or a gift of $1,000 or more to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal will qualify you for membership in the St. Joseph Guardian Circle – a leading group of individuals and families witnessing their stewardship through their dedication and generosity to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

Will any of my donation go to attorney fees for settlement costs?
As in years past, all donations to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal go directly to the over 30 ministries and services. Other funds and means of payment are being utilized for any settlement costs.

Do I have to use everything outlined in this manual?
No, but if you choose to follow most of the suggestions a greater degree of success can be attained.

10.

Why are my parishioners receiving multiple mailings?
The Diocese mails to every record in our database and the other databases we receive from parishes. We rely on the parishes for the most current parishioner information. More than one record for a household may exist in the database if 1) the household was registered previously at other parishes and have not been removed; or 2) the household made gifts under more than one name or parish. While we are working on getting all databases together on ParishSoft to try and avoid duplication, the process is still being perfected.

11.

Why should the pastor thank his parishioners for the BAA?
According to, Donor Centered Fundraising by Penelope Burk, one of the simplest ways to raise more money is to thank donors. This also gives the parish another opportunity to connect with the parishioner in a positive way and let them know how much you appreciate them being a part of your parish community. It is also our responsibility to show our gratitude to the great stewards in our parish.

12.

Does the Diocese send anything to acknowledge donations?
Yes! Thank you letters are sent to everyone immediately after a gift is made. Then, at the end of the calendar year, the Stewardship and Development Office send a letter that can be used for tax purposes.