The Diocese of Little Rock is hoping to raise $2 million this year for diocesan, parish and school programs and ministries.
The annual appeal called Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal wants Catholics to look to the Year of Faith for inspiration. This year’s theme is “Living our Faith in this Year of Faith.”
“We are hoping to inspire them that giving is not optional part of the Christian life,” said George Sanders, associate director for planned giving. “Giving is part of your baptismal vow. We are encouraging them to put feet, so to speak, on their words.”
CASA will kick off Feb. 2-3 with an in-pew solicitation during all weekend Masses. Bishop Anthony B. Taylor will deliver a recorded homily in English and Spanish. Pledge envelopes will be placed in the pews, and pastors have been asked to allow parishioners to fill out the pledge forms with a one-time gift or pledge during Mass and place them in the collection basket after the homily.
“Giving is a lifestyle,” Sanders said. “Generosity, whether it be a selfless giving of your time, your talents or your treasure, is a true mark of a follower of Christ. In the Diocese of Little Rock we are blessed with many individuals and families that have joined together to make a difference in our world by being long-time, monthly supporters of CASA.”
In 2012 the diocese raised $1,890,000, or 94 percent of its goal to help programs like youth and campus ministries, seminarian education and the Clergy Welfare Fund. The average donor gave $236.
“These last three years have been trying times for many of us economically, so I want you to know how grateful I am for the sacrificial generosity of so many faithful Catholics to the CASA appeal last year,” Bishop Taylor said.
Development director Dianne Brady said she hopes Catholics understand that each dollar of the annual appeal is earmarked for important projects that could not happen without support across the diocese.
“I think a lot of people look at the appeal as the bishop’s fund like it is a slush fund he has set aside. Actually, it is a diocesan appeal where the money goes to ministries and services all around the state. Everyone is affected directly or indirectly from the money collected.”
Sanders said some people might think the funds are given to Bishop Taylor for his discretionary spending.
“Most of it is already committed before we begin the campaign,” he said.
Brady added the donations go directly to providing the programs and services, not to pay for salaries.
The beneficiaries of CASA are the same as last year. From 2009 to 2011 CASA supported the renovation of McDonald Center at St. John Center in Little Rock for Catholic Charities of Arkansas offices. Beginning in 2012 CASA has supported paying off the construction loan for the House of Formation in Little Rock. This year $475,000 has been allotted toward that loan.
Other beneficiaries are:
- Diocesan ministries: $550,000
- Parish and mission support: $200,000
- Youth and campus ministry: $150,000
- Grants to Catholic schools: $100,000
- Grants to religious education programs: $100,000
- Clergy Welfare Fund: $100,000
- Seminarian education expenses: $75,000
- Catholic Charities of Arkansas: $100,000
- Catholic Adoption Services: $50,000
