Catholic Faith Appeal
Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the Diocesan Assessment?

Each parish is responsible for paying its share of the costs of providing Diocesan programs, services and other expenses associated with “doing business” as a Diocese. In our Diocese, the parish’s CFA goal is based on its assessment, which is determined by the income of the parish. It is not based on the amount of registered families because our size swells in the winter months from our northern visitors. They greatly add to the success of our Appeal.

What is the money for the CFA used for?

The funds raised by the CFA are allocated to the following areas:

Pastoral outreach, pastoral ministries, support of missions and poorer parishes, a portion of Catholic Charities budget, the Offices of Worship, Ministry, and Vocations, Department of Education, support of schools, and administration of the Diocese.

How does the CFA benfit my parish and me?

Thousands of Catholics in the Diocese are directly or indirectly served through Diocesan agencies and programs funded through parish assessments. Your gift to the CFA helps to pay your parish assessment. In addition, any money that is pledged over goal will be returned to your parish for its own programs and services.

Why does Catholic Charities do additional fundraising?

Approximately 13% of the Diocesan budget is given to Catholic Charities to help support its very worthwhile presence in our Diocese. However, this amount is only a percentage of the money needed to achieve Catholic Charities mission. In addition to what the Diocese provides, aggressive fundraising is needed to meet its budget.

Why are the administrative services included?

The mission of the Church is to continue the work of Christ. To do so requires the Diocese to be a business overseeing more than 1000 employees in our schools, parishes and agencies. A commercial business would produce an income but in the Church, the parishioners are the primary source of income.

Are CFA funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases?

Absolutely not. In fact, money contributed to the CFA helps to fund programs to prevent sexual misconduct in any form through the Offices of Child and Youth Protection and the Safe Environment Program.

Why are there so many mailings?

More than 4 million dollars of the appeal comes to us through the mailings. Once you have responded to a CFA mailing or made a gift through your parish, mailings to you will stop with the exception of a thank you letter and tax receipt at the end of the year. Tax receipts are sent to anyone who gives a gift of $250 or more, which is required by the IRS. It is always wise to keep receipts of your charitable giving for audit purposes.

How much should I give?

As stewards, we should take the time to reflect on our God given gifts of time, talent and treasure. Charitable giving is a reflection of our Christian Stewardship of treasure. Giving back to God, either through contributions to our parish, the CFA, or other charities, should require a sacrifice, one that reflects God’s generosity to us individually. Therefore, your gift is a personal decision between you and God, and should be made after careful consideration.

Why should I make a pledge instead of a one-time gift?

Making a pledge allows you to spread your gift throughout the year, which may make it easier for you to pay, and may also allow you to give a larger gift. Pledge statements are sent out monthly unless otherwise requested. These are simply reminders and not bills. You can pay your pledge anytime before the end of the year. If your situation changes, you may also cancel or increase your pledge.

How can I make my gift?

We try to make your giving as easy as possible! You can make a gift through cash, check, credit card, direct debit, on-line giving at here, stock, bequests, charitable gift annuities, matching gift programs, and approved gifts of real estate. Give us a call and we’ll happily answer your questions. 941-486-4719.

RETURN THE BLESSINGS THE LORD HAS GIVEN TO YOU BY JOYFULLY AND GENEROUSLY MAKING A CONTRIBUTION TO THE CATHOLIC FAITH APPEAL. GIVE TODAY!