DAA total at $1.2 million

By RENEE WEBB, Globe editor
Posted December 5, 2002

As of Dec. 2, the Diocesan Annual Appeal of the Diocese of Sioux City raised $1.21 million.

Steve Elbert, director of development, pointed out that while it fell short of its $1.4 million goal, funds raised did surpass the minimum needs goal of $1.17 million.

"I am pleased with the response from the parishioners and the leadership from our priests for DAA this year. Coming off of the Centennial Campaign for Excellence as well as other factors, we were not certain how well we would do," he said. "Given the economic climate and also the recent (child sexual abuse) scandal in the Catholic Church, it is heartening that people supported us in the 2002 Diocesan Annual Appeal. Overall we are pleased with the support."

It is not uncommon for contributions to the appeal to trickle in through spring, so the final tally should increase.

"If people have not responded, we encourage them to help us fund our annual programs and ministries," said Elbert.

Money raised through DAA helps fund diocesan programs and services including adult and family ministries, Catholic Charities, multi-cultural ministries, the religious education media center, tribunal, information services, permanent diaconate and general program underwriting.

The diocese relies on the annual appeal to fund yearly operations of ministries while the recent centennial campaign addresses the future needs of parishes and the diocese through the establishment of endowments.

In addition to supporting diocesan level programming and ministry needs, all diocesan Catholic schools and every parish benefit from funds raised through the Diocesan Annual Appeal.

On the basis of 100 percent goal achievement, each parish will receive the following return: a two-school parish receives 78 percent of the money and the diocesan share is 22 percent; a one-school parish receives 38 percent of the money and the diocesan share is 62 percent; and parishes with no schools receive 13 percent while the diocese receives 87 percent of the money.

Parishes receive 100 percent of funds raised above their goal.

"Many parishes rely on DAA to help them with their yearly expenses," said Elbert. "It's an organized effort that is efficient and effective." With that in mind, many of the parishes try hard to surpass their goal because they know the money will come back to them.

Nearly 50 percent of the parishioners took part in DAA with an average size pledge of $88. The development director pointed out that if all parishioners who contributed last year would do so again this year they would come close to the $1.4 million goal.

"The annual appeal is a vital part of parish ministries, diocesan ministries and other spiritual programs in our diocese," said Elbert. "We are very grateful to our volunteers and our pastors for all of the leadership they provide during this yearly event."

He extended thanks to everyone who participated in DAA either through giving or through prayer.