Diocesan Annual Appeal's goal set at $1.4 million

By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
Sept. 6, 2007

The Diocesan Annual Appeal for the Diocese of Sioux City will kick off the weekend of Sept. 8 and 9. This year's goal is $1.4 million.

"The Diocesan Annual Appeal permits the faithful Catholics of the Diocese of Sioux City to join their efforts and their generosity with those of others and permits us to make a great offering to the Lord," wrote Bishop R. Walker Nickless in a letter to parishioners in the Diocese of Sioux City. "The DAA allows us to undertake great efforts that could overwhelm us individually and draws us to stand in solidarity with each other in our efforts to build up the kingdom of God."

The theme of DAA is based on the Scripture verse, Luke 10:2, "The harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest."

For more than 30 years the diocese has undertaken this annual appeal.

"A lot of different ministries would not be possible throughout our diocese to help all parishioners without the support of DAA," said Kristie Arlt, director of communications and stewardship for the diocese. "Your Diocesan Annual Appeal gift is a part of your personal commitment to Christian stewardship - a means of giving thanks to God by returning to God a portion of the blessings that have been given to you."

At Masses during the kick-off weekend, pastors or parish volunteers will explain the appeal and read a letter from Bishop Nickless pertaining to DAA.

"Without the support of the pastors, DAA would not be as successful as it has been," said Arlt. "It has always been the most crucial element to the success of DAA each year. The pastors work really hard at promoting DAA and educating their parishioners about how important it is to support DAA."

Hundreds of parish and diocesan ministries are supported through the appeal. These ministries include Catholic schools, parish religious education programs, religious education Media Center, adult and family ministries, Tribunal, Catholic Charities, peace and justice action commission, permanent deaconate, youth ministry, Hispanic ministry and other diocesan ministries.

"It helps the bishop with his parish and his ministries. It is the ministries for all of Northwest Iowa and all the services that happen throughout the diocese," said Angie Heller, marketing and development coordinator for the diocese.

"By supporting DAA, it is a wonderful act of stewardship," said Arlt. "It is a wonderful way to support not only your church and the Catholic schools that are attached to parishes, but it is also a way to provide all different services to parishioners."

DAA will benefit every parish in the diocese. On the basis of 100 percent goal achievement, each parish will receive the following return: a parish with two parish schools will receive 74 percent and the diocese receives 26 percent; a parish with one school receives 34 percent and the diocese receives 66 percent; a parish with no school receives 5 percent while the diocese receives 95 percent. Parishes will receive 100 percent of the funds raised above their goal.

"As you know, the church in Northwest Iowa relies upon the financial support of its people," Bishop Nickless wrote. "Our diocese seeks to address the real needs of real people in a real world; a task that oftentimes seems to border on the impossible. Yet, through the grace of God and the generosity of you and our faith-filled community, the seemingly impossible becomes the reality."

Parishioners in the diocese will receive a Diocesan Annual Appeal mailing the week following the presentations in their parish. The items in the mailing will be a letter, information about the annual appeal and a pledge card.

"I ask that you carefully consider your contribution, pray about it and when you are ready, kindly place your DAA envelope with the enclosed pledge and/or check in your parish collection," said Bishop Nickless. "I strongly encourage the faithful of our diocese to take part in this annual act of stewardship."

Heller explained that parishioners can pledge a certain amount and pay all at once or in installments. The average amount per household is calculated to be $40.

"We approach this appeal with awareness that many people experience economic hardship and that some are truly unable to give," said Bishop Nickless. "The diocese lives in the same economic world. As the needs of parishioners increase, so, too, do the needs of the diocese. Our hope is that those who can contribute will do so, and those who cannot will support the appeal through their prayers."