Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly Asked Questions about the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal

We all have an obligation to share God’s gifts with others. Every parish and every parishioner is responsible not only for his or her parish but also for the well-being of the Church throughout the Diocese.

You should each give then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. And  God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.  - Corinthians 9:7-9

1.

What is the difference between the Church for Tomorrow Campaign and the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal (BMA)?

2.

I give to my parish. Should I also give to the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal?

3.

How is the money from the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal allocated?

4.

Is it necessary to sometimes ask parishioners participating in a class or workshop to cover registration or miscellaneous fees?

5.

Why should I give?

6.

How does the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal benefit my parish and me?

7.

How do I make my pledge to the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal?

8.

How much should I pledge?

9.

Why are pledges encouraged, instead of one-time donations?

10.

What payment methods can I use to make my pledge?

11.

Are pledges and one-time gifts the only kinds of commitments accepted by the Appeal?

Answers

1.

The annual Bishop’s Ministry Appeal helps in part to fund the yearly operating expenses of our ministries. BMA funds the normal day-to-day operations—example: monthly bills. The continued success of the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal affects thousands of people living in the Diocese of Stockton.

The Church for Tomorrow Campaign seeks to address long range, extraordinary needs. Capital campaigns, such as the Church for Tomorrow campaign, are not designed to eliminate normal fundraising activities, i.e. BMA. It is a one-time campaign over a 5-year period of time addressing major issues of the diocese as a result from the SYNOD.

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2.

Yes, we encourage you to do so. As Catholics, we profess the belief that we are part of One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. This  belief extends beyond our parish faith community to include both the diocesan church and the universal church. Diocesan ministries and  services reach beyond the scope of any individual parish. While regular gifts to your parish are important, your annual gift to your diocese is  equally important.

3.

This year’s goal of $2,100,000 provides a large amount of the income required to sustain Diocesan ministries and services. It will cost nearly $2,900,000 to completely fund the ministries for 2011.

When the parish passes its 2011 Bishop's Ministry Appeal goal, 100% of the overage will be returned to the parish.

4.

Because the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal does not cover the total  annual cost of the ministries, it is sometimes necessary to ask  parishioners participating in a class or workshop to pay a supplemental fee to cover some of the cost. It is our hope that the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal will one day cover the total annual cost.

5.

The Bishop’s Ministry Appeal, Joining Hands to do God’s Work, provides an opportunity to share our financial gifts in order to help provide Catholic education, ministry and services through those parishes and schools that are assisted by the campaign. Therefore, in a very real way, we share also the gift of our Faith with others.

6.

In the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal brochure, there is a list of the  programs and services of the Diocese that are funded by the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal. You and thousands of your fellow parishioners are directly or indirectly served through these diocesan programs and services.

7.

You will be asked to complete a pledge envelope at Mass on Appeal Weekend. Just fill out the envelope and place it in the collection basket during  the Offertory of the Mass on that weekend. If you did not receive an envelope from the Bishop, there will be pledge envelopes available in the pews at all Masses. Contributions can also be made by contacting the parish office or the Diocese Development office at 209/472-1008.

8.

Your Bishop’s Ministry Appeal pledge is part of your Christian  stewardship of treasure. All families are asked to consider a sacrificial gift to the appeal. First consider the many ways God has blessed you and your loved ones, then make a generous pledge that says how grateful you are for God’s gifts. A breakdown of monthly giving  levels can be found on the pledge envelope and in the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal brochure.

9.

Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to increase your sacrificial gift to the mission of the Church by spreading their donations over an eight-month period.

10.

Pledges paid by monthly installments over an eight-month period by credit card or direct debit (direct charge) to your checking or savings account. Donors choosing Electronic Funds Transfers will have their credit cards or checking accounts charged on or about the 20th of the month that payment is due.

One time payments can be paid by check or credit card or direct debit to your checking or savings account.

11.

Other types of gifts such as stock/securities, easily liquidated property and bequests are also options.