Take Lord, Leadership Manual. Receive. How can I repay the Lord for all. Diocesan Catholic Appeal Fourth Street Lubbock, Texas 79416

Transcription

1 Take Lord, Receive How can I repay the Lord for all the great good done for me? P 116:12 salm 4620 Fourth Street Lubbock, Texas Diocesan Catholic Appeal P.O. Box Lubbock, Texas Phone: (806) Fax: (806) DCA@catholiclubbock.org catholiclubbock.org/dca Diocesan Catholic Appeal Leadership Manual

2 Diocesan Catholic Appeal Calendar December 14 Parish Assessment Letters Mailed January 23 Advance Gifts Letter Mailed 28 (Sat) DCA Leadership Kickoff for Pastors, Deacons, Secretaries, Finance Council Members, Parish DCA Coordinators and Committees, 9-11:50 a.m., Catholic Renewal Center, 4th Street & Toledo Avenue, Lubbock T February 6 Invitations to Bishop s Guild Dinner mailed to stewards who fulfilled pledges of $750 or more to the prior year campaign 24 Reservation Deadline for Bishop s Guild Dinner (to stewards who fulfilled pledges of $750 or more to the prior year campaign) March 1 Deadline for Advance Gifts pledges. 7 Bishop s Guild Advance Gifts Dinner (by invitation to those who contributed $750 or more during the prior year s campaign) Spring Break T ake Lord, and receive, all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will all that I have and call my own. 14 Good Friday (Pastoral Center Closed) 16 Easter Sunday 17 Easter Monday (Pastoral Center Closed) 23 (Sun) Snyder Deanery Kickoff - 6 p.m., Saint Elizabeth, 3005 Avenue A, Snyder 24 (Mon) Brownfield Deanery Kickoff - 6 p.m., Saint Anthony, 1902 Levelland Hwy., Brownfield 25 (Tue) Plainview Deanery Kickoff - 6 p.m., Saint Theresa, 504 E. 13th, Hale Center 27 (Thu) Lubbock Deanery Kickoff - 6 p.m., Saint Elizabeth, 2316 Broadway, Lubbock 17 Pastor to mail letters to parishioners 29/30 Pre-Appeal Sunday (Announcements, Lay Witness Talks, Brochures) You have given it all to me. Tú me lo diste y a ti lo regreso; To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours, do with it as you will. Give me only your love and your grace. 6/7 DCA Appeal Sunday (Announcements, Video, Homily, Commitment Forms) 13/14 Follow-up Sunday (Announcements, Commitment Forms to those who have not already completed one.) 19 All commitment forms due to Finance Office. Parish follow-up and thank you mailings. July DCA payments made throughout the year (through June 30, 2018). August Letter from bishop mailed to all who have not yet made commitments to campaign. October 16 Todo es tuyo; Todo es tuyo dispón tú de ello Según Tu voluntad. Dame Tu amor y Gracia Que éstas me bastan. May 21 toda mi libertad; Mi memoria, mi entendimiento y toda mi voluntad; Todo mi haber y mi poseer. April 1 oma, Señor, y recibe, Thank you ad in South Plains Catholic to all who made commitments to campaign. That is enough for me. Saint Ignatius Loyola Oración del Suscipe de San Ignacio de Loyola

3 Diocesan Catholic Appeal Leadership Manual 2017 P O Box Lubbock TX Phone Fax DCA@catholiclubbock.org Electronic copies of the resources in this manual, including Spanish language versions of the prayer, FAQs, bulletin and pulpit announcements, intercessions and homilies, are available at or by contacting Pat Behnke in the Office of Communications at pbehnke@catholiclubbock.org or (806) , ext Need Assistance? Please contact the Catholic Pastoral Center, (806) , DCA@catholiclubbock.org or visit the office at 4620 Fourth Street, Lubbock TX

4 Table of Contents Diocesan Catholic Appeal Calendar... Inside Front Cover Diocesan Catholic Appeal Prayer... Inside Back Cover Table of Contents... 2 A Word from the Bishop of Lubbock... 3 A Message from the Steering Committee... 4 What s New for the Diocesan Catholic Appeal?... 5 Checklist for DCA Parish Leaders... 5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)... 8 Resources for Parish DCA Leaders Selecting Lay Witnesses in Your Parish Preparing a Lay Witness The Important Role of the Pastor Mailings General Intercessions Church Bulletin Announcements Pulpit Announcements Sample Commitment Form Script for Appeal Sunday Sample Commitment Form

5 A Word from the Bishop of Lubbock January Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Take Lord, Receive All is gift! From the hands of our gracious God we have been given so much life, love, faith, and personal and material resources. As good stewards we strive always to discern ways in which we can make a return to the Lord for all that He has given us. It is in that spirit that I welcome you for my first time as Bishop of Lubbock to the annual Diocesan Catholic Appeal Campaign Kickoff and Leadership Training Workshop. Thank you for the gift of self which you are giving to our diocese and to your parish DCA team. Your generous service in this way models for others a faithful response to the call to be good stewards. You are saying before others, Take Lord, receive. In the few weeks that I have been Bishop of Lubbock I have been impressed and gratified by the generous and enthusiastic participation that I have witnessed in the life of our parishes and diocese. The Diocesan Catholic Appeal provides an opportunity to extend your participation in the life of the Church beyond the confines of your own personal sphere. Participation in the DCA helps to provide the needed resources to: train our catechists, youth leaders and liturgical ministers provide formation and continuing education for priests and deacons assist with construction projects at our parishes render assistance to our communities with limited resources grow our service to the thousands of college and university students in our diocese provide support to our schools and faith formation and evangelization programs and reach out in service to those on the peripheries of life and society the poor, the hungry, the exile, the immigrant, the displaced, and the downtrodden. The Diocesan Catholic Appeal is essential to the life and ministry of the Church of Lubbock. It is my hope that this year s appeal will be an opportunity for all of us to assess and discern about our priorities, to open our minds and hearts to new ways of thinking and believing, and to seize the opportunity afforded by this new moment in the life of our diocesan Church. Please join with me in praying that the Lord take and receive all that we have and are and use it to fulfill His will in building His Kingdom specifically that part of His Kingdom known as the Diocese of Lubbock. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Robert M. Coerver Bishop of Lubbock 3

6 A Message from the Steering Committee General Campaign Chairs Most Reverend Robert M. Coerver Bishop of Lubbock Rev. René Perez Advance Gifts Chairs Ed Loskill Kathryn Loskill General Lay Chairs Deacon Ron Vowels Tricia Vowels Clergy Chair Rev. John Ohlig DCA Director Annabelle Ocañas Members Dr. Paul Brooke Rob Hogan B. Marty Martin Chancellor Anita Rangel Rudy Rangel Janeth Sears Renée Underwood Campaign Materials Lucas Flores DCA Coordinator Pat Behnke Event Coordinator Judy Leos Rodriguez January Dear Parish Leaders, Welcome to the year for the Diocesan Catholic Appeal! God has chosen you for this special task; a commitment that we know you take seriously, dedicating your time and energy to building up the Body of Christ. Serving as a parish Coordinator for the DCA is not only a responsibility, but an opportunity to energize your parish with a renewed spirit of giving. This year s theme Take Lord, Receive, is based on the Suscipe Prayer by St. Ignatius, which encourages us to give all that we have, to give without counting the cost, recognizing all that we have comes from God. This kind of giving calls for a radical generosity, born out of the radical love for Christ and from Christ. It means giving something of value that is completely out of the ordinary for us. We simply give back with love all that we have received! The Leadership Manual is your key to a successful parish DCA. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how to put it into action. We also encourage you to recognize that the same motivation, capacity, and desire do not exist in each parishioner. Consider showing appreciation for those who have a long history of generosity. For the member who has yet to discover the joy associated with giving, consider how you can challenge them to give up even a small indulgence once a week, to start giving to something that will have a lasting impact. Many need proof that their gifts are actually working. There are creative ways to get their attention and help them realize that supporting the Body of Christ through the Diocese of Lubbock will greatly impact their parish community, the lives of their own families and the church for future generations. We are here to support you in these efforts! A well supported diocese can be a stronghold to withstand the threats to Christianity and to the Church today. The only way that we can combat evil in our country, our community and our homes is to work together to strengthen the infrastructure that grounds our parishes and programs making them a fortress against sin, a warrior on the battlefield and a beacon in the darkness. As you work with us to encourage generosity in your parish, focus also on the many blessings each of us has received. It is a wonderful time to give back to God, as the psalmist writes How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me? (Psalm 116:12). We have confidence that the Holy Spirit will guide your efforts and that God s Light will shine in you and through you as you reach out in love to serve the church, the diocese, and build up the Kingdom of God. Then wait in eager anticipation to hear our Lord say, Well done, good and faithful servant! May God bless you with the desire, wisdom, and strength to do His Holy Will. Yours in Christ, Deacon Ron and Tricia Vowels, General Lay Chairs, Diocesan Catholic Appeal 4

7 What s New for the Diocesan Catholic Appeal? In addition to the many new resources that were added to recent campaigns, parish DCA leaders and their committees will notice some new enhancements in A focus on stewardship using the episcopal motto of our new bishop. You will see this in the new prayer, the campaign video and brochures, the talks at the Leadership Kickoff, the Bishop s Guild and the Deanery Meetings, and in the resources provided for your parish campaign. A completely updated Leadership Manual, including key dates to remember, a copy of the commitment form, and a sample of the letter your pastor will mail to your parishioners one to two weeks before Appeal Sunday. Updated resources for lay witnesses and for pastors include an outline for Lay Witness Talks, tied to the readings for April 29/30, and a sample homily for Appeal Sunday, tied to the readings for May 6/7 (Good Shepherd Sunday). More resources are available for download at including commitment forms, materials in the DCA Leadership Manual, logos and Spanish language resources. Checklist for DCA Parish Leaders Ongoing Pray for success of the parish campaign and blessings for all who make commitments. Read this resource manual in its entirety. Follow the timetable. Any deviations from the timeline must be discussed with the bishop. Become familiar with all the DCA materials and resources available to you. Have a positive attitude and encourage others to be enthusiastic about the appeal. No Later than March 15 Set goals for the year, such as, involving more parishioners, getting 100 percent participation, enhancing Parish leaders, like those shown here at a Diocesan publicity, using the thermometer posters in creative ways, Pastoral Council Meeting, are crucial to the success of increasing the number of volunteers on the parish the DCA. committee, including more stewardship education or increasing the amount of rebate the parish receives. Recruit a sufficient number of volunteers to assist you with campaign preparation, commitment weekend(s), follow-up, and telephone committees. Make sure that your pastor and all your parish volunteers plan to attend your Deanery Kickoff (see inside front cover for dates and locations). Track volunteer names in order to later recognize them. 5

8 Before Your Deanery Kickoff (April 23-27) Make plans to attend the deanery kickoff as a committee and RSVP to the diocesan DCA Coordinator. Be prepared to pick up all materials at the deanery kickoff. Divide committee members into pairs to speak to each parish committee, council or organization at their regular meetings to ask for their members support of the DCA. Nominate speakers and begin preparations for lay witness talks. Have your pastor make a personal invitation to your lay witness speakers. Provide them with the resource materials available in this guide. Invite Young men and women from throughout the 63 parishes in the diocese them to the deanery meeting to are recognized at the annual Altar Server Appreciation Mass. hear lay witness talks made by others. Assist your pastor in mailing a letter on parish letterhead to all parishioners no later than April 17 (refer to sample letter in this guide). After the Deanery Kickoff Review all materials you received at the deanery kickoff. Make sure you have sufficient quantities of all materials and that you fully understand how to use each one. Check your DVD to ensure that it plays properly on the equipment that you plan to use on Appeal Sunday. Display posters and place brochures in visible places throughout your parish. If you need any additional materials, including Spanish language versions, contact the diocesan Office of Communications soon after the deanery kickoff to place an order. Please contact Pat Behnke at pbehnke@catholiclubbock.org or , ext Begin adding intentions for the campaign during General Intercessions at Mass Increase bulletin and pulpit announcements Modify your parish website to include information about the DCA, including the commitment form in a printable format (available at Include a link to DCA online giving at Recruit enough volunteers to assist at each Mass on Pre-Appeal, Appeal and Follow-up Sunday. Make name tags for the volunteers (e.g. Saint Elizabeth Parish DCA Volunteer). Mail the pastor letter to all households in your parish no later than April 17 so that it arrives in homes before Pre-Appeal and Appeal Sunday. April 15/16 In bulletin and/or pulpit announcements, please remind parishioners to watch their mailboxes for a very special letter from your pastor regarding the upcoming Diocesan Catholic Appeal. 6

9 Pre-Appeal Sunday (Announcements, Lay Witness Talks, Brochures) April 29/30 Assist your pastor and be in attendance at every Mass during the weekend. Use the General Intercessions, Pulpit Announcements and Bulletin Announcements specific to Pre-Appeal Sunday. With your pastor s approval, have lay witness talks at all Masses. State the parish goal. Display it on the thermometer poster in a prominent location in your gathering space or parish hall. Make sure that a generous supply of DCA brochures are available either in the pews, as an insert in your bulletin for the week, or by handing them out as people come into church. Additionally, make sure enough brochures are available in brochure racks or at the back of the church for the next three weekends. Appeal Sunday (Announcements, Video, Homily, Commitment Forms and Envelopes) May 6/7 Assist your pastor and be in attendance at every Mass during the weekend. Use the General Intercessions, Pulpit Announcements and Bulletin Announcements specific to Appeal Sunday. Announce before Mass that it is the DCA Commitment Weekend; watch video Announce again the parish goal (stress the goal of 100 percent participation) Distribute commitment forms as parishioners enter the church building. Have enough volunteers available to distribute pencils and extra commitment forms. Distribute child and youth commitment forms. Invite your pastor to complete his own commitment form during Masses as an example to all the faithful of the parish. Bring commitment forms to the altar as part of the offertory procession, recognizing that commitments to the DCA are return gifts to God and to the Church. Follow-up Sunday (Announcements, Commitment Forms to those who have not already completed one.) May 13/14 Assist your pastor and be in attendance at every Mass during the weekend. Use the General Intercessions, Pulpit Announcements and Bulletin Announcements specific to Follow-up Sunday. Make sure enough commitment forms and brochures remain available. Collect commitment forms in collection basket or place a box with a hole cut out on top for people to leave their commitments. Make sure a volunteer collects them after each Mass Your support of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal brings nationally recognized presenters, such as Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, to address topics such as chastity and pornography with the faithful of the South Plains. 7

10 After Follow-up Sunday Mail completed DCA commitment forms/envelopes/checks no later than May 19 to: Diocesan Finance Office PO Box Lubbock, TX If delivering them, the address is 4620 Fourth Street, Lubbock. Instructions for submission of commitment forms to the diocese: o Commitment forms must be opened and placed neatly in one stack. o Each check must be paper clipped to the commitment form. o DO NOT SEND CASH. For stewards who remit cash, please deposit all cash into your bank account. Make a list of all cash contributors, noting the amount each one gave. Make one check payable to the Diocese of Lubbock and paper clip it to the listing of cash contributors and all their commitment forms. Please DO NOT STAPLE. Contact by phone and/or mail any household that The faithful are encouraged to exercise faithful did not return a commitment form. citizenship on issues of concern. Some of the ways these are manifest are through the Annual Life Chain Send thank-you notes/letters/cards from the and the biannual Texas Catholic Conference Advocacy pastor to those who made commitments. Day in Austin. Print a list in your bulletin of all parishioners who made commitments to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Update your thermometer poster as you receive updates throughout the year from the Diocesan Finance Office. Continue to provide opportunities for parishioners to make commitments or payments throughout the year. Make available specially printed DCA envelopes in your pews year round. Include the DCA brochure and a commitment form in your welcome packet for each new parishioner. Keep the campaign posters hanging throughout your parish. Begin to identify your campaign coordinator and committee for the following year so they will be able to attend the DCA Kickoff Workshop in early Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the Diocesan Catholic Appeal (DCA)? The Diocesan Catholic Appeal is a fundraising campaign in which each parish is asked to undertake and invite parishioners to support the operational needs of the larger Church of Lubbock. The Diocesan Catholic Appeal impacts the faith lives of families, individuals, and communities throughout the 25 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lubbock. Close to 137,000 self-identified Catholics live and worship in the diocese. 8

11 When was the DCA established? The Diocesan Catholic Appeal traces its roots to 1981 when most of the diocese was part of the Diocese of Amarillo. Then called the United Catholic Appeal (UCA), the campaign replaced a per capita assessment on each parish. When the Diocese of Lubbock was established in 1983, the Diocesan Catholic Appeal was created, taking many best practices from the UCA. How important is the DCA to the diocese? Now in its 34th year, the Diocesan Catholic Appeal is one of the largest sources of revenue for the Diocese of Lubbock, providing just more than 22 percent of its operating income. Without the DCA the diocese simply would be unable to continue the ministry of Christ. From what other sources does the diocese receive its income and how is it spent? The remaining income comes from grants from private foundations, donations from individuals and Catholic organizations, investment income and fees paid for workshops, conferences and training materials. The charts below provide a review of the sources of income the diocese receives toward its approximate $5.927 million annual budget and how those sources are spent to build the Body of Christ throughout West Texas Diocese of Lubbock Audited Income Diocese of Lubbock Audited Expenses Ministries of Service include social services, family life, jail ministry, marriage tribunal, youth, deacon formation, retreat and conference centers Ministries of Worship include priest continuing education, seminarians education, vocations, worship and liturgical music, clergy Ministries of Word include Christian formation, evangelization, deacon continuing education, Catholic schools, evangelization, campus ministry, communications 9 All ministries bear a pro-rata share of supporting services.

12 A thriving Catholic campus ministry at Texas Tech University looks forward to the completion of the John Saleh Catholic Student Center. How Does The DCA Change Lives? The Diocesan Catholic Appeal changes lives by providing ministries and services to people throughout the diocese that build on the basic building blocks of our faith. All parishes benefit from the ministries of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal through: Formation and continuing education of Priests, Deacons and Seminarians; including retreats and sabbatical programs; Training and resources for our Parish Catechetical Leaders and Catechists in support of faith formation at every level, including RCIA, Safe Environment, Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Sacramental Preparation and the annual Catechetical and Ministries Conference; Providing two Diocesan Retreat Centers Our Lady of Mercy Retreat Center in Slaton and Catholic Renewal Center in Lubbock as well as supporting the ministries that use them, including The Cursillo Movement, Confirmation Retreats, Engaged Encounter, Rachel s Vineyard, A.C.T.S. and others. Assistance to our smallest and financially under sourced parishes to ensure a continuing Catholic presence throughout the diocese; Support for parish buildings, including assistance with property claims, building maintenance and repairs, renovations and new construction projects. Workshops to assist priests and parish business managers in matters of finance and administration, building construction and maintenance, and other topics pertinent to parishes and pastors; Our bishop s travel throughout our diocese to celebrate Mass in your parishes, including confirmations, to meet with your priests, deacons and lay leaders, and to minister in the correctional facilities Diocesan-wide Masses and special events, including Rite of Election, Chrism Mass; Rural Life, the Judicial Red Mass for peace and justice, the White Mass for the medical community, the Marriage Jubilee celebrating the sacrament of matrimony and the various celebrations in honor of Our Lady of Guadalupe, confirmations, ordinations, Week for Christian Unity and others; Vocations awareness and discernment opportunities, including helping pastors to identify and nurture vocations in their own parishes, providing resources for parish vocations committees, hosting Saint Andrew and Fiat 10

13 Dinners, the Annual Altar Server Recognition Mass, events at parishes, Catholic schools and on college campuses, and summer discernment camps for young men and young women Youth Ministry training and resources for parish youth ministry leaders, Confirmation retreats and special events like the Back-to- School Franciscan Fest and spring Youth Rally; Programs that strengthen marriages and families, such as parish-based workshops for couples, Engaged Encounters, marriage retreats, Retrouvaille, marriage and family counseling services, divorce, loss and grief support, Natural Family Planning, and summer family camps; Catholic communications, including South Plains Catholic, the weekly diocesan e-newsletter, web site, video presentations, social media, mass media and others; Through programs of the diocesan Vocations Office, young women discerning the call to religious life have the opportunity to attend Fiat Camp, Nun Runs and Fiat Dinners and to develop friendships with like-minded young people. Programs that protect the rights of the unborn, support Catholic schools, serve the incarcerated, advocate for the least among us, enhance our liturgical celebrations and fund the care of retired priests. I am already giving to my parish, why should I also support the DCA? Support of your home parish is very important; but, all parishes benefit from the ministries outlined above. Also, your parish is obligated under Canon Law to pay to the diocese the amount of their quota to support the larger Church. Without your support of the DCA, your parish would be required to pay this amount to the diocese from its weekly collection. Each year during Leadership Day, the Catechetical and Ministries Conference and other opportunities, Parish Catechetical Leaders, youth ministers and catechists enrich their spirituality and gain new insights into their important ministries. How are parish quotas determined? Every parish is assigned a specific dollar amount as its share of the overall Diocesan Catholic Appeal goal. Parish goals are based on the average assessable income throughout the most recently completed fiscal year. Building fund, fundraisers, all second collections, net religious item sales, school tuition/income are exempt from assessable income. 11

14 How do parishes use DCA as an additional fundraiser? The total amount of payments you and your fellow parishioners make to the diocese that exceeds the quota is shared equally with the parish. The term rebate is used to describe this process. Thirty-seven parishes (see chart at left) received rebates in , totaling more than $123,000, which they used Parish Name Rebates Accrued Our Lady of Guadalupe, Lamesa Sacred Heart, Plains 1, St. James, Seminole 5, St. Jude, Tahoka St. Michael, Levelland St. Paul, Seagraves St. Philip Neri, Pep Brownfield Deanery 9, Blessed Sacrament, Wilson Christ the King Cathedral, Lubbock 34, Holy Cross, Post Holy Spirit, Lubbock 51, San Lorenzo, Lorenzo St. Anthony, Anton St. Elizabeth, Lubbock St. Francis of Assisi, Wolfforth St. John Neumann, Lubbock 10, St. Joseph, Slaton 2, St. Patrick, Lubbock 1, St. Philip Benizi, Shallowater 2, St. Theresa, Carlisle Lubbock Deanery 105, Immaculate Conception, Muleshoe 1, Sacred Heart, Littlefield Sacred Heart, Plainview 1, St. Alice, Plainview St. Elizabeth, Paducah St. Joseph, Lockney St. Mary Magdalen, Earth St. Mary Magdalen, Floydada St. Peter, Olton 1, Plainview Deanery 6, Church of the Epiphany, Jayton Our Lady of Guadalupe, Snyder Sacred Heart, Ranchito St. Ann, Stamford St. George, Haskell St. Joseph, Rotan St. Mary, Aspermont St. Mary, Spur Snyder Deanery 2, TOTAL REBATES 123, for religious education programs, construction projects, youth programs, debt retirement and many other important ministries of the parish. This serves as an additional fundraiser for parishes during the year. These are reasons your pastor and your bishop ask that all the Catholic faithful of the diocese unite as one family in thanksgiving and generosity to the DCA to benefit the local Church in West Texas. May I give to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal once a year instead of making payments? If you prefer to make your gift all at one time, you may do so; however, most people are able to make a larger total gift to the appeal by making stewardship gifts to the DCA throughout the year instead of at one time. For example, a $750 commitment at the Bishop s Guild level may be paid in twelve monthly payments of $62.50 each, which may be easier to budget than a one-time gift. The commitment form lists several options for monthly payment of a DCA gift, including making online payments at Why do I receive a statement every month if I make payments by bank draft or credit card? Regardless of the manner in which you make payments toward your stewardship gift, the Diocesan Catholic Appeal mails or s (depending on the option you choose on your commitment form) a statement each month. Once your commitment is fulfilled, you will no longer receive a statement in that campaign year. If you remit your payments electronically and want to be sure that your statements are ed, please check that option on your commitment form or contact the Finance Office at (806) or DCA@catholiclubbock.org. 12

15 The education of our seminarians and celebrations of their ordinations are made possible through your support of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Our Promise to You! In , the Diocesan Catholic Appeal raised more than $1.258 million, or percent of the income of the Diocese of Lubbock Source: FY16 Audit These funds were used, without exception, to support the ministries, programs and services to those in need throughout the Church in the 25 counties of the diocese. It is our continuing commitment to you to use all the funds received during the Appeal to provide these services and meet the needs of the Catholic faithful throughout the 63 parishes of the Diocese of Lubbock. What amount should I give to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal? The amount you choose to give to the DCA is a personal decision, made after prayerful discernment. God has given each one of us gifts, graces, talents, and abilities which are to be shared responsibly and wisely with others. You are invited to join with other Catholics in the diocese in support of this appeal from your bishop. As we say Take Lord, Receive, we say that stewardship is more than performing occasional acts of charity and service. It is a holy way of life, a commitment to giving our time, talent and treasure in thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received. Resources for Parish DCA Leaders At the DCA Campaign Kickoff & Leadership Training Workshop and your Deanery Kickoff, each DCA team will receive a number of materials to assist with their parish campaign. These materials include: Leadership Manual You will receive your comprehensive guide to a successful campaign at the Leadership Kickoff Workshop in January. This book is meant to be a guide for your campaign preparation. Please feel free to modify its processes to suit the needs of your parish, but keep in mind that the combination of the techniques provided in this manual have resulted in very successful campaigns both in our own diocese and those of others. 13

16 Commitment Forms and Envelopes The commitment forms and envelopes have been designed to make the process as easy as possible for parish offices and volunteers. To make a commitment, parishioners must: Complete the commitment form. Keep the bottom copy of the form for their personal records. Place the top copy of commitment form and any payment into the envelope. Place the envelope in the offertory; or, Place the envelope directly in the mail to the diocese. The parish office should return the commitment forms and checks (NO CASH) as soon as collected (following the process outlined on page 8) but no later than May 19 to the Diocesan Finance Office at the Catholic Pastoral Center by the following methods: o o DCA return envelopes (provided) Personal delivery by pastor, DCA coordinator or designated volunteer Each parish will receive a detailed accounting of all commitments from the Diocesan Finance Office when the commitments have been processed into the accounting system. Brochure DCA brochures may be used in several ways. First, many parishes mail the brochure with a letter from the pastor and the commitment form one or two weeks before Appeal Sunday. Second, distribute brochures during Mass on the weekend of the lay witness talk or as parishioners are greeted before Mass on Appeal Sunday. Be sure to have plenty of brochures on hand in the entrance to the church during the campaign and throughout the year for new parishioners. Poster Full color DCA posters promote the Take Lord, Receive theme of stewardship being used in this year s campaign. Posters displayed in the common areas of the parish and do not include the date of the appeal so that you may keep them posted throughout the year. Please ask for permission from your pastor before placing these posters in your church narthex or anywhere in the church building. 14

17 Presentation Video A short video presentation promoting the various ministries supported through the DCA and featuring an appeal from the bishop will be provided in DVD format in both English and Spanish to each parish at the Deanery Kickoff. Please check the DVD immediately to ensure that it plays properly on the equipment that you plan to use on Appeal Sunday. If not, please contact the Office of Communications. Prayer Card Use the prayer cards at DCA planning meetings, parish meetings, prayer groups and at Mass several weeks before, during, and after Appeal Sunday. Include the prayer card in mailings to parishioners. Use the prayer throughout the year as it focuses on the gratitude of a steward. In-Pew Offertory Envelopes For those stewards who prefer to make their return gifts through the parish collection, a supply of specially designed offertory envelopes will be provided to each parish in the diocese to make available throughout the year. These also will be inserted in the March issue of South Plains Catholic. Thermometer Poster A blank thermometer poster allows each parish to track progress toward goals (by dollar amount commitment and/or by number of commitments). This may be displayed on a wall or easel near the entrance to the church as shown in the photo at right. Online Resources Bulletin Notes, Homilies, Sample Lay Witness Talks, Pastor Letters, Pulpit Announcements and General Intercessions are provided in this manual as well as in downloadable, editable form at There also are links to Stewardship Education materials and to logos and other artwork. 15

18 Spanish Language Resources The following campaign elements are available in Spanish. Please visit or contact the Office of Communications if you desire Spanish language materials: Campaign Logo Prayer Cards Pastor Letters Poster Homilies Bulletin Announcements DVD Lay Witness Talks Brochures General Intercessions Selecting Lay Witnesses in Your Parish An important part of stewardship education in a successful Diocesan Catholic Appeal is through the personal testimony of people in your parish who have been transformed by making stewardship a way of life. These lay witnesses are necessary to the success of the appeal. There are many reasons for this. Stewardship is a part of the internal change of heart or conversion process that we know so well from the scriptures. The Old and the New Testaments are full of stories of real people who became aware of the need to put their faith into action. Lay witnesses send a strong message to their fellow parishioners about giving of oneself and one s possessions and time in gratitude for all the gifts God has given them. People The powerful testimony of a lay witness on Pre-Appeal Sunday will who hear that stewardship is working for enhance stewardship of time, talent and treasure in your parish. other people are motivated to bring stewardship into their own lives. Christians throughout history have been raised to a new level of awareness by learning how a deeper sense of spirituality has taken over the lives of people just like them. As we have learned by participating in the ARISE: Together in Christ communities in our parishes, making a commitment to live as Christian stewards is our loving response to Jesus Christ. Selecting Lay Witnesses The lay witnesses should be individuals from the parish who match the demographics of your parish. They should believe and practice stewardship - giving of their time, talent and treasure in an intentional, planned and sacrificial way. They should be regular contributors to the DCA. They should also be individuals who can relate well to other parishioners, feel comfortable speaking to a group about their personal experiences, and be enthusiastic about their mission. 16

19 A potential lay witness may say, Yes, I believe in giving back to God in gratitude, but I don t want to stand up and tell everyone what I am doing because it sounds like I m bragging about myself. The response to that person could be, You are not bragging because you are unselfish in your giving. By sharing with us how you arrived at your decision for stewardship, you will be testifying about the Lord and reaching out and touching individuals like yourself. Preparing a Lay Witness Adapted from an article by Robert J. Pfundstein, International Catholic Stewardship Council. A Word version of this lay witness guide in English and in Spanish, as well as many other English and Spanish lay witness talks are available to download at In discussing the stewardship lay witness, we can only begin to scratch the surface of a subject as deep and wide as God s gift of life and our own personal experiences of that life. All individuals are called to present themselves before the Lord and listen to the unfolding of God s story from within. The purpose of this section is to give you the tools to organize and present an effective lay witness talk in your parish on Pre-Appeal Sunday or during your parish s own Time, Talent or Treasure Sunday. The goal is that others will be encouraged by your personal story and respond by sharing their gifts more abundantly. Lay Witness Process To begin, consider this thought: God has blessed my life. Every individual has a story to share. Repeat the words to yourself, God has blessed my life, and start to prepare your witness using the following six points. 1. Pray Often, we allow our minds and outside activities to influence much of our daily routine. The suggestion for discerning about, preparing, and giving a lay witness is to spend time in prayer. While to some this may seem obvious, others may think the effective witness relies on their expertise and presentation style. You are encouraged to: Pray when asked. Pray after saying yes. Pray while preparing. Pray while waiting. Pray while walking up to the lectern. Pray when finished. Many times it is helpful to work with a mentor (couple) and have that person (couple) share with you a prayer minute before you begin your talk with confidence in God s blessings. 2. Introduce Yourself Your lay witness will include much about who you are through the stories you share. However, at the beginning, you should briefly share your name, family members and parish affiliation. A personal example is: Good morning! I am N. and I have been married to my spouse, N., for N. years. We are blessed to be expecting our sixth child. I would give you their names and ages but then I might have to quiz you later. We have been members of the parish for more than seven years. I would like to express our gratitude to Father N. for asking us to share our stewardship story with you. 17

20 This short ice-breaking introduction allows you to see those to whom you are speaking and helps take away some of the nervousness. 3. Define Stewardship Stewardship is our grateful response to an ever-loving God who has given us all that we have. Begin to define stewardship in your own words as it pertains to your life and to your personal story. This portion of your talk should include appropriate quotes from the U.S. Bishops Pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple s Response, which is available online or in your parish office, or other good stewardship resources. The definition you share needs to be what you believe as well as how you try to live the stewardship message in your day-to-day activities. A personal example is: Stewardship has more to do with the vitality of the parish community than with the hours we volunteer or the dollars we place in the collection basket. Stewardship is about how we live our faith not just about how we spend our time or money. 4. Include Scripture Read the Scriptures for the day you are speaking and refer to them if possible. While it is not your role to give a homily, it should be a joy to share a quote from the Scripture readings which A Christian steward is one who receives God s gifts gratefully, cherishes and tends them in a responsible and accountable manner, shares them in justice and love with others, and returns them with increase to the Lord. - USCCB connects with your stewardship message. The Scriptures are filled with stewardship messages. The challenge is to find an appropriate quote and share it within the context of your talk. Remember, if you don t see one in the readings of the day, use your favorite stewardship Scripture verse. It makes a difference to many people to hear the connection between the Bible and stewardship. Here is an example of a stewardship reflection based on the readings for Pre-Appeal Sunday (April 29/30 Third Sunday of Easter, Cycle A) that might be appropriate to a lay witness talk: As today s gospel reveals, the first meal shared with the risen Lord happened in a place called Emmaus. Perhaps there is no better time to reflect on this story than in those prayerful moments at Mass when we return to our place after receiving Holy Communion. Those few moments give us an opportunity to reflect on our stewardship of Christ s presence within us. We have a chance to practice hospitality by inviting Jesus into our hearts to walk and talk with us about our own Emmaus journey. We can relive once again the time when he broke bread for the disciples. And just as they did, we too can recognize Christ in this meal we have just shared with others. A scriptural stewardship reference to use at any time is: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy and thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor decay destroys, nor thieves break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be (Matt 6:19-21). Where is your treasure? Where is your heart? 5. Share Your Story What is the stewardship message that we are being called to share? The message for a lay witness begins with the recognition of our lives being a constant stewardship story. Repeat the words to yourself, God has blessed my life. Whether we come from a large, medium, or small parish or family, or we are clergy, religious, or lay persons, the same basic concepts apply. The message can be simple or complex, and so can the messenger. It boils down to people of faith at all levels sharing their gifts and their giftedness in the way they live their lives and speak about their faith relationship with Christ. 18

21 As a lay witness, you provide three important benefits to the parish. First, other parishioners physically see and hear from someone just like me. Second, they hear about how spiritual conversion leads to living stewardship. Third, the pastor is not perceived as being the only message bearer. When preparing your stewardship story, answer some questions about your The men who enter candidacy for the permanent diaconate lay down their lives as models f d hi i h i f Ch i stewardship experience, whether newly begun or longstanding. A few possible questions are: What was my first remembered experience of stewardship? What was my initial reaction to the concept? Why did I accept stewardship as a way of life? Has stewardship made a difference in my life? How have I shared my time, talent and treasure? What have some of the benefits of stewardship been in my life? Who likes to talk about money? (Treasure witness) Is there any way we can give people good news about money? (Treasure witness) Personal stories make a stewardship witness come alive for others. Sometimes, witnesses share about major decisions, such as: I kept feeling that my high pressure job was pulling me away from my marriage, my family and my faith. It took a lot of prayer and support from my wife, but I quit that job and found another one that paid less, but brought more balance into my life. I now spend more time at home and attend Mass, but also serve in the RCIA program. We also give more generously of our income with the church. I may not have that fancy car anymore, but living as a Christian steward taught me that God s love and grace are enough for me. 6. Invite Encourage and challenge fellow parishioners to participate in the parish as partners, growing in faith, and responding in gratitude. As a lay witness, we have little or no control over who attends Mass that week other than personally inviting people we know. What we can do as we prepare our witness talk is pray for those who need to hear the stewardship message. As an invitation, I have said: As a family, we have faced financial challenges, health challenges, and many other challenges that most of you can relate to your own experiences. As this parish community grows in its stewardship efforts, I encourage you to share your stewardship stories with one another. A sample invitation and conclusion specific to the DCA might include words like this: Speaking of gifts, a great gift to Father N. would be for each of us to participate in the DCA by completing our commitment form next week on Appeal Sunday. This would be a wonderful way to show your support and appreciation for him and to help our parish meet its goal of earning a rebate in the amount of N. for N. (project the parish would like to complete.) In conclusion, remember, it s not up to you to determine where the seeds may land; you are simply called to keep sowing and sowing. There are always new ears to hear God s message. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a big 19

22 handful of seeds and start sowing the fields are many. And, it s a wonderful way to say, Take Lord, Receive. Thank you for all you do. God bless each and every one of you. Some Closing Thoughts As you present your witness, remember that the most effective witness follows from being prayerful, sincere, enthusiastic, friendly and, probably, nervous. Simply put your best foot forward and give the witness with which God has blessed you. Using the format and ideas presented, prepare your personal lay witness. Even if you are not asked to present your witness in a public setting, you will be able to use appropriate portions of your witness any time you have the chance. Share your witness with a friend at lunch, a business associate at dinner, your foursome on the golf course, a backyard neighbor, the parents of your children s friends, or any place that God affords you an opportunity. As your life continues as a good steward, occasionally dust off your written witness, read it, and revise it based on the realities of life and your deepening faith. The final evaluation rests with God as you hear the words of the Gospel, Well done, my good and faithful servant Come, share your master s joy (Matt 25:21). As lay witnesses, we have little or no control over who attends Mass the week of our talk, other than to personally invite people we know. What we can do as we prepare our witness talk is to pray for those who need to hear the stewardship message. The Important Role of the Pastor As leader of your parish family, you play an important and essential part in communicating to your parishioners the importance of their involvement with the larger church. The DCA poster, brochures, prayer cards, commitment forms and envelopes, video, bulletin and pulpit announcements are important elements of a successful appeal; however, Funds from the Diocesan Catholic Appeal provide our priests with continuing education there is no opportunities, retreats, sabbaticals, and opportunities to build fraternity. replacement for the pastor. As a person of faith and leader of your parish, your personal example of stewardship to the people in your parish is the most crucial element in their response to living as Christian stewards. 20

23 Your support allows our bishop to travel throughout the diocese to be part of parish and diocesan-wide events that celebrate our rich Catholic heritage here on the Llano Estacado. Prayerfully reflect on your obedience to your bishop and on the reasons you support the work of the Diocese of Lubbock. Recall your own example of living stewardship as a holy way of life. At the Masses on Appeal Weekend, witness your own personal commitment and support of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. The Church on the South Plains of West Texas certainly needs the financial help of all Catholics. But more importantly, all Catholics are called by their baptisms to share their time, talents, and financial gifts with their parishes and with the larger Church of which they are members. The need to give in thanksgiving to God for all the blessings and gifts in our lives is far greater than any programs or ministries from which we benefit. Remember, where your treasure is, there your heart is also (Matt. 6:19). Please ask for 100 percent participation. Ask every household to consider a gift to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Remember, equal sacrifice. Together, all the Catholic faithful are being called to say, Take Lord, Receive. Helpful Points for Pastors Review last year s DCA parish results (provided prior to the Kickoff Workshop); evaluate the approaches to determine ways to improve this year s results, with a focus on achieving the rebate. Develop a plan and strategy that will achieve the goals. Appoint a coordinator well in advance of January 28, Attend the DCA Leadership Kickoff on January 28 with your coordinator, finance staff and DCA committee. Open all parish meetings with the DCA prayer. Make advance remarks from the pulpit and in the parish bulletin so parishioners are prepared to make a commitment on Appeal Weekend May 6/7. Exhibit a positive, sincere attitude toward the appeal, its objective, and the parish s importance to the overall effort. Invite lay witnesses to make talks the weekend of April 29/30 and assist them in prayerful preparation. Show the video and give a homily in support of the DCA at all Masses on Appeal Weekend May 6/7. Make your own commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal at each Mass on Appeal Weekend. Ask every parishioner to complete a commitment form and give them plenty of time to complete the form before resuming Mass. Please focus your parishioners willingness to give as Jesus did. 21

24 Homily Guide for Appeal Weekend (Tied to the Readings for May 6/7, Fourth Sunday of Easter) A Word version of the following homily guide in English and in Spanish, as well as many other English and Spanish homilies are available to download at Scriptures for Sunday, May 6 First Reading: Acts of the Apostles 2:14A, Responsorial: Psalm 23: 1-3A, 3B4, 5, 6 Second Reading: 1 Peter 2:20B-25 Gospel: John 10:1-10 Sample Homily for Appeal Sunday Theme: Good Shepherd Sunday As you may recall, last week in our first reading, Peter began his sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem where he spoke about the insulting, the improbable, the impossible, and for many in his audience, the inconceivable. This typically stoic hothead we got to know (and love) in the gospels had suddenly let loose a barrage of statements and accusations that I m sure left many of his listeners stunned if not angry. He throws at them: This man, delivered up by the set plan and foreknowledge of God, you killed, using lawless men to crucify him. (the insulting) Jesus was given to you (the improbable) But then God raised him up (the impossible) And finally exalted him at God s right hand (the inconceivable) He must have hit a nerve because in today s first reading the impossible has become the possible. Peter tells the crowd that Jesus, the Lord and the Christ, was one of them, of the house of Israel, and so they all still have a chance to claim him. Beautifully, through the persuasion of the Holy Spirit, he boldly challenged his hearers to admit that they had totally missed the message contained in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and to open themselves to faith in the Christ. And it worked; three thousand persons were baptized! Now these Jews were not bad people. On the contrary the bible labels them devout while they gathered in the city to give prayerful worship to God. The reason for their delay in believing was simple: they thought they already knew God and his plans and were living as if they knew. This happens in our gospel story as well. Using the Old Testament image of Diocesan youth experience lifechanging encounters with Christ through rallies and retreats as well as opportunities to become engaged in the lives of their parishes. 22

25 College students and young adults proclaim the Gospel in their schools, careers, parishes and in the larger Church of Lubbock. sheep and their shepherd, Jesus describes his own mission as one of a caring and protecting shepherd and his listeners as the sheep. Many seemed to respond well to this image because they reacted just as sheep that had been listening to the shepherd. But there where those present, the Pharisees, who could not accept Jesus message. How could they? They didn t know the shepherd s voice. Our readings today speak of those who can be stubborn in their beliefs even though the beliefs fall short of the truth. But in the end, with great relief, they listened and believed and followed. Have we been listening? Have we been able to hear the shepherd? Do we recognize his voice? Did you hear that we have been given great and wonderful gifts, the gift of Christ himself? And in him we ve been given the gift of baptism, we ve been given the gift of forgiveness; we ve been given the gift of the Church. And I m sure with a little effort we can list several hundred, if not thousands, more gifts. The event we witnessed just a few weeks ago brought forth these gifts from the opened tomb and wants to flood us with the Risen Lord s grace and spirit of understanding. Like the early followers of Jesus and at times like the Pharisees we think we know God and are comfortable in that knowledge. Easter is the season of life and a more profound reflecting on all that life gives us and all that Christ calls us to be. As Christians, our life is rooted in Christ; as Catholics, our life is rooted in the Church. This is the source of all good gifts that we so often take advantage of. After explaining the truth to the Jewish people, Peter convinced them of the truth that is Jesus. Thousands were baptized. After pointing out that he was the loving shepherd offering protection from a vicious and deadly world, the Pharisees still refused the truth. Our loving Father, besides giving us such great gifts that we have, has gifted us with the freedom to choose. Jesus chose sacrifice, not for the sake of suffering but for the benefit of others, for the life and salvation of all people. And because of that sacrifice we can celebrate this wonderful season of Easter, the fruit of His sacrifice. In our own baptism and the sacraments we participate in regularly, we declare our allegiance with Jesus choice and step forward to join Him in his sacrifice. As we heard in our second reading today, If you are patient when you suffer for doing what is good, this is grace before God. Today, on this fourth Sunday of The Resurrection, and this year s Diocesan Catholic Appeal Sunday, we have a wonderful opportunity to live out our name Christian to be Christ-like by trusting that The Cross always leads to resurrection and that our sacrifice will always lead to a fuller life. Today, while celebrating the joys and gifts of our faith, we join all our brothers and sisters in our diocese as our shepherd, Bishop Robert Coerver, invites us to participate in this year s campaign. We take seriously the Eucharist (to give thanks) so we turn back to God and tell Him with trusting hearts, Take Lord, Receive. Our renewed commitment to the Diocese of Lubbock, Christ s Church of Lubbock, and our stewardship to this year s campaign, will help our bishop fulfill his vision as he leads his flock guided by the Spirit of love, mercy and wisdom. 23

26 The commitment that you, our parish, will make will touch thousands of lives in ways we may never know. The vocation of marriage and the families of our diocese will be strengthened through the Office of Marriage and Family Life. Catechists and teachers will receive training and support through the Office of Evangelization and Catechesis, Catholic schools and after school programs will find their support so that children and young people can grow in the beauty of our Catholic faith. Ministries on all our college and university campuses will be strengthened and supported so our sons and daughters will know they are not abandoned by the church. Men who aspire to serve as priests and deacons will be educated and trained, women whom God is calling to be religious sisters will be encouraged, so that our 63 parishes in the diocese can be adequately staffed and served with ordained and vowed individuals responding to God s loving call. And parishes in rural areas will continue to provide the Sacraments with the love and support received from the wider diocesan church. These are but a few examples of how our simple prayer - Take Lord, Receive and our individual responses will continue to provide the promise of the resurrection others. In a few moments, you will be invited to complete your commitment form for this year s campaign. Every gift, no matter how small, when given with love, helps to grow our beautiful Catholic faith in our diocese. Every response made in love is always a priceless gift. Your gift, no matter the size, will bring about the positive change that Jesus calls us to create in the world. And together as we tell our loving God, Take Lord, Receive, we do so with confident trust that God s generosity can never be outdone, that our giving will always be bested by our receiving from the infinite well of God s generous love. Thank you in advance for your generous response. God bless you. God bless our parish and the Catholic Diocese of Lubbock. Mailings Mailings from the Bishop to Support Your Campaign To support the efforts in the parishes, the campaign will include two mailings from the bishop to those who have supported the appeal in the past several years. These mailings include: In late January, all who contributed $600 or more in any of the past two years were invited to mail their commitment form by March 1. This allows the Bishop of Lubbock to make preliminary budget plans for the diocese for the next year. This also allows a large number of commitments to be entered into the accounting system early in order to provide parishes with information about their campaigns. In late summer, a final letter from the bishop will be mailed to all parishioners who have not yet committed to the appeal, including a personalized commitment form (with name, address, account number, address). Remember, these mailings only reach past supporters of the DCA, it does not include those who are new to your parish, those who have not made a commitment in the past two years, or those who make anonymous contributions to the DCA through your offertory. To reach more people and increase the success of your parish campaign, you are asked to supplement the mailings from the bishop with at least one from your pastor on parish letterhead. Your letter should be sent one or two 24

27 weeks prior to Appeal Weekend. If desired, your pastor may send a second letter following the appeal to those who do not return commitment forms. The following sample letters are available as Word documents for download at and may be edited as needed and printed on your own parish letterhead. Pre-Appeal Letter from Pastor Each parish in the diocese will mail to all households the following letter, printed on parish letterhead and signed by the pastor. Please mail no later than April 17 so that it arrives before Pre-Appeal Sunday. Dear Parishioner, During the next several weeks you will be invited to make a stewardship commitment to the larger Church of Lubbock through the Diocesan Catholic Appeal Take Lord, Receive. Most Reverend Robert Coerver and I prayerfully ask for your participation in the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Because I believe that DCA is so important for the work of the Church and our parish family, I am writing to ask your generous response to this request. Each year the DCA provides the resources for the many programs and ministries sponsored and coordinated by the Diocese of Lubbock. All these programs supported by DCA provide services that our parish alone could not provide. As we Take Lord, Receive with our financial gifts, we touch the lives of thousands of people in West Texas through programs that teach, heal, support, nurture and feed. You also help your parish meet its annual obligations to the diocese as required by Canon Law. Please consider making a commitment that can be paid in twelve monthly payments. This way you will be able to make a more generous gift. The Finance Office at the Diocese of Lubbock will send you a monthly statement beginning in July. Our parish goal is N., and any dollar raised over that amount will be shared equally with our parish in order to raise funds for N. (debt retirement, new CCE materials, a building project, etc.) Please join me, along with Bishop Coerver, in praying for the success of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. (Insert DCA prayer card, or brochure, or the actual copy of the prayer into the body of the letter here.) Yours in Christ, Pastor Catholic faithful reach out to serve the least among us in many ways throughout our 25 counties, such as this group feeding the homeless people served by Paul s Project at Grace Campus in Lubbock. Sample Follow-Up Letter from the Pastor to those Parishioners Who Do Not Return a Commitment Form Dear Parishioner, As your pastor, it is my privilege to invite you to join many others in making a commitment to our Diocesan Catholic Appeal for , which will support the important programs and agencies of the Diocese of Lubbock. God s work depends on your financial support. The yearly Diocesan Catholic Appeal is extremely important for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lubbock and N. Parish. 25

28 I have noticed that you have not yet returned a commitment form for the DCA. Maybe you were out of town for a family or business event, or you needed more time to prayerfully consider this important decision. May I personally encourage you to join with other N. parishioners who said, Take Lord, Receive by letting the bishop know the amount you intend to commit today? It is most deeply appreciated that you give this serious consideration. In a few weeks, we will list in the Sunday Bulletin (or newsletter or website) the names of all parishioners who have made a commitment to support the DCA. As you may know, our parish goal is N., and any dollar raised over that amount will be shared equally with our parish in order to raise funds for N. (debt retirement, new CCE materials, a building project, etc.) I have enclosed a commitment form and a return envelope for your convenience. You may place the commitment in the collection basket on Sunday or mail it directly to the bishop at your convenience. Thank you for joining us in this special diocesan-wide effort to serve our Most Reverend Robert Coerver and the work of the Church of Lubbock. Sincerely yours in Christ, Pastor Sample Thank You Letter from the Pastor My Dear Friend, I write today to thank you for saying, Take Lord, Receive, through your commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Your gift helps to reflect God s mercy to many people and is a genuine sign of your gratitude for your many blessings. Countless lives in our parish, our community and throughout West Texas are touched by the ministries and programs supported by Diocesan Catholic Appeal and the Diocese of Lubbock. As you may know, our parish raised N. over our goal of N. meaning we should receive a rebate of N. when those commitments have been paid. Our pastoral council has agreed that these funds will be used toward N. As your pastor, I want you to know that your example of stewardship gives me confidence that we will continue to journey in faith and grow in our understanding of what it means to be Disciples of Christ. Thank you again for joining me and our fellow parishioners in this special diocesan-wide effort to serve our bishop, Most Reverend Robert Coerver, and the important ministries of the Church of Lubbock. May the Lord continue to bless you and your family with his abundant gifts. Sincerely yours in Christ, Pastor 26 DCA support for Catholic communications makes possible press conferences, the monthly South Plains Catholic, Catholic radio, social media, e- newsletters, graphic design and printed materials for other ministries in order to evangelize the faith throughout the region.

29 General Intercessions General Intercessions for April 29/30 Celebrant: Our faith and our hope is in God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we present our needs before our risen Lord. Deacon/Lector: For all in the Church to recognize Christ in everyone they meet, we pray to the Lord. For a growing appreciation for the dignity and worth of every person and an end to human trafficking and slavery, we pray to the Lord. Our Lady of Mercy Retreat Center in Slaton bustles with activity year round with many spiritually enriching retreat opportunities, such as A.C.T.S., Retrouvaille and Engaged Encounter. For those who dedicate their lives to spreading the Good News of the risen Lord in missions throughout the world, we pray to the Lord. For all who were baptized during our Easter celebrations and all infants and children who will be baptized this Easter season, as they grow in faith and nurtured in the love of their families, we pray to the Lord. For our church family, for a growing love and openness to respond to the call to loving give from the abundance we ve received from our generous Father, especially in support to the Diocesan Catholic appeal, we pray to the Lord. For eternal life and shared resurrection for all our beloved dead, we pray to the Lord. General Intercessions for May 6/7 Celebrant: We place our needs and the needs of the world at the feet of our Good Shepherd. Deacon/Lector: May the shepherds of the Church listen with compassion and charity to those in their flock and guide with humility and grace, we pray to the Lord. May government leaders recognize their responsibilities in caring for the people entrusted to their care, especially the most vulnerable, we pray to the Lord. May the faith of all the newly baptized lead them to do the works that Jesus did, we pray to the Lord. May men and women of all ages heed the Good Shepherd s call to ordained or consecrated life, we pray to the Lord. 27

30 May all of the Diocese of Lubbock family embrace and take to heart the simple prayer, Take Lord, Receive, as they discern their gift to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal, we pray to the Lord. May all of our departed brothers and sisters be returned to the eternal fold of the Good Shepherd, we pray to the Lord. General Intercessions for May 13/14 Celebrant: Jesus is the Way to the Father, because He is Truth and Life. Let us then bring our needs to God through him. Deacon/Lector: That those who have never heard the Gospel may hear it and put their faith in the word of the Lord, we pray to the Lord... For all who serve as deacons and those preparing to be deacons, that they may grow in the spirit of service, we pray to the Lord... That we, the People God claims as His own, may bear witness that He alone has the authority to give and take human life, we pray to the Lord... The diverse cultures that represent the 136,894 selfidentified Catholics in the diocese celebrated their unity during the ordination of our new bishop on November 21, For all who are called to lives of stewardship through the Diocesan Catholic Appeal, we pray to the Lord... For our brothers and sisters in hospitals and nursing homes, and for the people who care for them, we pray to the Lord... That all those whom God has called from this world may enjoy the peace and life of the world to come, we pray to the Lord... General Intercessions when Parish meets Goal In gratitude for all those gathered here who said, Take Lord, Receive, in their prayerful response to meet our parish goal for the Diocesan Catholic Appeal; let us pray to the Lord. Church Bulletin Announcements Bulletin Announcement for April 29/30 The annual Diocesan Catholic Appeal (DCA) will begin next weekend. Just as we are one in the Body of Christ, we must remember that we are one with other parishes in our diocese. Once a year, our Bishop asks us to respond in gratitude saying, Take Lord, Receive, by making a commitment to support the work of our diocesan programs and 28

31 Sixty three parish communities make up the Church of Lubbock. All of them benefit in many ways from the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. ministries that provide services that no one parish could provide on its own, such as marriage and family life programs and medical expenses and retirement benefits for our clergy. Through the DCA we all work together to care for the Church by sharing the gifts God has granted us. Our parish goal is 100 percent participation. Please experience the joy of giving and join us as we work to continue God s work of spirituality, charity, and education. Bulletin Announcement for May 6/7 Today our annual commitments to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal are being offered throughout the Diocese of Lubbock. The DCA gives us the opportunity to say, Take Lord, Receive, as we act together as a diocesan family by supporting programs and services no parish alone can offer, such as formation for our deacons, continuing education for our clergy and education of our seminarians. Every gift, regardless of the size, is vital to the success of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Our goal this year is to have 100 percent participation. In order to achieve this, each of you is asked to give in generous gratitude for the many gifts God has given to you. Bulletin Announcement for May 13/14 A blessed thank you to everyone who returned a commitment form this past weekend in support of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Our parish goal is 100 percent participation. Each and every person s gift is important. For those who have not made a commitment, please join us in supporting the vital programs and services throughout the Diocese of Lubbock, such as seminarian education and catechetical formation. Your gift to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal supports the ministries and services in this diocese from which you and this parish benefit. Simply fill out a commitment envelope and place it in the offertory basket or drop it in the mail. Thank you for your generosity and your support of the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Bulletin Announcement for Parish that Reaches Its Goal Thank you to all who responded so generously to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Each year the success of this Appeal depends on you. Again this year, you have done a wonderful thing as you say, Take Lord, Receive, you assure that the Diocesan Catholic Appeal will be able to continue its mission of fostering the Kingdom of God here in West Texas. Pulpit Announcements Pulpit Announcement for April 29/30 Next week we are invited to say, Take Lord, Receive, by making a commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal, which supports the work of the Catholic Church in West Texas. The DCA is a unified expression of stewardship, with the faithful of the Diocese of Lubbock joining together to further the mission and ministry of the larger Church. Please take a 29

32 copy of the DCA brochure home with you today, carefully read it, and prayerfully consider this week what you will be able to return in stewardship to our diocesan Church. Please bring it with you next Sunday when you come to Mass and place it in the offertory. Thank you. Pulpit Announcement for May 6/7 If you did not return your Diocesan Catholic Appeal commitment in the offertory today, please take the form home and prayerfully consider what you can commit to support the educational, spiritual, and outreach services offered by our diocese, as well as provide for the education and formation of our priests, deacons and seminarians. These programs and ministries serve people in ways that we as an individual parish could never do alone. Our parish goal is 100 percent participation. Thank you. Pulpit Announcement for May 13/14 Thank you to the N. families who made a commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal Take Lord, Receive last weekend. If you have not yet completed a commitment form, please prayerfully consider doing so. It is not too late. Your gift can make a real difference in the lives of so many who are supported by our diocesan programs in education, spirituality and outreach. Commitment forms and envelopes are available (state location). They may be placed in the offertory, brought to the parish office or mailed directly to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal office. Thank you for your generosity. Post Appeal Announcements for Parishes Not Meeting Goal N. families in our parish have made a commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal, but our parish goal of 100 percent participation has not been met. Your help is needed. Please say, Take Lord, Receive, as you prayerfully make a commitment to support the work of our bishop through the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. Commitment forms and envelopes are available (state location). Thank you for your generosity. A full slate of activities during National Vocations Awareness Week, including discernment events in our Catholic schools, is made possible through our stewardship gifts to the DCA. 30

33 Sample Commitment Form Script for Appeal Sunday May be used on Commitment Weekend, May 6/7, if desired. May be significantly shortened if used in conjunction with video presentation and homily. Good evening/morning. This is our Diocesan Catholic Appeal Commitment weekend, and as your pastor/parish DCA Chair, am here to invite you to greater participation with the greater Church of Lubbock. I can assure you that your stewardship to the DCA will enable Bishop Coerver not only to fund various educational, liturgical and charitable ministries throughout our local church the Diocese of Lubbock but also to provide seminary formation for our next generation of priests as well as pensions and health care for our retired priests. When you give to the DCA you are, very directly, helping to bring the Word of God, the sacraments, and compassionate care to thousands of people on the Llano Estacado and Rolling Plains of West Texas. Through baptism, we are all called to share our gifts in support of the church. That includes commitments to the pastor and our home church: (our parish); the bishop and our local church, the Diocese of Lubbock, and of course, the pope and our universal church. The Diocesan Catholic Appeal supports the bishop and helps our parish meet its obligations to the diocese as required by Canon Law. Please let the Holy Spirit guide you as you make your commitment today. If you do not already have a commitment form please raise your hand so we can give one member of each household a blank form and pencil. (Make sure people have enough time to complete their forms. Pause, and make sure everyone has received a commitment form and pencil. Once everyone has their materials, continue with the script.) Please print your TOTAL COMMITMENT in the space provided. Next to it, write any amount you are giving today. Next to that write the BALANCE DUE. If you commit to a gift today, but do not wish to enclose a donation today, you will receive monthly statements beginning in July to send in your gifts at that time. In the spaces provided, please print your last name, first name, current mailing address, city, zip code, telephone number and address. It is very important that you write the name of our Parish small groups began meeting weekly in homes during the diocesan wide ARISE: Together in Christ evangelization ministry. parish on the line provided, so that we will receive the proper credit for your contributions. If you wish to fulfill your commitment using a CREDIT CARD or MONTHLY BANK DRAFT, please complete the information at the bottom of the commitment form. These contributions are processed on the 10 th or 25 th of each month from July through June. (Pause, and wait until about half of those participating are looking back at you.) To make an ON-LINE CONTRIBUTION, please visit and select On-Line Giving to be directed to the secure on-line payment center. Follow the prompts to set up payments using your credit or debit card or your checking account. If you do not wish to contribute financially, please complete a form anyway to update your address information with the diocese. Our bishop asks that you consider a stewardship commitment of prayerful support of the campaign. When you have completed your commitment form, please tear off the BACK PAGE for your records. Fold the top page and place it into the envelope and seal it. These sealed envelopes will be sent directly to the diocese. The ushers and volunteers from the parish DCA committee will now collect your commitment envelopes (or you may place them in the collection basket during the offertory). On behalf of Bishop Coerver, and Father N., I thank you for your commitment to the Diocesan Catholic Appeal. May God bless you as you join with the other Catholic faithful throughout the diocese in saying, Take Lord, Receive. 31