Superior diocese launches 25th annual giving campaign

With a theme inspiring the Catholic faithful in northern Wisconsin to help build strong parishes and vibrant faith communities during the Year of Faith, Bishop Peter F. Christensen has launched the Diocese of Superior’s 25th annual Diocesan Services Appeal.

The appeal is a united parish campaign supporting Vocations, Catholic Education, Service, Worship, Prayer, Social Concerns, Charity and more. This year’s campaign theme, “Strengthening Our Parish Communities During the Year of Faith, reflects the Catholic tradition of generously sharing time and financial resources to advance the mission of Christ and help those in need.”

The celebration of the Year of Faith is an opportunity for Catholics to reflect on and more deeply understand their faith. Pope Benedict XVI has set aside this special year for Catholics throughout the world to share their faith with others.

On the shores of Lake Superior near Bayfield is the site of one of the very first Catholic churches anywhere on the North American Continent east of Lake Huron. In a video produced to promote the 25th anniversary appeal, Christensen is featured on Chequamegon Bay proclaiming: “We are blessed in this diocese with a rich history of faith that has continued on for well over 300 years. How blessed we are as Catholics and how blessed we are to live that faith right here in the Diocese of Superior. From humble origins to the present day, our diocese has grown significantly.”

The goal for the campaign is $1.88 million, providing funding for initiatives that benefit more than 30,000 Catholic households, 105 parishes and 15 elementary schools throughout 16 counties in northern Wisconsin. The appeal had an early kickoff in a number of summer visitor parishes in August, but launches in a majority of parishes in September.

“In these somewhat challenging economic times, donors must choose wisely from among the many charities asking for their contributions,” said Steve Tarnowski, director of development. “We are finding that supporting the ministries right here in their local faith community is the best choice for many active Catholics.”

The annual appeal is the vital funding vehicle utilized by virtually every diocese in the country to continue the valuable work of the Catholic Church. In the Diocese of Superior, it is a major source of funding for more than 30 vital programs, services and ministries that a single parish could not provide on its own. For information, go to www.catholicdos.org.

Tags: community, religion