Catholic Faith Appeal

Transcription

1 Catholic Faith Appeal And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus... Col. 3: The Prodigal Son YEAR OF MERCY DIOCESE of VENICE in Florida

2 Message from Bishop Frank J. Dewane Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Scripture says that our words and actions should always reflect those of Our Lord. The Catholic Faith Appeal (CFA) is one way to respond to this call for personal commitment and participation in helping our brothers and sisters in need. The CFA supports Diocesan outreach in the name of Christ: Catholic Schools educate children; the Office of Evangelization helps people of all ages draw closer to Christ; Catholic Charities assists the elderly and the vulnerable; and the Vocations Office supports and oversees the formation of future priests. Entrusting your financial support to the Catholic Faith Appeal helps directly serve thousands of local people. On his recent visit to the United States, Pope Francis encouraged all to continue to care for those in need, especially the poor. In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, I ask you to share your blessings and your treasure. Through the gifts that God has given each person, we are responsible to assist the needy. This assistance cannot happen without the support of faith-filled, vibrant parishioners throughout the Diocese of Venice. Please be part of the Catholic Faith Appeal and as Scripture says, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and do it in deed thereby being a witness to the love of Christ. Thank you for your ongoing support and generosity to the Catholic Faith Appeal. May God continue to bless you for your kindness. Sincerely yours in Christ, + Frank J. Dewane Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida

3 How is it Done? Providing for the spiritual and material needs of the faithful in the ten counties of the Diocese of Venice requires the solidarity and diligence of many dedicated Catholics. The following pages illustrate the work of Diocesan Offices, Departments and Programs to build up the Faith in Southwest Florida. This labor of love is made possible by the generous involvement of vibrant Catholics like you in our Catholic Faith Appeal. Building Department Catholic Charities Catholic Schools Department Child and Youth Protection College Campus Outreach Continuing Education Diocesan Marriage Tribunal Diocesan Retreat Center Family Life Outreach Haitian Apostolate Hispanic Apostolate Marriage Preparation Mass on TV for the Homebound Office of Evangelization Office of Religious Life Peace and Social Justice Office Permanent Diaconate Poor Parishes and Missions Prison Outreach Religious Education Office Respect Life Department Safe Environment Program Seminarian Education Stewardship/Development Support for Convents The Catholic Center Vocations Office Worship Office Young Adult Outreach Youth Outreach

4 Evangelization & Family Life Outreach The Office of Evangelization works to infuse the Spirit of the Gospel throughout the Diocese in homes, parishes, schools, prisons, workplaces, and all of society so that every person in the Diocese can draw closer to Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Catholic Church. Evangelization Efforts: Strengthening the Faith of practicing Catholics Fostering Prayer and Catholic Teaching Proclaiming the Gospel in the Public Square Reaching out to the Homebound Promoting Catholic Identity Inviting all Catholics to return home Reaching out to interested non- Catholics Overseeing Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Program Visiting those in Prison Conferences: The Sacraments and the Bible were the topics at Diocesan Conferences this year. These sessions looked at the basic teachings of the Church as to their meaning and origin, and studied the deeper mysteries contained within. Participants were encouraged to live out in their lives what they learned.

5 Family Life Outreach Marriage Preparation Natural Family Planning Marriage Enrichment Pastoral Care for the Civilly Divorced/ Separated Catholics Elderly and Vulnerable Assistance Marriage Enrichment: The matrimonial covenant, by which a man and a woman establish between themselves a partnership of the whole life, is by its nature ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of offspring; this covenant between baptized persons has been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament." Catechism of the Catholic Church 1601

6 Catholic Charities Catholic Charities, Inc., in devotion and adherence to the teachings of Jesus and the Catholic Church, seeks to serve and empower ALL in need regardless of race, nationality, or creed. Human Trafficking Assistance The Catholic Charities team provides and coordinates various services to survivors, from basic needs to legal representation. Many victims of trafficking have been saved from enslavement. This is accomplished in collaboration with public authorities. Senior Services Golden Gate Senior Center focuses on daily basic services by providing hot meals, a weekly food pantry, and engaging seniors in group activities. The participants at the Center are engaged in sewing, exercise, bingo, dominoes, etc. This is a pilot program under consideration for other sites throughout the Diocese. Casa San Juan Bosco Casa San Juan Bosco is a migrant housing community providing a home for farm workers and their families. With a focus on helping families move toward self-sufficiency, the Center helps with computer classes, after school tutoring, and English language training. The need is great and Phase II of the expansion housing plan has begun.

7 Our Mother s House Hundreds of single mothers and their children, who otherwise would be homeless, have been provided housing and guidance. The program offers those eligible a safe and secure environment in which to achieve increased self-sufficiency through education, vocational training, and personal growth. Children attend an on-site pre-school while mothers are in school or working. Life skill classes, such as parenting, self-esteem, nutrition, and financial literacy are offered to the women in residence. The Judy Sullivan Resource Center This facility offers financial assistance for shelter, utilities, and drug prescriptions in East Naples. There is a food pantry which is essential in the life of many living in poverty as well as assistance with employment placement and resettlement services to those who are eligible. Family Haven An emergency shelter for homeless families has been established at which case management is provided. Family Haven offers families and children temporary shelter in crisis situations as well as resources and training to help them solve their long-term housing and economic needs. Assistance with finding employment, permanent housing and educational advancement is offered.

8 Catholic Schools The Mission of Catholic Schools is to offer an academically excellent education based on Catholic values, teachings, and traditions in formation of the next generation of the Faithful. This Department provides leadership, service, and vision in bringing the children of God into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through His Church. The Department of Catholic Schools oversees 10 elementary schools, 3 high schools, and one special needs school, which serve students in grades K through 12. The elementary schools are accredited by the Florida Catholic Conference, a nationally recognized accrediting body, and the high schools are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. We educate the mind, body, and soul through academics, physical education classes, and most importantly, religion classes. Catholic schools in the Diocese of Venice are valued for their Catholic Identity and academic excellence. The schools motivate and inspire students for lifelong service and learning, built upon the foundation of the Catholic Faith. Religion classes are taught on a daily basis and students receive preparation for the Sacraments. Music, art, physical education, and foreign languages are all part of the schools highly effective curriculum.

9 The STREAM curriculum based on Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math has been integrated as one of the priorities for the schools in the Diocese of Venice. Our Catholic Schools recognize the uniqueness of each individual student. They work to provide students, through classroom instruction, an integration of Catholic morals, ideals, and service in their daily lives. Throughout the Diocese of Venice, schools are equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technology in order to prepare students for 21st century careers. Students of all ages are trained to successfully integrate technology into their learning process.

10 Religious Education Religious education is lifelong from pre-k to adulthood. The Office of Catechesis assists parents with the task of handing on the Faith to their children from school age to young adulthood. The Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation further educates adults through comprehensive, systematic, and lifelong adult faith formation. Institute for Catholic Studies and Formation Partnering with Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, the Institute offers accredited Master level courses in Catechetics and Evangelization. The faithful who are interested in learning about their Faith can participate in the courses that are offered. With an expanded video-conferencing system in place, parishioners are able to access online courses and its video library at home. The Office of Catechesis This Office provides leadership in sacramental preparation and religious education in parishes and schools. It assists the process of catechesis which begins in the family and at home, and continues at parishes throughout the Diocese.

11 Youth and Young Adult Outreach The Mission of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Outreach is to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ to young people. This is accomplished by fostering a vibrant faith-filled environment through direct support of Parish, School, and College programming, as well as organizing large scale events and trips designed to invigorate the religious conviction of Catholic youth. Annual Diocesan Youth Rally Youth and Young adults take pride in their Catholic Faith. They share their faith, experiences and learn about Christ at the Annual Diocesan Youth Rally. Students are inspired by international speakers, who proclaim the message of Christ. All participate in a Eucharistic procession and celebration of the Mass. College Campus Outreach As youth enter institutions of higher education, they are provided support. Students participate at Mass, bible study, and various fellowships at local colleges and universities. March for Life Young people support human life and the end of abortion by participating in the Annual Youth Pilgrimage March of Life. Theology on Tap Young people discover their Faith with other like-minded Catholics. Theology on Tap gives young men and women the opportunity to speak to experts regarding theology, and get reacquainted with the Church. World Youth Day The youth and young adults from across the Diocese of Venice participate in their pilgrimage with Pope Francis. It is the largest gathering of young people from around the world as they witness their Faith in Christ. Scouting Both boys and girls participate in Catholic scouting programs, which teach and help children to build character and develop personal fitness. Scouting trains the youth to become conscientious, responsible, and productive citizens.

12 Vocations The Office of Vocations is tasked with attracting young men and women to pursue their calling to the priesthood or religious life. The Office evaluates candidates for the priesthood and assists in their training and formation. This past year the Catholic Church celebrated the Year of Consecrated Life, and the Diocese of Venice marked this special year both sacramentally and socially. Do not be afraid of joy! That joy which the Lord gives us when we allow Him to enter our life. Let us allow Him to enter our lives and invite us to go out to the margins and proclaim the Gospel. ~Pope Francis Currently seminarians are studying at various seminaries around the country. Spiritual retreats are components of their lives and summers are spent serving at Diocesan parishes. The Office of Vocations is committed to creating a culture of vocation in the Diocese of Venice where everyone prays, thinks, and acts to nurture vocations. While embracing an understanding that includes marriage and the single life, the Office is especially dedicated to encouraging young men and women who express a particular interest in the ordained ministry and consecrated life.

13 Faith in Action Striving to reflect the light of Christ, Parishes, Diocesan Offices, and Organizations live out their Faith everyday, working to change minds, hearts, and lives through their prayer, sacrifice, and good works.

14 Administrative Services The work of individual parishes and Catholic agencies within the Diocese are supported by the following departments at the Catholic Center: The Communications Department offers a wide range of services, specializing in: media and public relations, marketing, online video, community information, and special projects in print, radio and TV. The Department produces a televised Mass for the homebound, a Diocesan podcast, publishes a biweekly Diocesan newspaper and a biweekly newsletter, oversees the Diocesan website, and is an advisory resource for other Catholic entities. Office of the Bishop Vicar General s Office Office of the Chancellor Communications Department Finance Department Internal Financial Services Department Office of Stewardship and Development Office of Information Technology Legal Department Human Resources Department Marriage Tribunal The Internal Financial Services Department delivers financial advisory and consulting services to all parishes, schools, missions, and other Diocesan entities. This includes: financial policies and procedures; payroll and financial reporting; budgeting and other accounting needs. In addition, there are training and workshop sessions for financial administrators of all Diocesan entities. The Office of Information Technology assists the Diocesan departments, agencies, parishes and schools with the implementation, maintenance, and use of information technology. The Human Resources Department provides services regarding personnel for Diocesan entities. These include: policy design and interpretation, disciplinary procedures, mediation process, recruiting strategies, leadership training, performance appraisal and regulatory compliance issues. Holy Door

15 Giving Opportunities Consider a Pledge to the Catholic Faith Appeal Pledging your gift may allow you to make a more generous and affordable contribution to the CFA because you can spread it out over several months. You may pledge with an initial payment and pay the remaining balance anytime during the next nine months. Pledge Payments are Easy! Here are Some Options Fill out a pledge card and request payment reminders on the pledge card. The Diocese will send you monthly reminders and you can contribute as much as you wish each month. 2. Indicate on your pledge card that you would like to pay by direct debit or credit card and follow the directions on the pledge card. 3. Go online to click on Catholic Faith Appeal Donate Now. You can choose the amount and how many months you would like to give. Gift Opportunities Using the 10-Payment Plan Gift Initial 9 Monthly Amount Payment Payments $25,000 $2,500 $2,500 $15,000 $1,500 $1,500 $10,000 $1,000 $1,000 $ 5,000 $ 500 $ 500 $ 2,500 $ 250 $ 250 $ 1,000 $ 100 $ 100 $ 500 $ 50 $ 50 14% 39% 23% 11% 13% Bishop s Cornerstone Society Gift Levels Trustee $25,000 and above Pillar $10,000 to $24,999 Benefactor $ 5,000 to $ 9,999 Patron $ 2,500 to $ 4,999 Leadership Society Gift Levels Steward $1,500 to $2,499 Angel $1,000 to $1,499 Friend $ 500 to $ 999 DIOCESE of VENICE IN FLORIDA Ministry, Outreach, and Service 39% Evangelization Youth Outreach Charity Respect Life Department Peace and Social Justice Office Office of Worship Parish Services Hispanic Apostolate Prison Ministry Catholic Center Marriage Tribunal Inter-Religious Affairs and Ecumenism Bishop s Office and Episcopal Duties Marriage Preparation Family Life Outreach Haitian Apostolate Catholic Education 23% Catholic Schools Department Religious Education Office Young Adult Outreach Catholic School Subsidy Campus Ministry Our Lady of Perpetual Help Retreat Center Catholic Charities 14% Vocations and Clergy Support 13% Seminarian Education and Support Permanent Diaconate Diaconate Formation Continuing Education for Clergy Office of Religious Life Support of 20 Poor Parishes, Missions & Convents 11%

16 Catholic Community Foundation of SW Florida The real measure of a life well-lived is not what someone has, but what someone gives! A significant gift can enable your generosity to extend beyond your lifetime. The Catholic Community Foundation supports the mission of Christ and His Church in the Diocese of Venice by stewarding long term financial resources, serving donors, and securing gifts. For Good For God Forever CATHOLIC COMMUNITY FOUNDATION of Southwest Florida, Inc. Serving the Parishes, Schools & Good Works of the Diocese of Venice in Florida Thank How? you for all that you do... Establish an Endowment Fund to benefit your Parish, School, or Diocese of Venice Outreach. Secure income during your life through Charitable Gift Annuities. Create a Donor Advised Fund that provides you input into grants made. Create Your Catholic Legacy Provide, through your Legacy, for the formation of seminarians, scholarships for Catholic education, support for the needy through Catholic Charities, and much more. DIOCESE of VENICE IN FLORIDA For more information please contact us: CCF@dioceseofvenice.org Phone: Mail: 1000 Pinebrook Road, Venice, FL, Pinebrook Road Venice, FL