As the 2021 Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries approaches its final days, it is still just about 12 percent shy of reaching the $3 million goal.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 21, $2,633,653.01 has been raised, and donations are still being accepted through Dec. 31.
“Thank you to everyone who has given to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Your generosity is humbling,” said Jen Mahr, Annual Appeal coordinator for the Diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development. “The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is a cornerstone for funding the ministries we all are a part of day in and day out.”
Unlike in years past, this year’s Annual Appeal coincided with the launch of the Diocese of Nashville’s Legacy of Faith, Hope and Love Campaign, which overlaps in benefitting some of the same ministries including vocations and Catholic Charities, but they still serve a different purpose.
“The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports annual ongoing ministry needs through the year, every year, whereas the Legacy Campaign is really going to build an endowment that will help support growth of the ministries … in perpetuity,” said Ashley Linville, diocesan director of the Office of Stewardship and Development.
“When the economy is good, it’s much easier to make sure those ministries are provided for” like with the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, Linville said. “When the economy is not as good, it helps to have an endowment in place, which the Legacy Campaign will help build.”
In comparison with an individual family, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal serves as the “salary” while the Legacy Campaign serves as the “savings account,” Linville explained, which is why the support of both is important.
“We are so grateful” for all those who support the diocese, Linville said. “I am blown away each and every day by the generosity of people.”
People can donate in one of three ways to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries: online at www.dioceseofnashville.com/appeal where donors can opt to make a one-time gift or set up a monthly gift; texting BISHOP to 615-552-1101; or mailing cash or a check to Office of Stewardship and Development, Catholic Pastoral Center, 2800 McGavock Pike, Nashville, TN 37214. Checks should be payable to Diocese of Nashville. Cash donations should include the donor’s name and parish so the parish receives proper credit for its designated portion for the overall campaign.
For more information, call Mahr at 615-783-0783 or e-mail jennifer.mahr@dioceseofnashville.com.
