The Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries is ramping up for another year as the first in-pew weekend comes Feb. 4-5.
“Parishioners around the diocese will be given the opportunity to donate to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal at their local parish,” said Jen Mahr, annual appeal coordinator. “There will be pledge cards and envelopes for them to fill out.”
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries raises money each year to support vocations, faith formation, Catholic Charities, Diocese of Nashville, youth ministries and other ministries of the diocese. The goal for 2023 is $3 million.
In January, mailings went out to all families who have given to the diocese in the past three years.
“You and I are made for community, and that is what the Church offers to us all throughout the entirety of our lives,” Bishop J. Mark Spalding wrote in the letter. “This sense of belonging and community is what our diocese and the Catholic Church offers through Mass, the sacraments, and all our ministries.
“I know that blessings are magnified when we all come together, gathered in his name, for the greater good,” the letter concludes. “As a diocesan family, we glorify him through the ministries delivered by our Church and serve those most in need. Thank you for being part of our community of faith.”
In a video featured on the annual appeal website, parishioners across the diocese spoke of their appreciation of the ways the appeal supports the people of Middle Tennessee and why they will always continue to give.
“We give to the diocese because we believe in the Church, and we believe in Christ’s call, and mission, and our apostolic call as baptized Catholics,” said Matthew Hayes, a parishioner of St. Ann Church in Nashville. “We very much are encouraged by the way the diocese has been supporting all the faithful.”
“It’s a commandment to give and to share the blessings we’ve been given,” added Steve Hayes, a parishioner of Holy Family Church in Brentwood and Matthew’s father. “We are blessed abundantly by the opportunity to give because God will honor that and bless that 100 times over.”
“A long time ago I had a mentor who told me ‘the more you give the more you get.’ It’s really our duty and responsibility as Christians to give out of what we get and give back,” said Paul Dana, a parishioner of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Hendersonville. “I think it means a lot to be able to give, and contribute, and help others.”
As 2023 officially kicks off, Mahr said she is hopeful for a successful year, following the more than $2.6 million raised during the 2022 appeal thanks to the 4,000 donors. The goal was $3 million, and pledges toward that goal are continuing to come in, Mahr said.
“We are grateful for all of the generous donors in this diocese,” Mahr said, “because with the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries, we are able to take care of our daily needs.”
Among the diocesan ministries and activities that were supported by the 2022 appeal were:
• 21 seminarians in formation.
• Two priests and two transitional deacons ordained.
• 12 campuses served by University Catholic.
• 180 youth participated in SEARCH.
• More than 1,800 youth and adult baptisms.
• More than 1,500 confirmed.
• 170 engaged couple retreat attendees.
• 900 Holy Fire attendees.
• 60 churches serving the people of the diocese.
“Thank you to all who have kindly donated to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal in the past,” Mahr said. “It’s truly a blessing to see how involved the members of this diocese are, and, because of you, this diocese is helping bring the light of Christ to those in Middle Tennessee.”
People can donate to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for Ministries in one of three ways:
• 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.
• 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 appeal.
For more information, call Mahr at 615-783-0783 or email jennifer.mahr@dioceseofnashville.com.
