News

Catholics were generous to CASA campaign in 2020

For the first time since 2015, diocese surpassed $2 million goal by almost $60,000 last year

Published: February 4, 2021      

Courtesy Office of Stewardship and Development

The Springdale office of Catholic Charities of Arkansas operates programs partially funded by CASA supporters.

Courtesy Office of Stewardship and Development

The Springdale office of Catholic Charities of Arkansas operates programs partially funded by CASA supporters.

Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal had a successful year growing faith efforts in the state, even during the pandemic.

Diocesan development director Dianne Brady said the diocese was able to surpass its $2 million goal in 2020 by $59,549. The last time the diocese met or surpassed its goal was in 2015.

Brady said CASA kicked off Feb. 1-2 last year and had lots of support before the pandemic hit and public Masses were stopped in mid-March.

“We had a really strong start and continued as usual with pledge reminders,” Brady said. “We didn’t do our follow-up mailing in May but waited and combined it with the end-of-the-year mailing in November. Even though the number of donors was down, we had generous donors who gave a little more this year, I think realizing the pandemic would be affecting religious organizations as well as secular organizations.”

She said 5,446 supporters gave an average of $171 last year. That average was up slightly from 2019.

The diocese’s annual appeal will kick off in parishes at all Masses Feb. 6-7 with a video/audio homily from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. Parishioners are encouraged to fill out a pledge card and make a one-time gift or a pledge over the next 10 months by check, credit card or cash. The campaign ends Dec. 31.

Because many people are still attending Mass virtually, the diocese mailed a letter from Bishop Taylor and a donation envelope this week to all registered families in the diocese.

Each family is asked to pledge 1 percent of their annual gross (pre-tax) income.

Like last year, almost every ministry and program in the diocese will be touched by CASA giving.  This includes:

• Diocesan ministries, $550,000: Diocesan offices, such as the Family Life Office and Hispanic Ministry Office, are able to serve Catholics across Arkansas because of CASA support.

• St. John Center renovations, $575,000: The diocese is continuing to renovate its diocesan buildings. In addition to weatherproofing the outside of Fletcher Hall, the diocese installed Wi-Fi in Fletcher Hall and a gas-powered generator for the IT department.

• Parish and mission support, $120,000: The diocese subsidizes the cost of priests and religious serving parishioners in financially challenged mission churches.

• Youth and campus ministry, $230,000: The Youth and Campus Ministry Office organizes programs and retreats for junior high to college students.

• Grants to Catholic schools, $100,000: Schools in need can apply for grants to buy educational equipment and materials.

• Grants to faith formation programs, $100,000: Parish religious education programs can receive grants for new programs and supplies.

• Seminarian expenses, $75,000: CASA funds help pay seminary tuition and living expenses for 29 seminarians.

• Catholic Charities of Arkansas, $100,000: The ministry operates a free medical clinic, prison ministry and two immigration offices among other programs.

• Catholic Adoption Services, $50,000: The adoption office helps dozens of women each year who are considering placing their unborn babies for adoption.

 For more information, call (501) 664-0340 or visit dolr.org/casa.

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