CASA donors generously give more than $2 million in 2021

Despite challenges of COVID, the Diocese of Little Rock surpassed its goal by $52,191

Published: February 4, 2022

Arkansas Catholic Staff

Chris Price

Bishop Anthony B. Taylor presents the Eucharist to Seminarian Pedro Alvarez at the All Souls Mass at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock Nov. 2, 2021. CASA pays for a portion of the seminary tuition and living expenses for 25 diocesan seminarians.

Chris Price

Even though the pandemic is entering its second year, Catholic Arkansas Sharing Appeal had another successful year meeting its goal.

Diocesan development director Dianne Brady said the diocese surpassed its $2 million goal in 2021 by $52,191. The goal was also met in 2020.

Brady said CASA will kick off at all Masses Feb. 5-6 with a video/audio homily from Bishop Anthony B. Taylor. Ahead of the kickoff, the development office mailed a 12-page bilingual newspaper and donation envelope to each registered household detailing the diocesan offices supported by CASA.

The theme for this year’s diocesan appeal is “Building the Kingdom.”

“We are hoping that ‘Building the Kingdom’ (newspaper) will do just that by giving Catholics a better understanding of where their money is going and supporting in our diocese,” Brady said.

She said 5,474 supporters gave an average donation of $199 in 2021. That average was up 14 percent over 2020.

As in years past, 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.

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

CASA helps pay for dozens of programs and ministries, including:

Diocesan ministries, $550,000: The CASA newspaper details the offices that Bishop Taylor oversees to serve Catholics across Arkansas.
St. John Center renovations, $575,000: The diocese uses the funds for improvements to the buildings on the campus of the former St. John Seminary. The center is home to diocesan offices, a retreat and meeting center and apartments for retired priests.
Parish and mission support, $120,000: Salaries and expenses for some priests and religious are paid with CASA funds. These ministers serve in financially challenged mission churches.
Youth and campus ministry, $230,000: The Youth and Campus Ministry Office organizes programs and retreats for students in junior high to college. The office offers scholarships to teens and young adults unable to afford the events.
Grants to Catholic schools, $100,000: The Office of Catholic Schools gives grants to schools in need to buy educational equipment and materials.
Grants to faith formation programs, $100,000: The Office of Faith Formation gives grants to parish religious education programs for new programs and supplies.
Seminarian expenses, $75,000: CASA pays for a portion of the seminary tuition and living expenses for 25 diocesan seminarians.
Catholic Charities of Arkansas, $100,000: The ministry assists people in need through its programs, including Catholic Immigration Services and a refugee resettlement program.
Catholic Adoption Services, $50,000: For more than 37 years, the agency has provided a full range of professional adoption services.

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

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