2016 Diocesan Annual Appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have an Annual Appeal?
The goal of the Diocesan Annual Appeal is to raise money for ministry and mission. The Appeal funds are crucial 1) to support diocesan-wide ministries and programs, 2) to ensure the formation of a new generation of priests and permanent deacons, 3) to sustain parishes and parishes with missions in remote parts of the diocese, 4) to educate students in our Catholic schools and 5) to provide for charitable outreach in Eastern and Central Kentucky.
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” 1Peter 4:10
How does the Annual Appeal differ from the Diocesan Assessment Tax?
The Annual Appeal supplies funding for the Mission and Ministry Fund, which includes the Appalachian Mission Assistance Program. The Diocesan Assessment Tax provides funds for governance offices as mandated by church law, such as the Chancery, Tribunal and Archive offices.
Why can’t some parishes support themselves?
Close to 40 of the parishes and missions of parishes in our Diocese cannot pay for their operational and salary expenses from their offertory collections and fundraisers. These parishes are in rural counties where there are few Catholics, and the number of parish members is very small. In addition, these counties have high levels of unemployment and poverty. While they are a tiny minority – sometimes less than 1% of the population – the people of these parishes provide an incredible amount of charitable outreach and civic engagement, far beyond what their numbers would indicate. By helping maintain an active and highly visible Catholic presence in these counties, all of us support these saving ministries and contribute to the Church’s evangelization efforts.
“I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus.” 1Corninthians 1:4
Why are ministries and services provided by the Chancery Office needed?
Our diocese includes some 16,000 square miles and 50 counties. Many very important programs, ministries, and services are beyond the resources of any one individual parish. These programs, such as Youth Rallies and Marriage Preparation, need to be available to everyone in our diocese. In addition the promotion of vocations and seminarian education and deacon formation are necessary to the continued health and life of our Church. The funded programs, services and ministries, either directly or indirectly, impact every parish in the diocese. All of us benefit from these collective efforts.
How do these services benefit the entire Diocese?
The Appeal directly funds ministry and mission each year, including the Appalachian Mission Assistance Program. The chart below shows the final allocation of funds for 2015-2016.
Total Disbursed -- $1,382,936
Does Catholic Charities receive funds from the Annual Appeal?
Yes. Catholic Charities receives over half of its income from the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Catholic Charities serves the wider community of the Diocese through services including emergency assistance, mental health counseling, financial literacy classes and support for pregnant women.
How is the goal set for each parish?
The 2016 DAA goal was calculated by averaging the last three years of offertory and taking 9.5% of that number. The goal is a GOAL; it is neither a mandate nor an assessment.
Does a parish receive any direct funds from the Appeal?
A parish reaching its assigned goal receives a 10% shareback of that goal and 50% of each dollar over that goal -- these shareback dollars are not included in diocesan assessment calculations.
Who decides what organizations receive Annual Appeal funds?
The Diocesan Mission Board reviews requests for financial support and makes funding recommendations to the Bishop. Mission Board members are drawn from each part of the Diocese, representing the six deaneries. Membership is divided between parish leaders and parishioners.
2015 Mission Board Membership
Name / Parish / LocationDeacon Dan Connell / Jesus Our Savior / Morehead
Father Chris Clay / St. Paul / Lexington
Dr. Carol Cottrill / Holy Spirit Newman Center / Lexington
Sister Marge Eilerman, OSF / Holy Family / Booneville
Father Danny Fister / Annunciation / Paris
Father Terrence Hoppenjans / St. Michael / Paintsville
Mary Kemper / Mary Queen of the Holy Rosary / Lexington
Sister Mary Jane Kriedler / Our Lady of the Mountains / Stanton
Wally McMasters / St. Michael / Paintsville
Father Arokodias Das, JCL / St. Lawrence / Lawrenceburg
Carolyn Rynkowski / St. Luke / Nicholasville
Nancy Sabol / St. Mildred / Somerset
Tasha Valentine / Sacred Heart / Corbin
Father Jay Von Handorf / Office of Hispanic Ministry
Why should I contribute?
The Diocesan Annual Appeal (DAA) is a visible expression of our unity as the Body of Christ. Each donation to the Annual Appeal is a sign that we believe in the Gospel message to “love one another as I have loved you” [John 15:12]. It is an affirmation of our belief that “faith without works is useless” [James 2:20]. It demonstrates that we believe that whatever you do to others, you do to Jesus.
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ.” Romans 12:5