The 2023 DSA: A call to change lives

SUEANN HOWELL sahowell@charlottediocese.org

CHARLOTTE — Following Christ’s example of serving the needs of others, and how we can assist them through acts of charity, is at the heart of this year’s Diocesan Support Appeal that kicks off the weekend of Feb. 4-5.

The theme for the 2023 campaign, “To Serve is to Love,” is inspired by Philippians 2:5-9. This Scripture passage speaks of Christ’s humility and His gift of self for all of humanity.

“We are called to follow Christ’s example of humbly regarding others as more important than ourselves and to serve one another with love and compassion,” Bishop Peter Jugis said in his appeal letter to parishioners.

The DSA campaign supports more than 50 ministries and programs throughout western North Carolina. Programs include the seminarian formation program, which has seen enrollment triple over the past six years, and the Campus Ministry program, which impacts Catholic students at 18 local colleges and universities as they deepen their faith.

OFFICES AND MINISTRIES SUPPORTED BY THE DSA

Where does your money go?

purpose of the Diocesan

Support

The DSA campaign also significantly funds the vital work of Catholic Charities, which served more than 18,700 people last year with emergency aid, counseling, housing support and more.

In addition, the DSA supports multicultural ministries, the permanent diaconate, the annual Eucharistic Congress and the diocese’s Office of Family Life, which includes marriage preparation, natural family planning and Respect Life ministry.

Last year, parishioners contributed more than $6.3 million – exceeding the campaign’s goal.

This year’s DSA goal totals $6,526,380, with each parish and mission pursuing a goal based on its offertory collections.

Parishes that exceed their goal receive a rebate for 100 percent of the additional funds collected. Parishes that fall short of their goal make up the difference from their operating budgets.

Since 1987, parishioners have invested nearly $136 million to the Church’s mission of charity and pastoral care, changing the lives of over 1 million people.

“I ask you to prayerfully consider making a financial contribution to the 2023 DSA and support these ministries that serve our growing community in so many remarkable ways,” Bishop Jugis concluded in his letter. “As always, we give thanks to God for His love and mercy, which inspire us to serve our brothers and sisters in need.”

30% EDUCATION Campus Ministry Catholic Schools Office Young Adult Ministry Youth Ministry Faith Formation Office: Catechetical Certification Diocesan Catechetical Conference In-Services RCIA Special Needs Resource Group Totus Tuus 7% OTHER Eucharistic Congress Office of Family Life: Marriage Preparation Natural Family Planning Respect Life 30% CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE Burial Assistance Case Management Disaster Relief Elder Ministry Food Pantries Housing Permanency Services Legal Immigration Services Mental Health Counseling Pregnancy Support & Adoption Refugee Services Social Concerns & Advocacy Stay the Course Supportive Services for Veteran Families Transition Out of Poverty Wee Care Shoppes Youth Empowerment Opportunity Program 14% MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES African American Affairs Ministry Hispanic Ministries 7% DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS 12% VOCATIONS Permanent Diaconate Seminarian Education NOTE: THIS INFORMATION REFLECTS PROJECTED 2023 DSA FUNDING FOR $6.5 MILLION WHICH IS ALLOCATED TO THESE OFFICES AND MINISTRIES.

How to support the DSA

PLEDGE: Make a pledge in response to a mailing you receive or in-pew appeal at your local parish. An individual DSA pledge may be paid in up to 10 installments by EFT, credit card or check. Pledging allows you to make a greater gift over time. You will receive monthly reminder statements in the mail or by email until your pledge is paid, or until Dec 31, 2023 payable the the years request director email payable to the “DSA” and note the name of your parish in the memo line of check. Do not send cash through the mail.

DONATE ONLINE: Donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa, either with a one-time gift or set up a pledge with monthly gift payments via credit or debit card. (If you give online, please do not complete a pledge envelope at your local parish. This could result in having two gift records.)

SCAN TO DONATE: Scan the QR code on this page to donate securely online.

STOCK DONATION: Make a donation of publicly traded securities and receive tax benefits for giving appreciated stock. Instructions are online at www.charlottediocese.org/ways-to-give.

CONTRIBUTION: For donors over 70 1/2 years of age, contact your financial advisor to request a charitable distribution from your IRA.

INQUIRIES: Contact David Walsh, associate director of development, at 704-370-3302 or email dvwalsh@rcdoc.org