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2022 Bishop’s Appeal
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Story by Janet Marcel
“Together Providing Hope,” is the theme of the 2022 Bishop’s Appeal, which will be introduced in church parishes on the weekend of February 5-6. The 2022 diocesan goal is $900,000.
The funds received from the 2022 Bishop’s Appeal will support seminarian education, retired priests of the diocese, youth formation, adult formation, and the Office of Catholic Schools.
“As Catholics, we are called to provide hope to others, to be in unison as one Catholic community ministering to the needs and giving hope to others. I am incredibly proud of the profound generosity that I have witnessed these past several months. I am in awe of how I have seen the Lord work through each of you as you bring strength to one another even in times of struggle,” says Bishop Shelton J. Fabre. “The ministries of our diocese continue to remain constant as we focus on engaging the next generation, supporting our clergy, and providing much-needed support for our parishes and priests. I am committed as your bishop to being a good steward of your prayers, time and generous gifts. The truth is, you make these ministries happen; you make a difference in people’s lives when you give to our Bishop’s Appeal. I am comforted to know that no matter what uncertainty may be going on around us, Jesus provides peace through the Holy Spirit, a peace that the world cannot give. I am so grateful for our shared faith and belief in the ministries within our diocese. If you are able, I ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to the Bishop’s Appeal because you are important to the ministries it supports and the people it impacts. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity.” in the seminary, the diocesan Office of Vocations provides spiritual direction and consultation. Due to the generosity of the Catholic faithful, the seminarians are able to focus their time and energy on their studies and do not have to worry about the cost of their education, their room and board, or their healthcare needs.
How Your Gift is Used
Your gift will provide hope for our retired priests, seminarians, schools and parishes through your prayers and generous gifts.
Seminarian Education
Educating the next generation of priests
On average it takes seven to eight years for a man to become a priest and costs approximately $45,000 to educate one seminarian annually. The diocese currently has 10 seminarians. During a seminarian’s time
Retired Priests
Care for our clergy in retirement
The diocese’s 13 retired priests receive continued support in their retirement through supplemental health insurance, long term care needs and other important required services. The diocese is honored to support its priests in their retirement, a
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and your prayers and gifts directly impact them. Like so many within our community, several of our retired priests have lost so much due to Hurricane Ida, yet they continue to minister to the people of our diocese. Your gift will support them through these difficult times.
Catholic Schools
Elevating the curriculum in Catholic schools With 11 Catholic schools in our diocese serving more than 4,900 children, Catholic education is the diocese’s largest formation ministry. Your gift directly supports the Catholic Schools Office, including a curriculum specialist, who works to expand the curriculum to include activities and lessons against the evil and sin of racism, firmly grounded in respect for the life and dignity of the human person, and in the social teachings of the Catholic Church.
Adult Formation
Evangelization and conversion for adults Adult formation is one of Bishop Fabre’s strategic priorities that provides the tools and resources for our pastors and parish ministry leaders. The diocesan Office of Parish Support liaisons are equipped to provide each parish with long-term, personalized guidance, and support and training resources that help adults on their journey through the Formation Life Cycle. The team hosts an annual Adult Formation Summit for parish leaders to pray and learn together, network and form deeper relationships with Christ.
Youth Formation
Training youth leaders in parishes
The diocesan Office of Parish Support provides parish liaisons who work closely with the pastor and parish youth formation coordinators to support them in their discernment and planning to provide best practices for their youth formation programs. Additionally, each summer, the team hosts a Youth Summit where more than 100 parish youth leaders gather together to pray, network, learn how to best provide their youth with opportunities to encounter Christ, and engage in a deeper relationship with him.
Join the Bishop’s Society
The Bishop’s Society recognizes members of the Catholic faithful who contribute $250 or more to the Bishop’s Appeal. This commitment makes a tremendous impact on the immediate needs of our ministries and parishes. Special recognitions and informational opportunities are available to members of the Bishop’s Society, including the following.
Bishop’s Partners in Hope ($250 TO $499) n Annual progress newsletter for Appeal supporters n Inclusion in bishop’s personal Mass prayer intentions n Recognition in the annual online publication, if desired
Bishop’s Circle ($500 TO $2,499)
All of the above, plus the following: n Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana Annual Report
Mitre Society ($2,500 TO $4,999)
All of the above, plus the following: n Invitation to Bishop’s Virtual Fireside Chat and State of Diocese Address n Special invitation to diocesan events such as Chrism Mass and Ordinations
Crozier’s Society Bishop’s Guild ($5,000 TO $9,999)
All of the above, plus the following: n Private tour of St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma or St. Joseph Co-Cathedral in Thibodaux, followed by Mass and lunch with key diocesan leaders (based on availability of staff and donor preference)
Society of the Good Shepherd ($10,000 and above)
All of the above, plus the following: n Private lunch or dinner with Bishop Fabre n Special gift from Bishop Fabre
Join the St. Francis Circle with a Recurring Gift
Recurring gifts are environmentally friendly gifts that help to reduce printing, postage and administrative costs, while helping to sustain the ministries of the Bishop’s Appeal.
Those who wish to contribute to the 2022 Bishop’s Appeal can do so on-line by visiting www.htdiocese.org/ bishopsappeal, placing your donation in the pew in your church or mailing your check to Bishop’s Appeal, P.O. Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. A video which includes the bishop’s message and how the funds will be used is available to view on the diocesan website.
For more information about the Bishop’s Appeal, call (985) 850-3122. BC
