2023 Bishop’s Appeal

The 2023 Bishop’s Appeal has diocesan goal of $950,000

Story by Janet Marcel

The 2023 Bishop’s Appeal will be introduced in church parishes on the weekend of February 4-5, with a diocesan goal of $950,000.

The funds received from the 2023 Bishop’s Appeal will support seminarian education, retired priests of the diocese, youth and adult formation, and the Office of Catholic Schools.

“Serving as a priest and diocesan administrator for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is something that I cherish deeply,” says Very Rev. Patrick J. (P.J.) Madden. “My heart is filled knowing that I serve such a wonderful Christ-filled community and am able to continue to answer the Lord’s call even in my ‘retirement.’ I am overwhelmed by your generosity, the people of the Cajun kingdom of God, and the love you share for Christ. While being challenged over the last several years, we were still able to come together through our faith to live out the Lord’s mission. As we continue in good faith to move forward in our diocese, I am asking for your help this year to continue leaving your lasting impact. It is my hope that you can

join me this year in support of our Annual Bishop’s

Appeal. Your generosity is an expression of hope and strength for our nine seminarians, 14 retired priests, and the many families you will impact through your gift. Will you join me this year by making a gift in support of these key ministries here in our diocese, and of course, the gift of your prayers, that the good word of the Gospel will flourish. Please be assured of my sincere gratitude for all that you do, and I ask for your prayers for me as well.”

Seminarian Education

It costs approximately $45,000 to educate one seminarian annually and it takes seven to eight years for him to be ordained a priest. The diocese currently has nine seminarians. 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, 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.

Retired Priests

Retired priests continue to be part of the diocesan family and 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, and your prayers and gifts allow them to continue to serve the faithful of the diocese and be part of the diocesan family.

“As a newly retired priest,” says Father Dean Danos, “I have been truly blessed to be part of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Great things continue to happen in our diocese as we continue to pray and give together for the Bishop’s Appeal.” a

Catholic Schools

Catholic schools are the largest formation ministry in the diocese with 10 schools serving more than 4,800 children. The Catholic schools provide a unique education that is Christcentered to enhance the children’s learning and spiritual growth. Your prayers and gifts directly support the Catholic Schools Office by enhancing the quality of the curriculum and growth of each of the schools.

“Catholic schools are blessed to be offered support from the Bishop’s Appeal,” says Elise LeBoeuf, principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School in Houma. “Your gifts help us provide opportunities for our teacher-ministers and administrator-ministers to continue to grow in their professions and in their faith. These dedicated men and women provide a Christ-centered educational experience for the more than 4,800 students in our diocese. As a school principal and parent to three Catholic school students, I am so thankful for the work these educators do in our Catholic schools, and the Bishop’s Appeal helps make it happen.”

Youth & Adult Formation

The formation of youth and adults is vital to the diocese to facilitate spiritual growth and opportunities to engage in a deeper relationship with Christ. With your prayers and gifts, the diocese is able to provide resources and train lay leaders to provide best practices for youth and adult participants.

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) ● Monthly email messages ● Annual progress report ● Inclusion in bishop’s personal Mass prayer intentions

Bishop’s Circle ($500 to $2,499)

All of the above, plus the following: ● Catholic Foundation of South Louisiana Annual Report

Mitre Society ($2,500 to $4,999)

All of the above, plus the following: ● Invitations to special diocesan events such as State of Diocese Address, Chrism Mass and Ordination

Crozier’s Society Bishop’s Guild ($5,000 to $9,999)

All of the above, plus the following: ● Private tour of the Cathedral of St. Francis de Sales 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: ● Private meal and gift from the Bishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

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 2023 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.

For more information about the Bishop’s Appeal, call (985) 850-3122 or email nbernard@htdiocese.org. BC