The 2013 Charity and Development Appeal starts Jan. 26-27 in parishes and missions throughout the Diocese of Phoenix.
For more than four decades, the faithful have responded to the needs of others through the annual appeal by supporting more than 70 spiritual, charitable and educational organizations.
These organizations, which strengthen families, promote life, affirm vocations and assist in a crisis, are located throughout four Arizona counties within the diocese: Mohave, Maricopa, Coconino and Yavapai.
Themed, “Celebrate Your Faith,” CDA funding extends service and assistance beyond parish borders and into the larger community, thus allowing more help to people in need.
The “Year of Faith” declared by Pope Benedict XVI provides a wonderful opportunity of renewal and celebration as a disciple of Christ. It’s also a sacred invitation to the call of stewardship to develop and share our gifts.
“CDA is about the celebration of our faith and evangelization,” said Missie D’Aunoy, director of the Office of Stewardship that oversees the CDA. “The 2013 Charity and Development Appeal is one of the ways you can celebrate your faith.”
Through the many generous and varied donation amounts, Catholics support programs like Maggie’s Place, St. Joseph the Worker, Hope Ultrasound Mobile Unit, Life Choices Women’s Clinic, Foundation for Senior Living and Catholic Charities.
Contributions also aid in the evangelization and education of the faithful through the televised Mass, John Paul II Resource Center and Catholic ministries to prisons and jails.
Additionally, donations provide training and scholarships for deacons, priests and seminarians, as well as services that train catechists, youth ministers and other staff and volunteers at parishes.
Every dollar counts.
As an example, a gift of $27.50 could provide a monthly bus pass, every $43 will feed a family of four for a week and $75 provides a mother with a first look at her unborn baby.
This year’s goal has been set at $8.1 million, which will help nurture and develop faith from birth through adulthood.
Opportunities to live and grow as “One Family in Christ” are available through Catholic schools, parishes, religious education programs, the Kino Institute as well as other opportunities offered throughout the Phoenix Diocese.
The CDA also supports the education and formation of seminarians, priests and deacons. Every $150 provides a scholarship to a Natural Family Planning course, and $140 will provide the funding for a teenager to attend an Encounter retreat.
More than $8 million in grants and allocations were awarded last year, with over 25 percent of the donations going toward evangelization and education.
Charitable organizations received more than 20 percent from the appeal, and Catholic schools received more than 15 percent.
It’s no coincidence the appeal is launching on the same week Catholic Schools Week is celebrated nationwide.
The 15 percent of CDA-allocated funding to diocesan schools last year equates to more than $1.2 million received by a host of schools to support and advance Catholic education in places like Queen of Peace in Mesa, St. Catherine of Siena and Bourgade Catholic High School.
“A Christian steward is someone who is grateful, responsible, and generous in their time, talent and treasure, realizing that all is gift and will return that gift with an increase back to God,” said Fr. Gregory Schlarb, vicar of stewardship.
“As good disciples we make a conscious decision to follow Jesus, no matter what the cost.”
About the CDA
The Charity and Development Appeal supports more than 70 educational, charitable and spiritual organizations which counsel, feed clothe, house, educate and comfort those in need throughout the four counties in the Diocese of Phoenix.
