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MADISON — Many people ask why the Church continues to ask for money again and again. The answer is simple; the need remains — a world of people need our help to bring Jesus Christ, His mercy, love, hope, and solace into their lives.
Each parish is a part of the Church Universal and is asked to extend support to those most in need throughout the world, particularly through our national and international collections.
Unfortunately, all too often we are challenged with responding to the multitude of individual collections as fully as we should. To help our parishes communicate and invite participation in these important collections, we are combining critical national and international support into two collection weekends.
In 2012, you will see a different approach to national collections being conducted in your parishes. With our new combined collections
we ask for your substantial assistance to help several worthy and needy causes through these two appeals supporting mission and ministry here in our country and throughout the world.
In May, the National Combined Collection will be held incorporating the following individual separate collections into one collection:
- Black & Indian Missions
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development
- Catholic Communications Campaign
- Catholic Home Missions
- Catholic University of America
- Retirement Fund for Religious
In October, the International Combined Collection will be held. This collection combines the following:
- World Mission Support
- Catholic Relief Services
- Church in Central & Eastern Europe
- Church in Latin America
- Peter’s Pence
On the collection envelope, you will have the option of directing how your donation is distributed and you only need to write one check for the full amount.
In order to make an informed decision, a brochure will be distributed in each parish the weekend of the collection providing you with information about the individual charities included in the combined collection.
If you make your donation at your parish, donations will be tracked on your individual contribution statement. If you mail it directly to the diocese, you will receive a personalized statement showing your donation. In either case, your support will be used as you intend.
All of these individual campaigns need your support. Please consider how you are able to financially give to help those people in need throughout our own country and the world. Your support touches millions of lives. Please give generously.
If you have questions, please contact your parish or the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development at 608-821-3039.