It is hard to believe that the Advent season is almost upon us. During this time of year, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but it is also important to remember its true meaning.
Each year around this time, we report back on the impact of our Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).
We also look at the performance and participation information as well as how the funds collected were used to meet our spiritual and material needs.
In next week’s issue, you will receive an insert explaining these areas in more detail, highlighting where the diocese ended up as a whole in regards to monies raised and some of the areas that were impacted because of generous people throughout the diocese.
Those who benefit
For now, though, I think it is important to take a step back to go a little more in-depth to show how many people benefit from a gift to the ACA.
As the director of annual appeals, I get a lot of questions as to what the appeal actually is, where donations actually go, and who benefits if someone decides to donate.
The easy answer is that everyone Catholic across the diocese can benefit from this.
On a parish level, money from the ACA goes to help prepare parishioners to receive the sacraments and grow in their faith.
If you or someone you know has been Baptized, Confirmed, or married in the Catholic Church, the ACA has helped to prepare them.
Monies from the ACA also go towards Go Make Disciples — a bold robust evangelizing initiative.
Children and teens across the diocese are able to participate in Love Begins Here or spend time at Camp Gray, where they are able to deepen their faith while having fun with friends.
Many children throughout the diocese also have the opportunity to attend one of our diocesan Catholic Schools where they receive an excellent education while cultivating a love for Christ.
Family ministries and adult faith formation opportunities are too supported through the ACA.
Finally, as we all age, parishioners throughout the diocese are able to take advantage of some of the services provided by Catholic Charities.
Taking a look on a broader scale, especially in these times of need, many are also able to take advantage of the Mobile Food Pantries and the multitude of services offered through the Catholic Multicultural Center.
As you can see, reading through this list, it is hard to not find a way that the ACA benefits you, your family, or your parish family.
I think one of the best ways to sum up and explain the ACA is that the ACA is to the diocese what the Sunday offertory is to the parish.
Your parish counts on your support through offertory as does the diocese through the ACA.
You can help
Please take a moment to look over the flyer in next week’s issue.
If you participated in the appeal this year, thank you for your generosity and support.
If you have not had the opportunity to make a gift, consider doing so by visiting madisondiocese.org/acagive
Kristen Beckett is the director of annual appeals for the Office of Stewardship and Development in the Diocese of Madison.