Tips for a successful Diocesan Appeal

The Diocesan Appeal is more important than ever this year. After months of battling COVID-19, the Diocese and its many parishes are still feeling the financial effects from the pandemic’s shutdown.

“There’s a lot of unemployment out there, but I think (the Appeal is) important and that this still be addressed,” said John Hutchinson, chief financial officer for the Albany Diocese.

The Diocesan Appeal (formally known as the Bishop’s Appeal) is an annual donation that benefits both the Albany Diocese and its 126 parishes. Through this giving, the Diocese is able to fund the many offices, ministries and programs that ensure the perpetuation of the Catholic faith throughout the 14-county area.

Nancy Bielawa, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development, spoke at a diocesan webinar on May 11 about the tips parish leaders can use to make this year’s appeal even more successful.

“A number of people have been successful with the appeal,” Bielawa said over the Zoom call. By gathering together to discuss ideas, Bielawa hoped that what worked for some parishes might be helpful to others.

USE THE RESOURCES

While the Office of Stewardship and Development may oversee the Diocesan Appeal, it’s the work of the individual parishes that brings the campaign to life.

“I’m willing to work one-on-one with you,” Bielawa said. “I want to hear your parish story, your strengths, your weaknesses and what works for you.”

For those with smaller parish staff, the Stewardship and Development office has created a number of fundraising materials available for parishes. From letters from Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger, to brochures about the Appeal and its impact, all the materials are available on the diocesan website and designed to expedite the fundraising process.

FOCUS ON THE GIVING, NOT THE GOAL

Father Scott VanDerveer, pastor at St. Mary’s Church in Coxsackie, found that focusing on getting a certain number of people to donate was an easier approach than setting a financial goal.

“Because of the pandemic ... I didn’t focus on the money, I focused on the people participating,” said Father VanDerveer.

A banner was placed inside St. Mary’s that tracked the number of people who had donated to the parish. A goal was set at 175 donations; so far, the parish has received 173.

SHOW THE RESULTS

The Diocesan Appeal helps to fund a number of Catholic programs in the Diocese, including Catholic schools, programs for the homeless and poor, and men and women called to a vocation in the priesthood or consecrated life. Showing the parish where their donations go can help bring the appeal to life.

Father VanDerveer suggested showing the parishioners that their donations go toward helping the men in seminary. He printed out photos of a few seminarians and added them to the banner tracking donations, hoping that it would put a face to the person who would benefit from the donations.

POWER OF THE BULLETIN

The parish bulletin is a great way to remind parishioners about the appeal, but it’s also a good place to get creative. Parishes can print the 2021 letter from Bishop Scharfenberger discussing this year’s appeal in the bulletin (available on the diocesan website), or letters from previous donors who give every year.

DON’T BE AFRAID

It can be hard to ask for help from others, especially a financial donation, but if help is needed, don’t be afraid to ask: “Do the best you can, don’t be afraid to ask, and see what we can do,” Hutchinson said.

“None of you should be embarrassed about asking, because you are living your mission,” Bielawa added. “Hundreds of thousands of Catholics are being helped from this.”