By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
In his annual Bishop’s Circle appeal letter mailed this month to Catholic donors, Bishop Larry Silva linked the campaign’s goal to the new diocesan pastoral plan, which he said calls Catholics to deepen their faith and be sent forth “as joyful missionaries equipped to witness to Jesus.”
This year’s goal is $350,000 which will support the four priorities of the diocesan plan, “Stewards of the Gospel”: faith formation, leadership development, strengthening marriage and family life, and youth and young adult ministry.
These are “all are interwoven with the vital tenets of stewardship, evangelization and social ministry,” the bishop said.
The Bishop’s Circle was originally created more than 30 years ago by Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario. Since Bishop Silva reintroduced the fundraiser in 2013, the number of donors has more than doubled, from 312 to 672. This year the campaign hopes to have 1,000 donors, according to Mark Clark, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development which is running the campaign.
The Bishop’s Circle is primarily an appeal for large donations, although any amount will be accepted. The campaign offers six gift categories: Stewards of the Gospel for donations of $20,000 or more; Our Lady of Peace Society for gifts of $10,000-$19,999; St. Damien/St. Marianne Society for gifts of $5,000-$9,999; Joseph Dutton Society for gifts of $2,500-$4,999; Witness to Jesus Society for gifts of $1,000-$2,499; and the Catholic Ohana Society for gifts of $500-$999.
The bishop asked donors “to prayerfully consider a generous and sacrificial gift,” while keeping in mind the words of Pope Francis: “Mercy is the Lord’s most powerful message!”
“While society values what one owns, our faith values how one uses it,” he said. “Consequently, we are called to be both wise and generous with the valuable resources of our time, talent and treasure.”
Bishop Silva said he was very grateful for contributors’ “financial support of the diocese and our various ministries, which in turn support your parishes, clergy, staff, and most of all your youth and those in need.”
The bishop will host an appreciation event for donor society members. He will also say a special Mass for all contributors to this year’s appeal.
Donations may be made online at catholichawaii.org.
For more information, visit catholichawaii.org/stewardship or call the Office of Stewardship at 203-6723.
