By Patrick Downes Hawaii Catholic Herald
The follow-up to the 2016-2017 Bishop’s Circle campaign launched last November went out in the mail to Catholic donors last week in time for Lent. It is a self-contained mailer and return envelope, with a message from Bishop Larry Silva.
“As Catholics, we are all part of a larger church that transcends personal and parish boundaries to help build God’s Kingdom,” Bishop Silva wrote in his letter accompanying the mailer.
“Through common prayer, worship, sacramental life and a variety of social service ministries — and your financial support — we are able to make a difference in the lives of many throughout our beautiful islands,” he said.
According to the Office of Stewardship and Development, which runs the appeal, the annual effort so far has raised $200,000 of its $350,000 target, the same monetary goal as the previous year.
The campaign is lagging a bit.
“So far we have more donors, but at a lower gift average and a lower total to date,” said Mark Clark, director of the Stewardship and Development office.
With a goal of 1,000 donors, he reported about 600 to date. Last year’s campaign ended with 672 donors and $307,600 collected.
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.
The campaign 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 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 Stewardship Office at 203-6723.