Last year’s Bishop’s Circle Appeal began a full pandemic ago. Things, of course, have changed and the need is only greater. This year’s appeal letter is in the mail the first week of October. In it, Bishop Larry Silva explains what is needed.
“As people of God, we are indeed called to assist one another during these challenging times by providing important services — both spiritual and material — especially to those most in need,” he writes.
“Motivated by faith and compassion, our mission to share the Gospel includes feeding the hungry, tending to the sick, ministering to the imprisoned, sheltering the homeless, and assisting those who are suffering,” the bishop said.
“When you support the Bishop’s Circle, not only do you support these ministries, you also support your parishes, schools, service agencies and communities,” he said.
The appeal also supports retired priests and the rising cost of their health care.
The Bishop’s Circle is the annual diocesan campaign that emphasizes the third leg of stewardship’s “time-talent-treasure” stool, asking for monetary contributions, primarily large ones.
This past year, in spite of the coronavirus, or perhaps because of it, the diocese raised $318,000 from 713 contributors, an increase from the previous year in both donations (up 5%) and donors (up 15%).
The campaign is coordinated by the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development. It runs through June 2021.
Contributions are encouraged at six “donor society” levels, which start at $625, though any amount is welcome.
Those donors who cannot afford the donor society levels are encouraged to consider a gift of $365 — a dollar-a-day for this year.
Bishop Silva will host an appreciation event for all donor society members. He will also offer a special Mass for all contributors to this year’s appeal.
Here are the donor societies:
- Stewards of the Gospel: $20,000 or more
- Our Lady of Peace Society: $10,000-plus
- St. Damien/St. Marianne Society: $5,000-plus
- Joseph Dutton Society: $2,500-plus
- Witness to Jesus Society: $1,250-plus
- Catholic Ohana Society: $625-plus
All gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Tax law changes passed in the CARES Act have increased benefits for charitable giving this calendar year.
Every gift is important and welcome, including checks, credit cards, appreciated stock and IRA distributions.
Donations may be made online at catholichawaii.org. Or mail a check to The Bishop’s Circle, 1184 Bishop St., Honolulu, HI 96813
