By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Ohana in Christ, the diocese’s annual appeal, finished its second year, 2022-2023, collecting $1,040,205, an increase of 8% over the previous year.
Thirty-four of the diocese’s 65 parishes exceeded their target goal — eight more than the first year — including the most recent Annunciation Parish, Waimea, and the Vietnamese Catholic Community.
Three of the nine vicariates met or exceeded their target goal, the latest being the Maui/Lanai Vicariate.
The collection, launched in October 2021, supports priests, seminarians, deacon formation, youth and young adult ministry, services to the poor, administrative and financial offices, diocesan communications and more.
Ohana in Christ second year began in parishes last Oct. 1-2 and ran until June 30.
The approximately 1,800 Ohana in Christ donors who gave directly the first year received an appeal letter in the mail from Bishop Larry Silva. The rest of the appeal was made at the parishes.
The campaign uses six “donor societies” to tag the amount of a gift. They range from the Catholic Ohana Society for donations of $625 to $1,249, to larger categories named for St. Damien and St. Marianne and Joseph Dutton, to the Stewards of the Gospel Society for contributions of $20,000 or more.
Those joining a donor society are invited to a special Mass and reception with the bishop and are acknowledged in the Hawaii Catholic Herald.
In the campaign, each parish is assigned a target goal of 25% of its current annual assessment, the amount it gives yearly to the diocese to help cover diocesan operations. The total goal was $1,125,000, the same as the first year.
The diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development is coordinating the appeal.
The first year of ‘Ohana in Christ, 2021-2022, collected $959,790, 85% of its goal.
Ohana in Christ took over The Bishop’s Circle, the previous diocesan appeal aimed at individuals rather than parishes.
Ohana in Christ FAQs
(Frequently asked questions)
By the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development
- What is Ohana in Christ (OIC)?
OIC is the Annual Appeal for the Catholic Church in Hawaii. In fiscal year 2021/2022, OIC replaced the former Bishop’s Circle Appeal to help provide needed funding for diocesan ministries, programs, and services formerly funded by the With Grateful Hearts (WGH) Capital Campaign — and other efforts that individual parishes cannot sustain on their own.
- Parishes already pay a hefty annual assessment — isn’t that enough?
Parish assessment fees provide significant funding for the diocesan mission — covering many expenses, but not all. In addition to the end of WGH funding, it is also important to note that during the first year of the COVID pandemic parish assessments were significantly reduced — and that the overall rate has been held steady in the years to follow. In turn, OIC helps close the gap in the annual diocesan budget.
- How is Ohana in Christ different from the Bishop’s Circle Appeal?
Along with an enhanced effort to raise awareness of the diocesan mission and financial needs — parishes were initially assigned a “target goal” based on 25% of their annual assessment. For the current fiscal year, the basis remains the same — although each parish is now required to raise a minimum of 50% of their target goal. Parishes that fall short of the minimum will be responsible for the difference at the end of the fiscal year.
- Is there consideration for parishes facing significant financial challenges?
Prior to the current fiscal year, parishes had the opportunity to appeal the minimum 50% goal requirement by submitting a written request to Bishop Larry. Two did so; one was granted relief — the other made its target goal again this year.
- What are some specific examples of what my donation will help support?
Along with many ministries, programs, and services for our faith communities, your donations help support the diocesan offices and affiliated entities responsible for providing them.
- Where does my gift go and how is it managed?
Donations given directly to OIC are received, processed, and acknowledged by the Hawaii Catholic Community Foundation (HCCF). Donations given at the parish level are forwarded to HCCF and credited accordingly. In turn, HCCF also oversees management of the funds and their allocations to the diocese in support of the diocesan mission.
