By Patrick Downes
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Bishop Larry Silva’s “Bishop’s Circle” letter will be reaching mailboxes next week. Here’s a preview:
“Dear Fellow Steward,” the bishop begins before introducing a story by a young adult Catholic named Dave whose painful loss of a loved one led him into an intimate relationship with God and active participation in the church.
“I was completely overcome with this sense of gratitude for everything God had given me, especially all the wonderful people in my life,” Dave said.
“This tender revelation of the Spirit is but one of many ways stewardship becomes part of our faith journey,” the bishop said.
The Bishop’s Circle is the annual diocesan campaign that emphasizes the third leg of the stewardship “time, talent, treasure” refrain, asking for monetary contributions, primarily large ones.
The appeal is coordinated by the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
This year’s goal is $350,000, same as the last three years. The diocese hopes to have 1,000 donors. Last year, the diocese raised $293,400 from 764 contributors.
This year’s campaign runs from July 2018 through June 2018.
The campaign offers six gift categories, though any amount is welcome. Donors are encouraged to consider a base gift of $175 in honor of the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace’s 175th anniversary this year.
- Stewards of the Gospel for donations $20,000 or more
- Our Lady of Peace Society for gifts $10,000-$19,999
- St. Damien/St. Marianne Society for gifts $5,000-$9,999
- Joseph Dutton Society for gifts $2,500-$4,999
- Witness to Jesus Society for gifts $1,000-$2,499
- Catholic Ohana Society for gifts $500-$999
This year, Bishop Silva has put the spotlight on Youth and Young Adult Ministries, which he described as “a top priority that I hear about at every parish I visit.”
Since the office for Youth and Young Adult Ministries opened in 2010, it has been funded entirely by money from the With Grateful Hearts capital campaign.
With those funds nearly expended, Bishop Silva said, “we need to find alternative sources for this important initiative.”
Other areas needing funding, the bishop said, are those headlining the diocese’s strategic plan: leadership development of clergy and laity, strengthening marriage and family life, and faith formation.
“I ask that you prayerfully consider a sacrificial gift to the Bishop’s Circle and the future of our church,” the bishop concluded. “Your generosity is very much appreciated as we all work toward the same goal of bringing others to Christ.”
The diocese will host an appreciation event for donor society members. All contributors will be remembered in a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Silva.
Since Bishop Silva reintroduced the Bishop’s Circle as an annual diocesan fundraiser in 2013, the number of donors has grown from 312 to 764. Donations have fluctuated over the past five years, from $201,400 in 2013-2014, to $307,600 in 2015-2016.
Donations may be made online at catholichawaii.org. For more information, visit catholichawaii.org/stewardship or call the Office of Stewardship at 203-6723.
