The second year of the Bishop’s Circle, a special diocesan fundraising campaign, has seen a more than 40 percent increase in donations compared to this time last year thanks to a larger mailing list and an increase in the size of contributions from some previous donors.
The diocese has received about $200,000 as of Jan. 18, compared to $141,000 collected a year ago, according to the diocesan director of stewardship and development Mark Clark. The money funds diocesan ministries.
Bishop Larry Silva mailed his first round of Bishop’s Circle appeal letters in November to the more than 300 who contributed to last year’s appeal. More letters followed to a broader audience. This year’s appeal ends on June 30.
Last year’s contributions met the Circle’s $200,000 goal. This year’s goal is $300,000.
In his letter, Bishop Silva wrote that the money will “help meet the increased costs of our many diocesan ministries — caring for our retired priests, educating our seminarians, teaching our youth and aiding those in need — to name a few.”
He asked past donors to “prayerfully consider an increase to your gift — be it modest or generous — in gratitude and relation to your blessings.”
The Bishop’s Circle is primarily an appeal for large donations, although any amount is accepted. The campaign has five gift categories: Our Lady of Peace Society for $10,000 or more; 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.
Bishop Silva will invite donors who contribute at one of the suggested categories to a special appreciation gathering, Clark said. They will also be recognized in the Hawaii Catholic Herald.
Bishop Joseph A. Ferrario started the Bishop’s Circle about 25 years ago. Bishop Silva put it on hold in 2009 when the diocese launched the more expansive With Grateful Hearts capital campaign.
The bishop brought it back in November 2013 with an invitation letter to about 3,000 Catholics. The appeal was described as a way of “honoring the Lord with the fruits of your stewardship of treasure.”
Donations are accepted by check or online at catholichawaii.org. Monthly debit and credit card donations may also be arranged by calling the Office of Stewardship and Development at 203-6723.
For more information, visit catholichawaii.org/stewardship or call Mark Clark at 203-6723.
