Q.What is the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The Annual Catholic Appeal was initiated in 1959 to provide for the ever increasing educational, human, pastoral, and spiritual needs of the people of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties. Funds raised through the Annual Catholic Appeal enable our Church to implement and administer these and other critical services in a comprehensive framework in order to carry out the work of Jesus Christ. Thousands of individuals are impacted by the ACA each year. Young people learn about Jesus in our Catholic Schools and CCD programs, men receive training and formation to become deacons and priests, those in need of food and shelter are helped by Catholic Charities, and the word of God is spread throughout the region by Catholic Communications. Your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal helps us to grow the Catholic faith and help our neighbors in need. Every dollar collected through the ACA stays in western Massachusetts and supports local charities.
Q. What are some specific programs funded through the ACA?
The ACA supports 40+ ministries and programs of the Diocese of Springfield. Some examples are Catholic Latino Ministries, Support of Retired Priests and Sisters, Providence Ministries, Catholic Schools, Vocations, Gray House, Montague Catholic Social Ministries, Lee Food Pantry, Homework House, Camp Holy Cross, Newman Center, Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Jericho, Diaconate, Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, Bethlehem House, Faith Formation, Rick’s Place, Catholic Charities and more.
Q. How can I make a gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal?
There are several easy ways to make a gift.
1. Mail: Send a check, cash, or pledge form to: Annual Catholic Appeal, PO Box 9, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Checks should be made out to Diocese of Springfield Annual Catholic Appeal.
2. Online: Gifts can be made quickly and securely at https://diospringfield.org/aca/
3. Phone: Pledge donations can be made over the phone by calling the Development Office at 413-452-0670
4. At Your Parish: You can give your gift to your pastor, drop it off at the parish office, or put it in the collection basket. Please clearly label that the gift is meant to go to the Annual Catholic Appeal.
Please contact Jon Van Beaver for questions about gifts of Stock, IRA transfers, Matching Gifts, or Donor Advised funds. Email: [email protected] or Phone: 413-452-0838
Q. Why not give directly to one of the Charities?
We certainly encourage individuals to support charitable endeavors which reflect our Catholic values. The ACA offers a unique opportunity in which your donation helps more than 40 ministries and agencies, reaching out to our neighbors in every stage of life, many facing critical challenges. In addition, we have an Allocation Board, made up of Church and community leaders who advise us on awarding funds and selecting new recipient agencies. Donors do have the option of specifying a particular agency for their gift to be targeted towards.
Q. Does my gift pay for any legal settlements?
No, the Annual Catholic Appeal has never been used to pay legal settlements. The Annual Catholic Appeal supports the work of the Church in the Diocese of Springfield.
Q. What is the average gift? How many people contributed? And how much should I give?
These are questions we all ask. The average gift in 2022 was $168.31 with 17,839 parish families contributing compared to $162.72 in 2021 with 17,714 parish families contributing. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their gift to prayer. We aren’t all called to make the same gift, but rather the same sacrifice. Small donations add up when we all give and work together. Our goal in 2023 is to have 18,000 families parish families participate in the ministry of the ACA
Q. I have a neighbor who is a member of something called “The Bishop’s Society”. What is that and how could I become a member?
There are four giving society levels for the ACA:
– Society of St. Michael: $10,000+
– Society of Apostles: $5,000+
– Society of Angels: $1,200+
– Society of Stewards: $500+
When you make an annual gift or pledge totaling $500 more to the ACA, you are recognized as a member of the Bishop’s Society. These leadership circles recognize and celebrate those who share the fruits of their God-given talent and abilities by investing significantly in the future of the Catholic faith community in western Massachusetts. Members are invited to one of three regional dinners where we celebrate our donors and the work they make possible. They are also remembered throughout the year in prayer by Bishop Byrne as he prays daily for the benefactors of the Diocese of Springfield.
Q. Will my parish receive credit for my gift?
Yes! Please be sure to indicate your parish when filling out your pledge card or making your gift securely online.
Q. If I have any questions or need help filling out a pledge card who can I call?
Please contact Kathy Harrington, Annual Catholic Appeal Manager at 413-452-0670.
Q. What was the Annual Catholic Appeal goal vs. actual in 2022, and what is the goal in 2023
The 2022 goal was $3,000,000, and together we exceeded our goal for the first time in over 20 years! The campaign ended up raising $3,002,312.53. We are blessed and thankful for the generosity shown by the faithful across western Massachusetts. In 2023 our goal remains at $3,000,000. Needs throughout our diocese remain high; ministries are underfunded and families struggle to make ends meet. Your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal will bring the light of Christ into the lives of people who need it the most.
Q. What are the tax benefits of giving to the Annual Catholic Appeal?
Making charitable donations provides an array of tax benefits. Donors often discover that they are able to give more than they had initially planned once they realize the tax benefits.
Cash Donation: Gifts of cash or its equivalent are tax-deductible, up to 50% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) if you itemize. Any excess balance can be carried for up to five years.
Securities Donation: Gifts of appreciated securities have the double benefit of providing an immediate tax deduction for the full market value of the security as well as avoiding capital gains taxes. For income tax purposes the value of such a gift may be deducted up to 30% of adjusted gross income (AGI). Any excess balance can be carried for up to five years
Q. How does my parish benefit from the Annual Catholic Appeal?
Every Appeal gift goes to support diocesan programs and ministries which in turn provide services that no one parish can offer on its own. In addition, in 2022, $75,000 went to underprivileged parishes. Lastly, 25% of contributions received
Q. How are funds allocated to external ministries?
The Annual Catholic Appeal has a board of 10 members consisting of a mix of priests and deacon and lay volunteers. The ACA board has representatives from all four counties of western Massachusetts. The ACA board meets at the end of each year to allocate funds to external ministries.
Q. How do you double your annual appeal gift?
Many companies match gifts made by current/former employees. Please ask your company’s human resource department to find out if they would match your gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your HR department will provide you with necessary matching gift forms to complete. Please send these completed forms to the Annual Catholic Appeal.