Catholic Faith Appeal

Catholic Faith Appeal 2024 (English) from Diocese of Venice In Florida on Vimeo.

The theme of the 2024 Catholic Faith Appeal (CFA) is “...faith of itself if it does not have works, is dead." ~James 2:17. This theme incorporates a strong message of stewardship – the idea that all we have is a gift from God and it is our duty to share these gifts with a sense of thankfulness and to fulfill the mission of the Church. The CFA video (above), outlines various outreach programs supported by the fund collected through the CFA. The Diocese was mindful of the good work done by the faithful, and the impact their giving of time, talent and treasure has on the outreach programs offered.

The Catholic Faith Appeal is a Diocesan-wide fundraising effort to support programs such as: Pastoral Outreach & Ministries; missions, poor parishes and convents; Catholic Charities; Evangelization; Worship; Respect Life; Peace & Social Justice; Vocations & Seminarians; Catholic Education; Diocesan administrative support services; etc. On an annual basis, parishes in the Diocese of Venice make a required contribution to financially support these efforts. The CFA is a means by which all parishioners can take part in helping their parish to meet its contribution. A parish CFA goal is determined by the income of the parish and it is not based on the number of registered families because our population grows in the winter months from northern visitors. They greatly add to the success of the CFA.

During the 2024 campaign, ALL at St. Therese will be challenged to participate in this opportunity to actively share in and support the many ministries of love and care in our larger Catholic Family. Our gift helps support the education of seminarians and the work of many religious women and men in the Diocese. It supports the taping and airing of the Diocesan TV Mass and subsidizes the great work of Catholic Charities. Our gift assists in the Prisoner Outreach, Youth and Young Adult Outreach, Family Life Outreach, Respect Life, Peace and Social Justice Office and many others. Our gift supports the Office of Catechesis and the Office of Education. By no means does this list include all the ways in which our gifts bring blessing!!

Let’s now build upon the generosity of one another at St. Therese. Before anyone makes a gift, please pray. Pray for all who will be blessed because of the generosity of the St. Therese Parish Community. And, pray that ALL at St. Therese Parish will discover the blessing and joy of being generous to others in need through the Catholic Faith Appeal. Please take a most active role as the St. Therese Faith Community joins together in reaching our assessment of $186,000. Make your gift or pledge to support the many ministries of the Catholic Church in our ten county area of southwest Florida. Many have received a letter along with an offering card and envelope in the mail from the Diocese of Venice. For those who did not receive a mailing, the pledge cards and envelopes are available at all entrances of the church. Thank you to all who have made a sacrifice for the sake of others beyond our local parish needs!

Pray that we might discover our generosity and the difference we can make! Let’s truly join together in one generous act of caring love as we reach beyond our parish area and respond to the needs of all in the Diocese of Venice. Please continue to pray that the hearts of all may recognize our gifts and so discover joy in sharing!

“Give and it will be given to you... For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” – Luke 6:38. Please donate today. Please be sure to indicate St. Therese Catholic Church as your parish.

For information about the Catholic Faith Appeal or if you have any questions, please contact the Parish office at (239) 567-2315.

CFA Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Catholic Faith Appeal and for what are its proceeds used?

Each year, the Catholic Faith Appeal (CFA) extends a heartfelt invitation for our Diocese to unite and extend a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need. It is one of the most effective ways to carry out the work of the Church, and it is a testament to our Catholic Faith in action. Contributions to the CFA play a crucial role in supporting a diverse array of programs and services, including Vocations and Seminarians, Religious Education, aid for financially challenged Parishes and Missions, Evangelization, Catholic Education, Catholic Charities, and more. On an annual basis, Parishes in the Diocese of Venice make a required contribution to financially support these efforts. The Catholic Faith Appeal empowers every parishioner to actively contribute to their Parish's financial commitment, with goals tailored to each Parish's income rather than the number of registered families. This approach accomodates the seasonal influx of northern visitors during the winter months, significantly enhancing the Appeal's success.

How does the CFA benefit my Parish and me?

The Catholic Faith Appeal helps to sustain many diverse programs in our Parishes. Some examples are preparing couples for marriage, providing the curriculum to educate both children and adults in our Faith, forming future priests, educating children in Catholic schools, and supporting religious sisters who serve in various roles. The CFA over the past three years has provided $5 million to Parishes through donations raised above and beyond their goal. Parishes use the additional funds for a wide variety of purposes as agreed upon by Parish leadership and the Pastor. Some examples are capital improvements, building an endowment for maintenance, tuition assistance or emergency purposes, and expanding community outreach.

Why does Catholic Charities do additional fundraising?

Approximately 13% of the Diocesan budget is given to Catholic Charities to help support its very worthwhile presence in our Diocese. However, this amount is only a percentage of the money needed to carry out its work. In addition to what the Diocese is able to provide, further fundraising is required.

Why are the administrative services included?

The mission of the Church is to continue the work of Christ. To do so requires overseeing and supporting more than 1,000 employees in our schools, Parishes and agencies throughout the ten counties within the Diocese. These shared services help streamline operations and reduce the overall cost for everyone.

Why are there so many mailings?

More than 3.5 million dollars of the appeal comes to the Diocese through the mailings. Once you have responded to a CFA mailing or made a gift through your Parish, mailings to you will stop with the exception of a thank you letter and a yearly tax receipt. Tax receipts are sent to anyone who gives a gift of $250 or more, which is required by the IRS. It is always wise to keep receipts of your charitable giving for audit purposes.

How much should I give?

In prayerful thanks for the many blessings from God, we as Stewards should reflect an attitude of gratitude by sharing those blessings with our brothers and sisters in need through contributions to our Parish or the CFA. Although we are not all able to make an equal gift, all are invited by Our Lord to make an equal sacrifice. Therefore, your gift is a personal decision between you and God, and should be made after prayerful consideration.

Should I make a pledge or a one-time gift?

Making a pledge allows you to spread your gift throughout the year, which may make it easier for you to pay, and may also allow you to give a larger gift. Pledge statements are sent out monthly unless otherwise requested. These are simply reminders and not bills. You can pay your pledge anytime before the end of the year. If your situation changes, you may also adjust your pledge.

How can I make my gift?

We try to make your giving as easy as possible! You can make a gift through checks, credit cards, stocks, direct debit, IRA transfer, on-line giving at www.dioceseofvenice.org, as well as approved gifts of real estate. Give us a call and we will happily answer your questions. (941) 486-4719.

Will any funds from the CFA be used to settle lawsuits or for legal expenses?

No, the Catholic Faith Appeal funds are restricted for the funding of the ministries and programs outlined in promotional materials and are not used to settle claims or pay claim related expenses.

If I contribute to my Parish’s capital campaign, does the Diocese get a portion of my gift?

Funds from approved Parish capital campaigns are not assessable. Therefore, the fully donated amount is available for use by the Parish for capital campaign purposes.

Thank you for your support!