Generosity, creativity are key to success of this year’s CSA

By Darci Swisher | Correspondent

The 2020-2021 Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) launches Nov. 7-8, and Bishop Joe Vásquez is asking everyone in the diocese to contribute with “hearts filled with gratitude.”
“The needs of our church are many, especially during these challenging times,” Bishop Vásquez said. “My hope is that our faithful will reflect on the blessings God has given them and prayerfully consider the most generous gift possible given their personal circumstances.”
Bishop Vásquez is hoping for full participation in the diocese’s 123 parishes. “It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we join together to do the work of Christ, in his name,” he said.
The first annual appeal, the Diocesan Development Fund, launched in 1978 to fund programs and services that impact a significant number of people in the diocese but that no single parish could provide on its own. The CSA was established in 1986 and currently supports the work of more than 100 diocesan ministries and programs.
This year’s CSA faces an unprecedented challenge due to the coronavirus pandemic. A significant number of parishioners have yet to return to Mass in person, which has already led to a decrease in offertory collections, said Lisa Rosenberger, associate director of the annual appeal.
In ordinary years, $2 million in pledges would be received during the in-pew weekend, when the CSA is conducted in parishes. With pews still only half filled in many churches and the economic downturn, “we could experience a shortfall of as much as $1 million during that weekend alone,” Rosenberger said.
The goal for the 2020-2021 CSA is $5.8 million. The diocese directs these funds to ministries and programs that support the formation of seminarians, priests and permanent deacons; strengthen Catholic schools and parish religious education programs; provide parishes with workshops, classes and programs related to liturgy and spirituality; value life at all stages and work to promote charity through acts of service and justice to those who are incarcerated; and empower youth and young adults to live as disciples of Christ.
“Even though our world is changed right now, the daily needs of the Catholic Church remain the same, and in some cases have increased,” Rosenberger said. “We still need to educate our seminarians, care for our retired priests, support ministries like Catholic Charities and Cedarbrake as well as our parishes and schools and form our children in the faith.”
But the pandemic has brought an increased need for funding for those ministries that support the poor and vulnerable. For example, Catholic Charities of Central Texas saw an increase of 180% for its programs because of the coronavirus, serving 10,419 individuals in 21 counties.
Realizing pastors will need to be creative in accepting gifts from those who typically prefer to contribute cash but have not returned to in-person worship, the diocese is giving donors multiple options for giving. Rosenberger noted that there are multiple electronic giving options, including making a secure gift online at austindiocese.org/give, or texting the gift amount to (512) 829-3826.
“Now, we need to have faith and pray that the Lord provides for us,” she said.
According to Scott Whitaker, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development, electronic giving is “just good stewardship.”
“In addition, with thousands of donors generously supporting the CSA, giving electronically provides a significant environmental savings and provides consistent funding throughout the year,” he said.
Whitaker is also inviting people to consider joining the Good Shepherd Society with a contribution of $1,500 or more annually or $125 a month.
“Society members are incredibly valuable to both Bishop Vásquez and to our diocese,” he said. “Beyond their financial support, they take a leadership role in advancing the mission of the church and inspire others to give generously — and help those in need.”
Appeal letters were mailed to all registered Catholic households in mid-October. Bishop Vásquez asked that families carefully review the information that was mailed.
“Please take time to review how your gift to the CSA can benefit tens of thousands of your friends and neighbors in Central Texas. Then, I ask you to prayerfully consider how you can share your blessings in gratitude to God for all he has given you,” the bishop said.
Gifts to the CSA may be returned to the diocesan via the mail or made online at austindiocese.org/give, or a gift amount may be texted to (512) 829-3826.