CSA Questions and Answers
How will the Catholic Services Appeal be different from the Our Faith ~ Our Legacy campaign?
The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) provides essential annual operating support for social services, pastoral ministries, youth programs, vocations, family life, lay ministry, Catholic education and Christian formation programs of the Diocese. The Our Faith ~ Our Legacy campaign was an extraordinary effort above and beyond the CSA to ensure the future viability of the Diocese and raise funds for individual parishes. The campaign was a necessary measure to meet the growing demands of the Diocese that the CSA cannot meet on an annual basis. The CSA was included in the Our Faith ~ Our Legacy campaign only for the 2006 year. Four-million dollars will be allocated to fund the programs normally fulfilled by the CSA. In 2007, the CSA returns to its normal form.
Is the Catholic Services Appeal a good opportunity for evangelization and stewardship?
A well-balanced and effective campaign can unite clergy and laity to work together as one Church. The Catholic Services Appeal can be an extraordinary opportunity to reach out to all. Parishioners will develop a better understanding of what our Diocese currently does and its obligations to the community. This often leads to greater involvement and support. Ultimately, the renewal experience it can give to a parish may be far greater than merely the dollars raised.
Who will be asked to support the Catholic Services Appeal?
Every Catholic household in the Diocese of Austin will be asked for its prayerful consideration of a gift to the Catholic Services Appeal.
To whom should an initial payment check be made payable?
An initial payment check should be made payable to “Catholic Services Appeal”.
How should subsequent payments be made?
A donor will receive a monthly statement from the diocese for remaining pledge payments. Donors may also choose to use electronic giving through their bank or a credit card as indicated on their pledge card.
Are pledges and one-time gifts the only kinds of gifts accepted by the Catholic Services Appeal?
While cash gifts and pledges are most common, it may be advantageous to the donor to make a gift of appreciated stock. If a donor offers to make a gift of appreciated stock, please contact Deborah Garza at (512) 697-2050.
Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to the Diocese of Austin?
Yes. If a donor offers a planned gift, the parish should refer them to Bob Vallilee at (512) 697-2040 or bob-vallilee@austindiocese.org