By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks off the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), director of Stewardship and Development, Rebecca Harris shared her thanks for the Synod process over the last year.
“As a diocese, we listened and heard the voices of the people calling for more programs for youth and young adults, more faith formation for adults and opportunities for healing,” said Harris.
“I’m pleased that the CSA can be a part of aiding ministries grow and flourish in our church in these ways.”
In the fall of 2022, the diocese began an office for young adult and campus ministry as a response to the call for more opportunities for young adults. This year, the CSA is able to assist this office with funds raised through the appeal to help young adults continue to grow in their faith beyond college.
Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support of ministries that are vital to the Catholic faith.
“When you make a gift you become the ‘Hope Rising’ to those served by the appeal,” Harris says.
The Catholic community can become the hope to those served by these ministries: Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Retired Priests, Clergy Assistance, Permanent Diaconate Ministry, Catholic Charities, Campus Ministry, Formation Ministry and Religious Education, Intercultural Ministry, Evangelization and Communication, Family Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Youth Ministry and grants for Parishes and Schools.
For detailed information on each of these ministries supporters can visit website csa.jacksondiocese.org.
Harris says that supporters will also find stories from people who have been supported by the Catholic Service Appeal.
“This year, we are featuring stories that show a small piece of how donations to the CSA make huge impacts.”
Supporters can click on the “Voices” page to see how donations supported Izzy from the Catholic Charities Unaccompanied Refugee Minor program; or learn how Catholic Charities Born Free program supported Jada to deliver a healthy baby boy free of drugs. Site visitors can also read how the vocations ministry supported Deacon Carlisle Beggerly as he answered the call of God; and discover how Eduardo Padilla reached deep into his faith and became a leader at his parish. And lastly, read how youth ministry supports youth like Emerson Erwin of St. Joseph Gluckstadt to attend retreats like SEARCH.
“Your prayers and generosity always make a difference,” says Bishop Joseph Kopacz.
There are several ways to give to the 2023 Catholic Service Appeal. Pledge cards can be mailed to PO Box 22723; Jackson, MS 39225; and supporters can visit csa.jacksondiocese.org to donate online.
Gifts of stocks can also be made to support the Catholic Service Appeal. For more information on the CSA, contact Rebecca Harris at (601) 960-8477.
(Editor’s note: See the special Catholic Service Appeal insert in this edition of Mississippi Catholic to learn more about all the ministries supported by this appeal.)