By Joanna Puddister King
JACKSON – As the Diocese of Jackson kicks off the 2024 Catholic Service Appeal (CSA), director of Stewardship and Development, Rebecca Harris shared her enthusiasm for the ministries that the appeal supports across the diocese.
“The appeal sustains essential ministries that play a pivotal role in nurturing and advancing our Catholic faith,” said Harris.
Under the theme “Hope Rising,” the diocese is inviting all to become beacons of hope to 14 ministries through support and prayers for the appeal.
Harris says that the Catholic community can become that hope to those served by these ministries: Seminarian Education, Catholic Schools, Retired Priests, Clergy Healthcare Assistance, Permanent Diaconate Ministry, Prison 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.
Each year in January Bishop Joseph Kopacz sends letters to all parishioners in the diocese asking for support of those ministries. In this year’s letter, he asks that parishioners recognize the timelessness of a piece of St. Paul’s letter to the Hebrews – “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have; God is pleased by sacrifices of that kind.” (Hebrews 13:16)
Bishop Kopacz reminds parishioners that “we are gently being summoned to be good stewards of the blessings that we have received and are being called to share our blessings.”
“When you make a gift you become the ‘Hope Rising’ to those served by the appeal,” Harris says.
She says that supporters will also find in-depth information on each of the 14 ministries supported through the appeal at csa.jacksondiocese.org by clicking on the “Ministries Supported” button. She invites all to “explore the profound impact your donations make on our faith community.”
Bishop Kopacz and Harris both express gratitude for the continued trust and support of the Catholic community. “We assure you that we have been diligent stewards of the funds entrusted to us.”
To provide transparency and accountability, the graphics in the Catholic Service Appeal insert in Mississippi Catholic and on the website offer a detailed breakdown of how every dollar from the 2023 CSA was allocated, said Harris. “This visual representation underscores our commitment to responsible financial management and demonstrates how your contributions actively promote our Catholic faith.”
There are several ways to give to the 2024 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. Additionally, giving is also open through text by texting “GiveCSA” to (601) 202-5979.
Gifts of stocks, donor advised funds and Qualified Charitable Distribution through your IRA 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.)