What is the Annual Catholic Offering for Ministries?

The Appeal Catholic Offering for Ministries, a.k.a. Ministries Offering, is a fundraising campaign in which each parish is asked to support and invite parishioners to support the ministerial needs of the larger Church of Lubbock.

The Ministries Offering impacts the faith lives of families, individuals, and communities throughout the 25 counties of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lubbock. Close to 137,000 self-identified Catholics live and worship in the diocese.
 

When was the Ministries Offering established?

The Ministries Offering was established in 2020 along with the parish cathedradicum. 

Where does the diocese get its income and what is it spent on?

The Ministries Offering income is from parishioners making a commitment to the diocese each year. This income is spent on the ministries of the diocese listed below:
 
Communications, Diocesan High School, Parish Sustenance, Superintendent (School Grants), Clergy Cont Ed, Seminarians, Formation Division, Liturgy, Family Life, Campus Ministry, Vocations Office, Superintendent (Admin), Catechesis, Deacon Cont Ed, RCIA, Vicar for Religious, Youth, Young Adult, and Campus Ministry, and Jail Ministry.
These departments also receive income from grants from private foundations, donations from individuals and Catholic organizations, investment income and fees paid for workshops, conferences and training materials.

The administrative departments of the diocese receive income from the parish cathedradicum. Clergy - Admin, Finance Office, Renewal Center, Bishop’s Office, Facilities, Chancellor, Annual Appeal, Parish Administration, Development, Tribunal, Pastoral Center, Bishop’s Residence, Dues Memberships Gifts, Deposit and Loan, Patton Finance Center, Bishop Emeritus, and Vicar General.
 

What amount should I give to the Ministries Offering?

The amount you choose to give to the Ministries Offering is a personal decision, made after prayerful discernment. God has given each one of us gifts, graces, talents, and abilities which are to be shared responsibly and wisely with others. You are invited to join with other Catholics in the diocese in support of this appeal from your bishop. We recognize that stewardship is more than performing occasional acts of charity and service. It is a holy way of life, a commitment to giving our time, talent and treasure in thanksgiving for all the blessings we have received. 

If you did not make a pledge to the campaign, or are new to the diocese, please pick up one of the commitment forms, envelopes and brochures in your parish.

What happened to the DCA?

The Diocesan Catholic Appeal (DCA) traced its roots to 1981 when most of the diocese was part of the Diocese of Amarillo. Then called the United Catholic Appeal (UCA), the campaign replaced a per capita assessment on each parish. When the Diocese of Lubbock was established in 1983, the Diocesan Catholic Appeal was created, taking many best practices from the UCA.
However, the DCA was unable to fund the Diocese. The Diocese continued to operate with a hefty line of credit. Bishop Coerver has implemented a cathedracdium to cover necessary administrative expenses. And after hearing from faithful stewards of the diocese, the DCA was abolished and replaced with Ministries Offering. Gifts given to this annual offering are restricted for the use of ministries of the diocese. 100% of each gift given to the Ministry Offering stays within the ministries of the diocese.

For more information, please contact 806-792-3943, or .