an overview of the 2004 aba - d2y1pz2y630308.cloudfront.net · web viewall parishioners should be...

2020 Parish Leadership Manual

www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal

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TABLE OF CONTENTSMessage from the Bishop.....................................................................................................3

Message from the Executive Director/Staff.......................................................................4

What’s New in 2020 ............................................................................................................5

MINISTRIES SERVED .....................................................................................................7

Essential Roles .....................................................................................................................8

Society Levels ......................................................................................................................10

Parish Goals .........................................................................................................................11

List of Weekly Events..........................................................................................................13Week #1 – Introduction Weekend

February 1- February 2 .............................................................................................14Week #2– Education Weekend

February 8 – February 9.............................................................................................15 Week #3 and #4 – Commitment Weekend (2 Weekends)

February 15 - 16 and February 22 - 23 ....................................................................16Week #5 – Follow-Up Weekend

February 29 – March 1...............................................................................................17Week #6 – Thank You Weekend

March 7 - 8.................................................................................................................18Week #7

March 14th and Beyond..............................................................................................19

Sample Notes for Pastor Talk.............................................................................................20

Sample Parishioner Talk.....................................................................................................21

Sample Pastor Letter to Parishioner .................................................................................23

Sample Pastor Follow Up Letter .......................................................................................24

Example of letters sent out ....................................................................................................25-27

Calendar................................................................................................................................28+

For additional support material please visit www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal and click PARISH RESOURCES.

2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal † Partners in Hope † Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

http://www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal

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Message from Bishop Fabre:

Dear Brothers in Christ,

Our Annual Bishop’s Appeal serves a vital role in our dioceses, providing necessary funding for specific ministries in our diocese that impacts the lives of so many. Although our 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal fell short of our goal raising over $835,000, I am grateful for those funds raised and know that the generosity of so many of our parishioners is going to good use. As we approach the 2020 Partners in Hope Annual Bishop’s Appeal, I would like to thank all of you who made a gift to the 2020 Appeal. I thank God for the generous support of the people of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and the leadership of pastors and their teams.

Last year’s Annual Bishop’s Appeal funds were used to support our retired priests, seminarian education, and Catholic education of our youth through the Catholic Schools Office and our parish schools of religion. Please know of my gratitude to each of you for encouraging your parishioners to join in the commitment in serving the Lord through our Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Our parishes and each of, our parish priests, play an important part in the Appeal’s success. You are on the front lines with our parishioners forming missionary disciples, engaging our youth and educating our people. Your commitment to serving the people of our diocese and supporting to work of our diocese is important to our success. Thank you for continuing to answer the call to serve Lord’s mission and provide Hope for one another.

The role that our parishes play is crucial in the success of our Bishop’s Appeal. Each parish has been given a goal to work towards and encourage all of your parishioners to give a gift that they feel called to give to support the work of our diocese. If each of our parishioners have a gift, no matter the size, we would exceed the goal of our appeal and accomplish so much within our diocese, without having to visit parish taxes. It is our hope that you will help us together to practice good stewardship and encourage participation.

As you reflect on the many gifts God has bestowed upon you this past year, I encourage you to use this manual to help you in achieving your parish goal. I humbly ask for your individual support as well as the support of your parishioners in helping our diocese fund these ministries. Thank you again for your generosity.

Please be assured of my prayers for you, even as I ask your prayers for me.

Sincerely yours in the Lord,

Most Reverend Shelton J. FabreBishop of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux


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Message from Amy Ponson

Dear Pastor/Appeal Administrator,

As we approach the 2020 calendar year, I look back on our 2019 Campaign and am proud of our efforts and the support of so many of our parish priests and our generous community. Including our seminarians into our campaign this past year helped us to share an amazing story of our past and our future here within the diocese.

I want to express my sincerest gratitude for your support over the last year through the changes we made and the new elements we implemented for our appeal. Whether you are helping your parish for the first time or have been involved for years, thank you for your willingness to give of your valuable time and talents.

Through the guidance of our Bishop and the input of our priests, we are working to improve our Annual Bishop’s Appeal to help our parishioners understand the ministries we support each year and help improve participation in an effort for more parishes to reach and exceed their parish goals. Our 2020 goal will be $900,000. In years past not only have we achieved but many times exceeded this $900,000 goal getting so close to breaking the One Million Dollar mark.

As it was last year, the 2020 appeal will support: Seminarian education, Retired Priests, and Catholic Education through our Catholic Schools Office and our Parish Schools of Religion. Each of these ministries touch the lives of our youth, parishioners and answers the Lord’s calling for vocations.

I humbly ask you to please prayerfully consider your support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal and encourage your parish parishioners to join us in their prayerful support. This manual was prepared to assist the parish leadership in planning and conducting the annual appeal at the parish level. It highlights the various phases of the appeal, describes the important duties, which our clergy & lay people are to perform and contains information to help ensure success.

I am excited to serve you and your church parish and am open to your feedback and input. Please kindly let me know if there is anything I can do to assist in your parish success. In addition, you can contact our foundations administrative assistant at 985.850-3122 or [email protected].

Sincerely,

Amy PonsonExecutive DirectorCatholic Foundation of South Louisiana985-850-3116 or [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


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The 2020 Annual Bishop’s AppealUseful materials in 2020?

Annual Report: The 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal Report will be mailed to all donors of the 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal at the beginning of November. The report details the successes of the 2019 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and how each gift made an impact within our diocese. Copies will be sent to each church parish so you can see what your parishioners receive.

Annual Report Video: The Bishop will be publishing an Annual Appeal Report video thanking donors for their contribution to the 2019 appeal and explaining how their gifts were used across our diocese. All videos are updated on our diocesan ABA webpage www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal, will also be available via social media, please share your parishes page.

Recorded Messages: Each church parish will receive a recorded message (and a video message) from Bishop Fabre asking for their prayerful support, in addition to a thank you message. Please kindly use this message within your parish at each mass. A copy of the Bishop’s message is also included, in the event of technical difficulties.

Video: Each ministry that receives funding from the ABA will have a short video created asking for and thanking parishioners for their support. (Please share these videos on your social media and webpage.)

Follow up: The follow up letter this year will be signed by each parish priest. Enclosed in this manual is a sample of the follow up letter.

Giving Societies: In an effort to encourage a culture of giving of the Lord’s blessings, a new set of giving societies has been implemented. Each giving society will receive certain benefits and donors will truly have the utmost appreciation of the Bishop. All Society levels are listed on page 10.

Materials for your use: Brochures: Please kindly place brochures in the vestibule areas during the Education and

Commitment Weekends. In Pew for Spanish Speaking population: Our diocese will have an in pew brochure for

the Spanish speaking parishioners in our diocese. The same piece that was mailed to all parishioners was translated into Spanish and made available for those church parishes serving our Spanish populations.

Posters: Please kindly post appeal posters in an area for all parishioners to see.

If you are in need of additional materials, please contact Amy Portier at 985-850-3122 or [email protected]

PARISH REPORTING: Commitment Cards




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All parishioners should be encouraged to use the commitment card that is mailed to them in the information packet as these cards will have the parishioner’s account number, to allow for easier tracking of gifts. The mailing of the Bishop’s letter, commitment cards, and return envelopes is scheduled for January 16, 2020.

You may also encourage your parishioners to make this commitment online, and set up their recurring monthly contribution. This reduces the mailing costs of monthly reminders, helping more of the funds raised to support the individual ministries.

All parishes are asked to send in the commitment cards and payments, without the need for parish audits, to the diocesan ABA/Finance Office on a weekly basis. By sending in the cards as quickly as possible, the ABA Office will be able to promptly respond with acknowledgement letters and “Thank You” notes, as well as monthly reminders to donors.

IN-PEW SOLICITATION : Sample Presentation and Lay Witness Talks Perhaps the most important aspect of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal are the pulpit presentations, especially the talk of the pastor since he has the most influence with his parishioners. A proven model to use will be to have the pastor speak on Education Weekend and have a parishioner speak on Commitment Weekend. There are sample notes for the pastor presentation on page 19 and a complete sample for the parishioner talk on pages 20-21. Feel free to allow any parishioner to use the sample parishioner talk, but remember to encourage the parishioner to make it as personal as possible to each individual parish. A sample pastor talk is not provided for the very reason of “no one knows a parish better than the pastor.” Nevertheless, each pastor is encouraged to review the sample notes. Please note the emphasis on encouraging the parishioners to use the monthly payment system in an effort for them to increase the gifts they have made in the past.

Since we have included our seminarians back into the appeal, we are working on a schedule for our seminarians to assist in our parishes for the in pew commitment weekend to encourage parishioners to give to the appeal. BULLETIN INSERT/VIDEO : Parishes are encouraged to continue to use the bulletin insertions/pulpit announcements because they are important to the success of the appeal since they allow the parishioners to see and hear an appeal message each week. The bulletin inserts should be placed in a position and manner in the bulletin that they would be easily noticed. Also, the inserts, or a variation of the inserts, should be read at each Mass that week as part of the announcements to further reinstate the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. The manual gives two samples of Prayers of the Faithful for each week. Please use either or both prayers or a variation of each in the designated weeks. Pages 14 – 19 give a review of each week of the 2020 Appeal with a list of the weekly events on page 13.

We will also provide a video of Bishop for your website, social media and email use for you to share with your parish. It is encouraged to share this video during education weekend. Also, all resources can be found under parish resources at htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal.


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WHO WE SERVEThe Partners in Hope Annual Bishop’s Appeal supports four specific areas in our Diocese: retired priests, seminarian education, youth formation, and Catholic education through Catholic Schools Office.

Retired Priests - Our diocese cares for all 17 retired priests by assisting in caring for their health and long-term care needs through cancer and intensive care policies as well as supplementing retirement income. Priests devote their lives to serve the Lord, and are instrumental in identifying the gifts of the faithful and forming missionary disciples.

Seminarian Education – We prayed for an increase in vocations, and the Lord so graciously has answered our prayers. Our diocese is blessed with 13 seminarians who are eager to serve the people of our diocese. With an increase in vocations, the cost of educating our men also increases. On average it costs $45,000 annually to educate one seminarian. This includes their tuition, room and board, and health care if they are not already covered.

Youth Formation – Through the guidance of the Office of Parish Support, our diocese is developing a new approach to religious education and CCD programs in the parish. In addition, our parishes are receiving hands on support for the training and development of youth ministers, better resources for the parish to work with youth in small groups, and certifying parish lay ministers. As a key part of the mission of the Office of Parish Support our youth formation initiatives work within parishes and on a diocesan scale to:

Train small group leaders Develop youth retreats such as Youth Leadership Summit, Junior High Faith Experience

and more Certify parish lay ministries Develop a new approach to CCD and religious education for parishes

Catholic Schools Office - Serving one of the largest ministries in our diocese, the Office of Catholic Schools supports our twelve Catholic schools that minister to over 5,000 students. Working diligently to form our children as missionary disciples, our Catholic Schools play a vital role in our diocesan mission. Your gift in support of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal helps support our Catholic Schools Office by:

· Working with teacher-ministers and administrator-ministers as they grow professionally, both spiritually and academically;

· Building and strengthening teaching and learning so as to provide an outstanding curriculum in a faith-filled environment for all students;

· Providing the opportunity to form all students as missionary Disciples of Christ.


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ESSENTIAL ROLES The Pastor The Pastor’s role is essential to the success of the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, as it is to any other parish endeavor. His enthusiastic support for the appeal is vital, and is evident in the manner in which he publicly speaks from the pulpit and at other parish gatherings about the appeal’s purpose and significance. Generally, people will be lifted to a level of giving inspired by the Pastor and stewardship leaders.

The Pastor invites enthusiastic lay faithful to serve as the coordinators to assist in implementing the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. He works closely with these lay leaders, offers advice, ensures that parish reports are correct, and that pledges and gifts (checks) are forwarded to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Office in a timely manner.

Appeal Coordinators The parish coordinator directly organizes and coordinates the parish drive and works in close collaboration with the pastor. They invite other parishioners to join them in this collaborative effort, especially since the annual appeal is a partnership and should embrace the talents and good will of many.

For the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, pastors or coordinators: Ensure that appropriate publicity and campaign announcements are made See that the poster has been placed in position Assist in the mailing of any direct mail to the parishioners (i.e., letters from the pastor

if needed) Order materials and resources as needed from the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Office Approach designated parishioners to ask for donor contributions See that all pledge envelopes and pens are available in pews for all Masses and that

Bulletin Inserts are distributed on the week prior to In-Pew Sunday

Commitment Weekend – February 15th – 16th and February 22nd – 23rd Ensures all gifts collected in pew are sent to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal office in a

timely manner Arrange for ‘call backs’ to parishioners yet to donate following Commitment

Weekend Thank all parishioners at the end of the appeal.

A special note: On the weekend prior to Commitment Sunday, the coordinator (or a well-spoken designee) speaks to the parishioners at parish Masses, encouraging their participation and a pledged gift (Education weekend: February 8-9) A sample lay witness talk is provided.


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GIFT PROCESSING

How Gifts Are MadeMost donors make their contribution to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal directly by mail to the appeal office; online via the website; or at their parish during an in-pew collection or in response to a parish mailing. Gifts of Stock are also accepted; please visit the website or contact our office for instructions at 985-850-3122 or [email protected].

Gift Types & PaymentThere are two main types of gifts:

1) Cash Gifts are one-time gifts with immediate payment.

2) Pledge Gifts are a promise to contribute a certain amount which is then fulfilled over a period of time. a. Online recurring via htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal.b. Mail to PO Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395c. In Pew at church

3) Other Gifts: gifts of stock can be made by calling 985-850-3122

Regardless of gift type, donors have the option of receiving a reminder statement or providing credit card info on the pledge slip. Some parishioners may enclose cash in their envelope. Please do not mail cash payments; instead send a parish check. All checks should be payable to “Annual Bishop’s Appeal”.

Direct/Online GiftsDirect and Online gifts received at the Annual Appeal Office are processed daily.

Again this year we will have an advanced ask. In December 2019, donors who gave to the 2019 appeal received an advanced ask to be credited to the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal. In that case, your parish may already have gifts credited towards their goal.

If you would like a report listing the total of direct and online gifts that have been credited to your parish, please contact Amy Portier at [email protected] or 985-850-3122.



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The Bishop’s Society LevelsThe Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux is grateful to our generous donors – at every level- who support the tremendous work taking place within our diocese. The Bishop’s Society is a special association of the Catholic men and women who take a leadership role in the work of the church. As a member, your generosity will set an example of good stewardship as you reach out with love to people and ministries in need of your assistance. The donor societies recognize those who have made a special commitment of $250 or above to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

Bishop’s Partners in HOPE ~ those donors at the $250 to $499 level

Bishop’s Circle ~ those donors at the $500 to $2,499 level

Mitre Society ~ those donors at the $2500 to $4,999 level

Crozier’s Society Bishop’s Guild ~ those donors at the $5,000 to $9,999 level

Society of the Good Shepherd ~ those donors at the $10,000 and above level

GOAL EXPLANATION

Goals: Please kindly take a look at your parish goal as it may have changed from years past. Goals were adjusted based on giving history in the parish over the last 5 years. We continue to ask that pastors encourage their parishioners to support their parish and the Annual Bishop’s Appeal as they are able.


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Parish Goals for 2020 Annual Bishop's Appeal


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Parish Goal

26. Annunziata $ 20,000.00

30. Cathedral of St. Francis, Houma $ 85,000.00

42. Christ the Redeemer $ 23,000.00

41. Community of St. Anthony $ 1,800.00

6. Holy Cross $ 30,000.00

25. Holy Family, Dulac $ 7,000.00

15. Holy Savior $ 25,000.00

8. Maria Immacolata $ 60,000.00

3. Our Lady of Prompt Succor $ 20,000.00

19. Our Lady of Prompt Succor, GM $ 26,000.00

20. Our Lady of the Isle $ 6,300.00

27. Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary $ 20,000.00

16. Our Lady of the Rosary, Larose $ 33,000.00

17. Sacred Heart, Cut Off $ 37,000.00

32. Sacred Heart, Montegut $ 6,000.00

7. Sacred Heart, Morgan City $ 70,000.00

1. St. Andrew, Amelia $ 9,000.00

23. St. Ann $ 20,000.00

21. St. Anthony of Padua $ 32,000.00

29. St. Bernadette Soubirous $ 45,000.00

8. St. Bridget $ 15,000.00

5. St. Charles Borromeo $ 10,800.00

33. St. Charles Borromeo, PAC $ 6,000.00

34. St. Eloi $ 16,500.00


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9. St. Genevieve $ 35,000.00

31. St. Gregory Barbarigo $ 15,000.00

14. St. Hilary of Poitiers $ 30,000.00

37. St. James (Mission) $ 1,000.00

10. St. John the Evangelist $ 13,500.00

11. St. Joseph Co-Cathedral $ 78,000.00

24. St. Joseph, Chauvin $ 20,000.00

18. St. Joseph, Galliano $ 12,000.00

2. St. Lawrence $ 3,600.00

12. St. Lawrence the Martyr $ 7,500.00

22. St. Louis $ 12,000.00

43. St. Lucy $ 3,000.00

38. St. Luke $ 4,000.00

13. St. Mary's Nativity $ 15,000.00

35. St. Thomas Aquinas $ 20,000.00

39. Thanh Gia (Holy Family) $ 6,000.00

Did you know? People who feel inspired to give to a cause tend to give as much as

they can. People who feel obligated to give tend to give the minimum

expected. We don’t want people to give until it hurts; we want them to give

until it feels good!

What NOT to do:


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Apologize for the Appeal. Portray this as a chore or another “required” donation - this is an

opportunity for Stewardship - time, talent and treasure! Don’t say, “I know our economy has not been very strong the last

few years, and many of you are struggling, so just give if you can” - or any similar negative statements. Allow people to make their own decisions. Their commitment is between them and God.

List of Weekly EventsWeek #1 February 1-2 Introduction Weekend

Insert Bulletin Message #1 (2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal) and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the Faithful.

Each parish should have a parishioner, or parishioners, selected to speak for all Masses for either the upcoming Education or Commitment Weekends.

If you have questions with any type of preparations, please call the Bishop’s Appeal Office at 985-850-3122 or email [email protected].

Week #2 February 8-9th Education Weekend Insert Bulletin Message #2 and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the

Faithful.



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Put posters up throughout the parish and place half of brochure allotment in pews. Pastors and/or Parishioners to speak (education of parishioners) at all weekend Masses.

January 16th = ABA SOLICITATION LETTERS TO DONORS AND LAPSE DONORSWeeks #3 and 4February 15-16th and 22-23rd Commitment Weekends

Insert Bulletin Message #3 & Message #4 (2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal – Commitment Weekends!) and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the Faithful.

Place brochures and commitment envelopes in pews. Play Bishop Fabre’s recorded message at all Masses. Pastors and/or Parishioners to speak at all weekend Masses. Pastor’s and Appeal Coordinators who take this time to reach out to their parishioners who have

not yet contributed to the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and encourage their participation. Suggested that pastors make an effort to call parishioners and/or write a note to their parishioners. Have a seminarian or retired priest talk if possible

Week #5 February 29th-March 1st Follow-Up Weekend Insert Bulletin Message #5 (A Thank You from Bishop Fabre and Many Others) and read as an

announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the Faithful. Place commitment envelopes in pews. On the pulpit, be sure to mention how much farther you have to go to reach your goals. Have seminarian or retired priest talk if possible

March 5th – ABA Letter to Non Donors dropsWeek #6 March 7-8th Thank You Weekend

Insert Bulletin Message #6 (Being a Partner in Hope) and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the Faithful.

Pastors and Appeal Coordinators should thank their parishioners via the pulpit, but a call and note goes a long way to say thank you to those who participated.

March 19 – ABA Follow up Letter Drops from Bishop

Week #7 March 14th and Beyond Post ABA mailings

Week #1Week of February 1-2 Introduction Weekend

Events for the Week: Insert Bulletin Message #1 and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of

the Faithful. Each parish should have a parishioner, or parishioners, selected to speak for all Masses

for either the upcoming Education or Commitment Weekends. If you have questions with any type of preparations, please call the Catholic Foundation

of South Louisiana Office at 985-850-3122 or email [email protected]. The 2020 Appeal Initial Mailing dropped in the mail on January 16th, thus should hit mail

boxes the week of January 27th for commitment weekend.



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Bulletin Message/Pulpit Announcement #1

2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal

We are called to serve the Lord’s mission together and as we begin the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, _______________ parish is committed to being a Partner in Hope with our Diocese. Parishioners will be receiving information on the Annual Bishop’s Appeal and how the funds from the Appeal are used to support ministries in the Diocese including Seminarian Education, Priests Retirement, Youth Formation and Religious Education, and Catholic Education through our Catholic Schools Office and sharing funds with parishes that surpass their goal. We ask that you reflect on God’s great generosity, and respond with generous giving of our own. We encourage you to watch the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Video at home this week on our Diocese social media page and online at www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal.

Please be on the watch for your materials and how you can learn about your prayers and gifts help us live the Lord’s mission as a Partner in Hope with the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. If you would like more information about the 2020 Appeal, please contact the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Office at 985-850-3122 or email [email protected].

Prayers of the Faithful

1. That we may acknowledge generosity of the Lord and spread the hope that Jesus is with us in all that we do … We pray to the Lord.

2. For our diocese to continue to have an increase in vocations… We pray to the Lord.3. That we may trust in the Lord enough to put Him first in all that we do … We pray to the

Lord.



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Week #2

Week of February 8-9Education Weekend

Events for the Week: Insert Bulletin Message #2 and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of

the Faithful. Put posters up throughout the parish and place half of brochures in vestibule area. Pastors and/or Parishioners to speak (education of parishioners) at all weekend Masses. Post on social media and or share the Diocese posts about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.


Annual Bishop’s Appeal

Our diocese continues to celebrate hope as we enter into our 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, encouraging all to join us as we serve in the Lord’s mission together. It is HOPE that inspires us to join together as one diocese and to be successful in all that we do. We ask that you join us as a partner in hope to make a difference in the lives of others across our diocese. When you make a gift to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal, you are directly supporting our 13 seminarians in their education, our 17 retired priests, youth formation and religious education of our youth and Catholic education through our Catholic Schools Office. Each of these ministries directly impacts our parishioners, youth and future priests. It is your generosity that allows our diocese to answer the Lord’s call to vocations and building of missionary disciples. As in years past, your gift will go towards your church parish goals, and if the appeal achieves its goal, all church parishes who exceed their appeal goal will receive a percentage back to support the parish. Please prayerfully consider a gift to support your parish and our Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

If you would like more information about the 2020 Appeal, please contact the Annual Bishop’s Appeal Office at 985-850-3122 or email [email protected].


1. That our own eyes may be open to the needs of those around us, allowing us to see the many ways that God invites us to Partner with Him in Hope here on earth … We pray to the Lord.

2. That we may use our many talents, blessings and resources to partner in hope to all who hunger and thirst for God’s love … We pray to the Lord.

3. We may continue to see an increase in vocations and educating the future leaders of our diocese…We pray to the Lord.


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Weeks #3 and 4Week of February 15-16 and February 22-23

Commitment WeekendsEvents for the Week:

Insert Bulletin Message #3 and read as an announcement at all Masses and use Prayers of the Faithful.

Place brochures and commitment envelopes in pews. Play Bishop Fabre’s recorded message at all Masses. Pastors and/or Parishioners to speak at all weekend Masses. Post on social media and or share the Diocese posts about the Annual Bishop’s Appeal

with a direct link to give online – www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal


2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal – Commitment Weekend!

With the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal Commitment Weekend arriving, all parishioners of _______________ parish are encouraged to prayerfully consider making a commitment. When making your commitment, please remember that by being a Partner in Hope, you are supporting Seminarian Education, our retired priests, Youth Formation and religious education and Catholic Education through our Catholic Schools Office. In addition, if the appeal achieves its goal, parishes that surpass their goal will receive a portion back to support their parish.

The goal of the diocese is $900,000, which is a very achievable goal with your support. Thus far, _______ parish has achieved ___% of our goal. Please prayerfully consider a gift to support our Annual Bishop’s Appeal and our parish. You can give online at www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal, return your personalized commitment cards at Mass this weekend, or you may simply mail your commitment to the diocese in the provided envelope.



1. That we may embrace the call to partner in hope, knowing that God does not measure us by what we possess but by what we do for one another … We pray to the Lord.

2. That we may continue to answer the Lord’s calling for vocations…We pray to the Lord.3. That we may be united in our faith to live, love and share as Jesus has taught us … We pray

to the Lord.




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Week #5Week of February 29 – March 1

Follow-Up WeekendEvents for the Week:


Follow up with any outstanding gifts and donors who may not have yet contributed to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Pastors/Coordinators can simply call donors and/or send a personalized note encouraging participation.

A personal note from the pastor goes a long way in the hearts of your parishioners Place commitment envelopes in pews.


All Gifts Provide Hope

_______________ Parish is pleased with the very good early response to the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal, for which we are immensely thankful. Thus far, we have achieved ____% of our $________ goal, however, we know that there are still many who have yet to make their commitment. Please prayerfully consider making a gift to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal by returning your commitment card in the offertory or simply mail it to the diocese in the provided envelope, or you may also visit www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal to make your gift online. Please remember that if the diocese reaches its goal, then a percentage of funds will be returned to all parishes that go over its individual goal.

Every gift no matter how big or small makes a difference across our diocese. Your prayers and gifts support: 13 Seminarians’ education, Caring for our 17 retired priests, Youth formation and religious education, and Catholic education through our Catholic Schools Office.



1. That we may trust God to provide us with all that we need and enough to share … We pray to the Lord.

2. That having the faith to not wait for God to do something, but to wait with God as He does something … We pray to the Lord.


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Week #6Week of March 7-8

Thank You WeekendEvents for the Week:


Acknowledgements and thank you notes will continue to go out to all who have given to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal through the appeal office. However, pastors and coordinators are welcome to send personalized thank you notes as a way to steward donors and create a strong relationship with your parishioners.


A Thank You from Bishop Fabre and Many Others

Bishop Fabre, Father _______________, and most importantly the ministries of the diocese would like to thank everyone in _______________ parish and all people throughout the diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for answering the call of prayers and generosity to the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Each gift our diocese received directly support our 13 seminarians, caring for our 17 retired priests, youth formation and religious education, and Catholic education. The generosity and prayers our diocese has received reminds us that hope is in us all, but more importantly it is in the most important person - Jesus. Thus far ___________ parish has reached ___% of its appeal goal, thank you.

If you have yet to make your commitment and would still like to do so, there is still time as you can return your commitment card in the offertory, or simply mail it to the diocese in the provided envelope, or you may also visit www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal to make your gift online.



1. That we may not only hear God’s message of hope, but also learn to live it every day of our lives … We pray to the Lord.

2. That we may learn to thank our Father more fully for the many simple blessings He showers upon us including those things that we take for granted … We pray to the Lord.


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Week #7

Week of March 14th and Beyond A follow up letter will be mailed to all who have not yet given on March 11th. This letter

is signed by each parish priest. If necessary a 2nd follow up from the Bishop will drop in the mail at the beginning of

May, depending on the response rate of the appeal.


Being a Partner in Hope

Please know that Father _______________ is grateful for the response that ______________ parish has shown to the 2020 annual Bishop’s Appeal. Thus far our parish has reached ___% of our parish appeal goal. The appeal is something that our parish supports and Father would like to see the support from our parishioners continue to grow. Your gifts are supporting our 13 seminarians, caring for our 17 retired priests, youth formation and religious education, and Catholic education. Vital ministries to our diocese that support each of us.

On behalf of Bishop Fabre, _______________ parish thanks all who have made their commitment and strongly encourages all of our parishioners to participate in such a worthy cause. If you have not yet made your commitment and would still like to do so, there is still time as you can return your commitment card in the offertory, or simply mail it to the diocese in the provided envelope, or you may also visit www.htdiocese.org/bishopsappeal to make your gift online.



1. For all of the people and the ministries throughout the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux who will benefit from our gifts to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal … We pray to the Lord.

2. That we may find joy by prayerfully reflecting on God’s plan for us and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit … We pray to the Lord.



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Also, please send all commitments to the ABA office in a timely manner so that the parishioners can receive the thanks they

deserve. Thank you for all you have done!!Sample Notes for Pastor Talk1. Introduction

Begin with excitement and a positive attitude about how the Annual Bishop’s Appeal is a diocesan-wide program and that we, as a parish and individual parishioners, are part of a bigger church.

Please DO NOT do the following: Apologize for the appeal. Beg parishioners to make a commitment Describe the appeal as a chore or task. Assume that people in your parish cannot make a gift.

2. Discussion (Please DO the Following) Discuss how together with the gifts and prayers of each parishioner, our diocese can

continue to live the mission of the Lord together. Please kindly inform the parishioners that their gifts help support our 13 seminarians, 17 retired priests who dedicate their lives to the church. In addition, their gifts help support youth formation and religious education, and Catholic education.

Please discuss instances of how you and/or parishioners in your parish or at least in your community benefited from the appeal in the past. Parishioners will be more inclined to participate if they know how their parish and how each priest has benefited. The Bishop is committed to supporting our priests in their retirement as well as supporting our parish life through the plans of hope.

Most importantly, discuss the importance of PARTICIPATION and the ability of people to use the MONTHLY PAYMENT SYSTEM. Encourage people to challenge themselves and how their gifts can help us serve one mission in Christ and with their support our diocese and parish will be successful.

Remind parishioners that the appeal will go to fund different ministries throughout the diocese. Below is the list of each ministry being touched by the appeal and a few ways they assist our diocese:

Seminarian education – 13 Seminarians 17 Priests’ Retirement – retirement, long term healthcare, and cancer

policies Youth Formation – restructuring of religious education for each parish

including CCD and other youth retreats. Catholic Education – the Catholic Schools Office is working to strengthen

our Catholic identity in our schools, focusing on religious values, academics, safety and much more.

3. Conclusion Thank the parishioners for their time this morning/afternoon. Pray with them that God will continue to bless our faith community as we examine ways

to share our gifts with others.


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Encourage parishioners to review the materials they receive in the mail, to participate to the best of their ability and to make a commitment.

Sample Parishioner Talk

Good morning/afternoon and thank you Father __________ for the introduction and thank you

for giving me the opportunity to speak about the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and how we, as a

church parish, can join Bishop Fabre in supporting our seminarians, retired priests and the

building of our catholic education across our diocese. We have prayed for many years for a call

of vocations, and the Lord has answered our prayers giving us more seminarians than in many

years. We have 13 men currently studying to be our future leaders, and to top it off, many of

these men are local to our diocese or from our surrounding areas. For that we are blessed!

Together each one, [CHURCH PARISH NAME], play an integral part in helping Bishop Fabre

and the diocese serve our people. We as a Catholic community must be partners in all that we do,

including supporting the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Bishop Fabre needs our support through the

Annual Appeal to be a beacon of Hope through our generosity and prayers. Our gifts help us to

embody Christ’s mission and lead as an example as a partner with the ministries that the appeal

supports and those who receive the products of the ministries.

This year’s Bishop’s Appeal, like last year, will support 4 key areas within our diocese. The

areas receiving support from the appeal are our 13 seminarians and their education, caring for

our 17 retired priests, strengthening our youth formation and parish religious education, and

Catholic education in our Catholic schools. Please join us to help Fr. [PREISTS NAME] achieve

his parish goal!

To illustrate how the areas of the appeal are close to our parish home –

- 17 Retired priests – each priest dedicates his life to the church. We all know, or have

known, a retired priest who did so much while he was in active service and we believe

that he is worthy of the opportunity to have an pleasurable retired life. The appeal helps


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cover costs of retirement as well as long term healthcare and cancer policies for each

retired priest.

- Our 13 seminarians’ education is covered by the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux and costs

on average $45,000 annually to provide for their education costs including tuition, room

and board, and many times health insurance.

- Serving one of the largest ministries in our diocese, the Office of Catholic Schools

supports our twelve Catholic schools that minister to over 5,000 students. Working

diligently to form our children as missionary disciples, our Catholic Schools play a vital

role in our diocesan mission.

- Through the guidance of the Office of Parish Support, our diocese is developing a new

approach to religious education and CCD programs in the parish. In addition, our

parishes are receiving hands on support for the training and development of youth

ministers, better resources for the parish to work with youth in small groups, and

certifying parish lay ministers.

I humbly stand before you and ask for your prayerful consideration in joining Bishop Fabre and

Fr {PRISETS NAME] in your prayers and gifts to the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

I thank you for your time and I thank you in advance for your commitment.


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SAMPLE PASTOR’S LETTER – BEFORE COMMITMENT SUNDAY

Dear Mr. & Mrs. / Mr. / Ms. / Miss/ Randy and Joan, etc.........,

We are all called to serve the Lord in our own unique ways, focusing on the hope that we can bring to our own lives and the lives of others. You and the parishioners of ____ parish give me the hope for our parish’s future and the future of our diocese. Each of us make up our diocese and I ask that you join me through our Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

Bishop Fabre recently wrote to you regarding the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. It describes the great need of our support of our 13 seminarians’ education, 17 retired priests, youth formation and Catholic education here in our diocese. As your pastor I cannot overstate the importance of this appeal and how it serves the people of all our parishes as well as many thousands of people within the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

I now join our bishop in inviting your generous response. Once a year, we commit ourselves to this ongoing work with our Annual Bishop’s Appeal. We as a parish, need to reflect on God’s great generosity, and respond with generous giving of our own.

Our diocesan goal this year is $900,000. Our parish goal is $-----. We will need many generous donors to reach, and hopefully exceed, our goal. I know that I can count on wonderful parishioners like you. This year, it is our hope to increase our parish support of these vital works of charity, education and ministry.

[OPTIONAL] Along with general media promotion on TV and in the newspaper, we will be learning more about the appeal through a special bulletin insert. I want you to know that name(s) has (have) agreed to serve as our parish coordinator(s) this year and I am very grateful for his/her/their personal support of the appeal. (NAME) will address us at an upcoming Sunday Mass and I know that he/she/they, and our parish committee, will put in many hours to lead our effort.

Please pray for the success of our appeal here at name of parish, and join me in supporting our Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

I ask that the Lord bless you and your loved onesSincerely,

Rev. ---------


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SAMPLE PASTOR’S LETTER – FOLLOW-UP LETTER 2020

Dear Mr. & Mrs. / Mr. / Ms. / Miss/ Randy and Joan, etc.........,

As your pastor, it is my privilege to invite you to join many others in pledging to our 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal. This appeal makes possible many programs and ministries that our parish alone could not provide.

Our Appeal Committee and I have noticed that you have not yet participated in the 2020 appeal with a pledge. I personally encourage you to pledge today and I appreciate that you will give this your prayerful consideration. Enclosed please find an envelope for a pledge or gift. Please pray about what you are able to do. Complete the necessary information and seal your envelope. Please place it in the basket next weekend, drop it off, or mail it to the parish office. You may also mail it directly to the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux at PO Box 505, Schriever, LA 70395. Our parish will receive credit for your gift.

Thank you for joining us in this special diocesan-wide effort to support our local church.

Please pray for the success of our appeal here at name of parish, and join me in supporting the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

May the Lord bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Rev. ---------


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ADVANCED ASK FOR 2020 ABADate

Address Block

Dear XXX,

In just a few short weeks we will celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ, and as we reflect upon the great gift God bestowed upon the world, we should reflect on the many blessings God has given to each of us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in home shall not perish but have eternal live.” – John 3:16

We are called to prepare our hearts, our minds and our souls each Advent season, and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for sharing of your blessings to your church and to our diocese through the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal as a Partner in Hope. Your generosity fills our hearts with great joy and hope for our future.

As we embark on the coming of Christ and the dawn of our new year, I invite you to invite you to prayerfully consider a gift to the 2020 Appeal before December 31, 2019 which, of course, will go toward your 2018 charitable tax donations. The 2020 Bishop’s Appeal will directly support:

The education of our 13 seminarians Xx Retired Priests in or diocese Over 5000 youth in our Catholic Schools through the Catholic Schools Office and, Hundreds of students in our religious education within our church parishes.

Last year you gave a generous gift of XXX to support our Annual Bishop’s Appeal, we would love for your thoughtful and prayerful consideration for our upcoming campaign. If you cannot give at this time, thank you for your consideration. Another invitation to participate in the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal will be sent in the February.

I hope you enjoy the enclosed prayer card as a small token of my appreciation. In addition to making your gift this month, please include us in your Christmas intentions. May the peace and joy of Christmas, the Word made flesh, remain in your hearts and lives every day of the year.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,Bishop Shelton Fabre


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2020 Initial Letter from Bishop Fabre

Date

NameAddressCity, State

Dear,

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

The Lord has given each one of us a very unique purpose in life: to live his will for how he has called us. God’s love for his children is unmeasurable, and as we prepare our hearts for His great love this spring and upcoming Lenten season, we should ask ourselves ‘How are we uniquely called by the Lord to live His purpose, His will?’

One way in which we are called to serve the Lord is through our church, and to join Him as we build the Kingdom of God. We are called to ‘go out and make disciples.’ Each year through our Partners in Hope Annual Bishop’s Appeal, we ask all across our diocese to prayerfully consider supporting the great ministries that serve and touch the lives of each one of us.

I humbly ask that you prayerfully consider supporting our Annual Bishop’s Appeal this year. I invite you to serve the mission God has given to us and join us in your support this year as a Partner in Hope and to prayerfully consider a gift of [$$$$]. Every dollar of your support helps us to live out the Lord’s purpose and help to grow our church through:

Seminarian educationSupport of our retired priests

Church parish religious education programsOur youth through our Catholic Schools Office

I thank you for your support and prayers and invite you to learn more about how our Annual Bishop’s Appeal supports the Lord’s mission through your generosity. Please be assured of my prayers for you in the Masses that I offer daily.

Faithfully yours in Christ,


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Most Reverend Shelton J. FabreBishop of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

2020 ABA – Follow-Up Letter – From Bishop and Parish Priest

Date

NameAddress City, State Zip

Dear [INFORMAL SALUTATION NAME],

The mission of Christ calls us to work together to make disciples and bring our faith and hope to one another. We are reminded of the words of St. Paul to the Corinthians, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God…” I Cor 12: 4-6. God created each of us to make a difference in this world by using the gifts he has blessed us with.

Each of us is called by God to share our gifts at (Insert parish name). As Catholics we also come together to carry out the ministries of our church parish and our diocese. I ask you to join Bishop Fabre and myself and support the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.

As pastor [ADMINISTRATOR] of (insert parish name) I would like to thank you for your past gift of $_____. This gift has made a huge impact in our parish and diocesan ministries. Please consider renewing your support for the 2020 Annual Bishop’s Appeal and making a difference in the lives of our seminarians, retired priests, Catholic schools, and parish religious education programs.

Your participation enables us to do what no single parish can accomplish. Together we can make a difference. On behalf of the many people your good works will benefit we would like to thank you in advance for your response to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal.


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Sincerely yours in Christ, Sincerely yours in Christ,

PRIEST NAME Most Reverend Shelton J. Fabre[PASTOR/ADMIN. PARISH NAME] Bishop of Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux

P.S. If your pledge and this letter have crossed in the mail, please accept our sincere appreciation and gratitude.


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