Frequently Asked Questions

Why is giving part of our faith?

Archbishop Nienstedt teaches us:

We are not Catholic because we strive to serve others. We serve others because we are Catholic, because we are the Body of Christ in today’s world. Just as Christ laid down his life for us – “This is my Body, which will be given up for you” – so too the Church, the Body of Christ, is a body which is meant to be “given” for the sake of others.

In this sincere and generous giving of ourselves, without counting the cost, we discover our true identity, and our deepest unity. The bond of charity is strengthened among us, as we see the hope of many people renewed. When we give of ourselves, we become more clearly and completely “one body in Christ.”

What do the Sacred Scriptures say about giving?

God continually calls us to give. The gospels are filled with examples of giving. God calls us to give through:

  • The words and example of Jesus Christ, who poured out His life for us.
  • The widow who gave her last coin; she was destitute and yet she gave of her substance, not of her abundance.
  • The Acts of the Apostles, who describe the early Church as gathering and giving. Giving seems to have been essential to the very nature of the Church.

Why should I give to the Catholic Services Appeal?

Archbishop Nienstedt teaches:

The Catholic Services Appeal is here to help the Archdiocesan Church do what no single individual or parish can do on its own. It is our collective response in faith – so that nothing falls through the cracks.

How is my gift to the Catholic Services Appeal used?

Your gift to the Appeal:

  • Supports/aids schools that are in need and/or crisis.
  • Supports education leadership training for our schools and faith formation programs.
  • Supports those studying at the Saint Paul Seminary and Saint John Vianney College Seminary.
  • Supports a home for our retired priests who continue to serve the sacramental needs of the faithful.
  • Supports our Mission in Venezuela by providing two of our priests to serve a parish of 65,000 Catholics.
  • Supports by contributing to the vision of our Marriage, Family and Life office.
  • Supports the needs of the Catholic Community of this Archdiocese and beyond.
  • Supports Catholic Charities by providing over $1,000,000 to the programs.
  • Supports/aids programs that reflect the sacred gift of life.

How does my parish benefit from the Appeal?

Each parish automatically receives at least 25% of the funds raised directly by their parish through the Appeal. Those that attain their parish goal receive back a greater percentage. These funds are used to support parish faith formation programs and educational efforts.

How much should I give?

Consider giving at least 1% of your total giving to support the Archdiocese—our 12-county area and our Archdiocesan mission in Venezuela. The average gift to the Appeal last year was $133, representing 1% of an annual income of $13,300. How does your income compare and how does your gift compare?

How is the Archdiocese working to become a better steward of these gifts?

The Archdiocese has worked in the past, and is working always, to become a better steward of these gifts. We use these gifts under the good advice of the Finance Council and under the good advice of collaborators in the area of administration. We use these gifts always knowing that we are accountable for how they are stewarded.

How does the Catholic Services Appeal differ from the Catholic Community Foundation?

There are many ways to provide financial support to the Church. All methods are necessary and important, but each has a different objective.

The Catholic Services Appeal – Yearly collection to help cover the general operating and program expenses of Archdiocesan programs. The goal – typically about $10 million annually – is to get broad participation from all registered Catholics to support the work of the Church, as overseen by the Archbishop.

Catholic Community Foundation – Gives donors the means and flexibility to choose the causes they want to support today and in perpetuity – including their parish, school or other Catholic organization. CCF assists donors with planned giving on their timetable and to fulfill their charitable intent. By establishing a fund with CCF, donors are able to leave a legacy for generations to come. CCF holds an endowment for the benefit of the Catholic Services Appeal. We encourage you to consider making a gift in your will or estate plan to this endowment. You may do so by giving your attorney this bequest language:

I/we the undersigned, give (a percent or a dollar amount) of my/our estate to the Catholic Community Foundation – in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis for the Catholic Services Appeal Endowment – Fund #52501. Tax ID #41-1744184