2021 Parish Leadership Manual
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2021 PARISH LEADERSHIP MANUAL Your guide to implementing a successful parish Appeal. Department of Stewardship and Development [email protected] www.archsa.org/appeal 1 Table of Contents Section I: WHAT IS THE APPEAL? Archbishop's Appeal Mission & Purpose 2021 Appeal Steering Committee 2021 Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries Prayer SECTION II: LEADERSHIP ROLES Archbishop’s Message to Clergy and Coordinators The Pastor’s Role The Appeal Coordinator’s Role SECTION III: APPEAL WEEKENDS 2021 Appeal Parish Timeline 2021 Announcement, January 2 & 3 Archbishop’s Letter to Parishioners In-Pew Commitment Weekend, February 13 & 14 Follow-Up Weekend, February 20 & 21 April and July Follow-Up Mailing Pulpit and Bulletin Announcement Second Appeal Weekend, September 4-5 Appeal Gratitude Weekend, October 23-24 SECTION IV: SUPPORT MATERIALS Parish Appeal Checklist Three Steps to Success Parish Reports and Roster Updates A Pastor’s Homily Sample Making a Gift to the Appeal Appeal Direct Mail and Electronic Programs Frequently Asked Questions Appeal Parish Activity SECTION V: APPEAL MINISTRIES 2021 Allocation of Appeal Funds Appeal Funded Ministries Archdiocesan Pastoral Ministries Catholic Communications Catholic Education Catholic Social Services Priestly and Diaconate Formation SECTION VI: MINISTRY IMPACT STORIES SECTION VII: PARISH APPEAL GOALS 2021 Appeal Parish Goals www.archsa.org/appeal 2 www.archsa.org/appeal 3 Section I: What is the Appeal? www.archsa.org/appeal 4 www.archsa.org/appeal 5 Archbishop’s Appeal Mission & Purpose Mission A ministry of the Catholic community, the Archbishop’s Appeal is a living manifestation of the Word of God serving and forming our brothers and sisters in Christ. With support from the faithful, the Appeal for Ministries provides the material, educational, and spiritual needs of God’s people across the 19 counties of the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Its mission is to identify, develop, and acquire the financial resources to support the Archdiocesan ministries dedicated in serving and forming missionary disciples of Jesus Christ for the promise of eternal life. Purpose As recipients of God’s gifts and caretakers, we as a Church demonstrate our gratitude by assisting and serving others. The Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries enables parishioners to come together in supporting essential ministries that promote the Gospel message of love across the Archdiocese of San Antonio’s 19 counties. www.archsa.org/appeal 6 2021 Appeal Steering Committee The Appeal Steering Committee is a seven-member decision-making and reporting body that reviews annual funding requests, determines appropriate use of funds, and assists in planning the upcoming Appeal. Their recommendations support the Archbishop and Presbyteral Council to determine which ministries or agencies should be funded. The Appeal Steering Committee is comprised of two clergy, one of whom serves as the Chair, two Pastoral Center staff members, one Archdiocesan Finance Council member, one lay member, and Moderator of the Curia or Vicar. Vacant Steering Committee Chair Rev. Larry Christian Episcopal Vicar St. Ann Rev. Thumma Prathap Clergy Member St. Monica Church Dr. Adriana Garcia Lay Appeal Donor Mr. Rubén Hinojosa Archdiocesan Staff Mrs. Cecile Montañez Archdiocesan Staff Vacant Finance Council Member www.archsa.org/appeal 7 Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries Prayer Lord God, Thank you for the blessings of life, faith, and family, the sacrifice of your son, Jesus, and the beautiful gifts of nature and the goodness of others that surround us each day. All that we are and all that we have we owe to you. Give us the courage to be resilient in faith and service so as to care for your people through our support for this year’s Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries. May we give generously, never counting the cost, offering back all we have so that the most vulnerable neighbors among us may draw closer to your saving love. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. www.archsa.org/appeal 8 www.archsa.org/appeal 9 Section II: Leadership Roles www.archsa.org/appeal 10 www.archsa.org/appeal 11 A Message to Clergy and Coordinators My Dear Brother Priests and Lay Leaders, You know the Gospel story of “The Widow’s Mite” … Jesus is watching the crowd make their church offerings. Many rich people put in great sums. One poor widow arrives and offers two coins worth just a few cents. “She put in more than all the others,” Jesus tells his disciples, “for she has contributed all she had.” The call to stewardship is about offering back all we have to God because He is the source of all we have and all we are. Thank you for dedication as we prepare for this year’s Annual Appeal, now known as the Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries. Your word and guidance will inspire parishioners to answer the call to become more like the poor widow. Your leadership is a gift to the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Through your efforts, more than 30 Catholic ministries will continue to serve our brothers and sisters. Children and adults will hear the word of God. The poor will be lovingly served. New priests, deacons, and lay leaders will be formed and parish communities will be cared for with compassion. Together, through these good works, we bring glory to God and his Son, Jesus. This year’s Appeal calls for a new goal: one that invites all to be a part of this important ministry work. Our new Appeal goal is focused on participation. 25% participation from each parish location is the new parish goal. The Appeal is focused on unity with an invite for all to participate. Your efforts to inspire parishioners’ participation in the Appeal will be key to its success. In addition to this Parish Leadership Manual, office staff are happy to assist you. Please don’t hesitate to contact the Appeal Office. I am grateful for your selfless giving, as well as that of your parishioners. I commend you for proclaiming the Gospel of love and compassion through the Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries. I am praying for you and our parish communities. Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Reverend Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS 12 Archbishop of San Antonio The Pastor’s Role No poster, letter, email or insert can replace the impact of a pastor’s personal support. You are essential for communicating to parishioners their role in being a part of and serving the universal Church. As their spiritual leader, your personal request is crucial. You are your parishioners’ principal motivator. As a supportive pastor, you are asked to: Consider your own commitment to the Archbishop’s Appeal, both in prayer and gift. Convey your sincere, positive attitude about the Appeal, its mission, and how it connects to the larger Universal Church. Appoint an Appeal Coordinator for a three year term or form an Appeal Committee. Work with an Appeal Coordinator(s) to evaluate previous years’ results, develop a strategy to meet this year’s goal, and educate parishioners on the significance of the Appeal and ministries. Request a meeting with an Appeal Office staff member. Promote and link the Appeal webpage to your parish website, social media page, or parish electronic newsletter. Ask for participation from all members in both prayer and gift. Give a homily during In-Pew or Follow-Up Weekends to motivate parishioners to participate. If able, show the Appeal video during your Appeal Weekends or publish on parish website. Invite parishioners to respond via Text-To-Give, online, using the letter they receive at home or if necessary offer your parish Appeal envelope for those unable to use electronic giving. Express your ongoing support and gratitude during Appeal weekends and on a monthly basis. Discuss stewardship as a way of life and your parishioners’ roles as part of the mystical Body of Christ. Provide monthly or weekly updates on the parish Appeal participation progress in the parish print and electronic communications, such as bulletins and e-newsletters. Thank you for your prayers and continued support of the Archbishop’s Appeal for Ministries! www.archsa.org/appeal 13 The Appeal Coordinator’s Role Thank you for answering the call to serve! As coordinator, you will assist your pastor and parish community in reaching your parish goal by inviting and educating the importance of the Annual Appeal in order to grow the Kingdom of God. Your role is essential in helping bring together the entire parish community to help continue ministries that put our faith into action by serving others. Appeal Coordinator Guidelines 3 year term Attend an Appeal Leadership Training As Appeal Coordinator, you are asked to: November 2020: Attend an Archbishop’s Appeal Parish Leadership Workshop. Learn about the Archbishop’s Appeal by reading this manual, ask questions, or arrange a phone conference with the Development Outreach Liaison. Recruit two or three others to help you educate your parish community about the Appeal. December 2020: Inform your Parish Office to expect a UPS package of your parish materials in mid-December 2020. If you do not receive your package by December 20, contact the Appeal Office. Your shipment should include your parish leadership manual, bilingual brochures and parish in pew envelopes (English and Spanish). Begin using your 2021 Appeal materials no later than January 3, 2021. January/February 2021: Display Appeal posters in high traffic areas no later than January 1, 2021. Assist your pastor in all areas of conducting the parish Appeal. Display the Appeal bilingual brochures and pledge envelopes in foyer on In-Pew Weekend and throughout the year. With the reduced amount of print materials and the promotion of electronic giving, all with a valid email will receive a copy of the electronic brochure. Those who receive a letter in the mail will receive a brochure.