Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • March 20, 2020 9 Catholic Sharing Appeal Update The 2020 “Bring Christ to the World” Catholic Sharing Appeal is off to a great start this year according to Dave Wyrwich, Director of Steward- ship and Development. He says this year’s theme was chosen because it is closely aligned with Bishop Kihneman’s minis- try of Forming Intentional Disciples within our parishes, schools, and the ministries of the Diocese of Biloxi. “Bishop Kihneman’s recognition that many families have seen close family members leave the Church, especially our children and young adults, moved him, along with many bishops in the United States, to really move the Holy Father’s call to Forming Intentional Discipleship to the forefront of their ministry as shepherds of Catholic Sharing Appeal Update Wyrwich their respective dioceses,” said Wyrwich. “In aligning the Catholic Sharing Appeal message with the message of Discipleship that is being called for by Pope Francis, the bishop is hoping to tie the fiscal needs of the diocesan Church to the spiritual needs of all parishioners within the diocese.” Two weeks into this year’s annual appeal, donations and gifts to the appeal are surpassing last year’s appeal in a year over year comparison. This positive trend demon- strates not only that Bishop Kihneman’s message and ministry of Intentional Discipleship is resonating with parishioners, but that the Church in the Diocese of Biloxi continues to be supportive of the minis- tries and programs that the Catholic Sharing Appeal funds each year. Our annual appeal is vital for the success of not only the diocesan Church but also for the success of all parishes. Funds from the appeal support the formation of the eight men in semi- nary formation for the priesthood. It also sup- ports the 17 retired priests who have given their lives to Christ, His Church, and the people of South Mississippi. It supports the many good works done by Catholic Charities, our diocesan youth program, de l’Epee Deaf Center and the over 20 diocesan ministries that serve the 56,000 Catholics, all receive funding from the generos- ity of our people within the diocese. “We are seeing a positive trend for our annu- al appeal this year, but we have a long way to go to reach our goal. We, as a Church, must con- tinue to reach out to our brothers and sisters who are in desperate need of the Gospel message of Jesus Christ. It is not the sole responsibility of our priests, brothers, sisters, and bishops, to evangelize. Jesus calls EACH of us, through our baptismal call, to bring the Good News of Christ to our world,” said Wyrwich. Bishop Kihneman stated, “I am humbled and grateful by the generosity and support of the people in the diocese. I know that everyone can- not always be there to minister to those in need. We can, however, participate more fully in these vital ministries by supporting the annual appeal.” In his words, the bishop was echoing the words of Mother St. Teresa of Calcutta in supporting the work of the Church when she said, “Some give by going, others go by giving.” Bishop Kihneman added, “And we need both for the work of the Church to continue to bring Christ to the World.” To track the progress of this year’s Catholic Sharing Appeal, visit www.biloxidiocese.org A PAC is a panel of professionals from your parish or school (usually an Attorney, CPA and Foundation Rep) that offers a 1 hour seminar on the importance of Wills and Estate Plans, their financial advantages, and Legacy Giving. WHAT IS A PAC? Dave Wyrwich Executive Director Catholic Foundation of Biloxi (228) 702 2113 dwyrwich@biloxidiocese.org 1790 Popps Ferry Road Biloxi, MS 39532 FOR MORE INFORMATION, QUESTIONS, OR TO SCHEDULE PLEASE CONTACT: WHAT IS A LEGACY GIVING? PROFESSIONAL ADVISORY COUNCILS (PAC) WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PAC PRESENTATION? A Legacy Gift is a donation made by an individual through a will or other formal designation. Legacy Gifts are typically prepared with a financial planner and are meant to reflect the values and desires of the donor. As the name suggests, most donors want to leave a legacy or memory of their life through their posthumous giving. WHAT RESPONSIBILITY DOES THE PASTOR/PARISH HAVE IN HOSTING A PAC SEMINAR? The pastor/parish responsibilities would be to supply the names of trusted professionals to the Foundation, advertise and promote the seminar through pulpit and bulletin announcements, provide a room large enough to host a seminar of 10-20 people, and offer light refreshments for the seminar. All coordination of the presentations and materials are done through the Catholic Foundation with the professional from your parish or school. HOW CAN THIS IMPACT YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL? PAC seminars are an excellent way to help educate parishioners about the advantages of Wills and Estate Plans and the legacy they can leave for their favorite parish, school or Catholic organization through their legacy gifts. On average, Legacy gifts are usually the largest gift a donor will make to any organization and can provide long term financial stability and growth. The purpose of these presentations is to offer a no pressure forum to learn about Wills, Estate Plans, and Legacy Giving. These 1 hour seminars are free, informative and offer a relaxed atmosphere where parishioners can ask questions and learn more about these important financial instruments. INTRODUCES HURRY!! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to purchase a 2020 Diocesan Directory. It contains information on the administration of the diocese, parishes and missions, schools, priests, deacons, seminarians and so much more. Copies are limited so respond soon. The price is $10. Make the check out to Gulf Pine Catholic and mail to 1790 Popps Ferry Road, Biloxi, MS 39532.