THE DIOCESAN SERVICES APPEAL

"Your light must shine before others so that they can see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)


February 2011

     D ear People of the Diocese of Victoria:

St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Christians of Corinth, greets them thus: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus."

I have similar thoughts about our Diocese of Victoria and the faithful people who make it up. God has indeed bestowed His grace on us, gifting us with the priceless treasure of faith and making us His daughters and sons, co-workers with His own Unique Son.

As co-workers with Christ, we are called to be good stewards of all God’s gifts and to share in the ministry of Jesus. One way to do this is by supporting – in prayer, action, and financial assistance – the works and mission of the Diocese.

The Diocese of Victoria is neither very large or very wealthy. In terms of diocesan personnel and budget, it is one of the more modest dioceses in Texas. But we have a long and proud Catholic history; and we are, by God’s grace, able to touch the lives of many people.

Religious education programs, youth ministry, Catholic schools, our diocesan newspaper, vocation efforts: all depend to some extent on the Diocesan Services Appeal, which supports virtually every operation of the diocese.

As I have for the past twenty-one years, I ask for your generous support of our annual appeal. It is by your assistance that the faith is passed on and deepened, and that Christ’s presence and healing, especially in the sacraments, continues today.

Thank you for your help, and may God bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely yours,

Most Rev. David E. Fellhauer

Bishop of Victoria


 

What is the Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA)?

The Diocesan Services Appeal is an annual fund raising campaign that provides virtually all the funds needed for the operation of the diocese.
 

Distribution of Diocesan Funds

Total Expenditure  Fees, Grants, Donations Net Expenditure
Annual Appeal Office 17,650 - 17,650
Audio-Visual Library *5,562 1,100 4,462
Bishop's Office *19,009 - 19,009
Catholic Lighthouse *89,154 25,000 73,454
Chancellor/Tribunal *36,569 20,000 20,069
Charities, Dues and Support of the Holy See 58,850 - 58,850
Disciples on the Journey *24,595 24,00 595
Financial Administration *67,573 130,300 (62,727)
Liturgical Commission 4,000 4,000 -
Occupancy *250,923 - 250,923
Pastoral Institute *14,703 4,200 10,503
Permanent Diaconate 37,535 12,000 25,535
Religious Education *39,887 12,500 27,387
Retired & Infirm Priests 20,400 10,000 10,400
Safe Environment *43,081 25,920 17,161
School Administration *50,479 101,950 (51,471)
Seminarians 259,928 **259,928 -
Spiritual Renewal Center *289,672 356,000 (66,328)
Vocation Office 4,775 - 4,775
Youth & Young Adult Ministry *98,489 85,000 13,489
Other Ministries *62,537 59,162 3,375
Capital Expenditures 81,081 - 81,081
Salaries & Benefits - All Departments 1,123,573 - 1,123,573
Totals 2,700,025 1,118,260 1,581,765

Transfer from Unrestricted Reserves

Diocesan Services Appeal Goal

(110,381)

(1,471,384)

Net Difference

-0-
* Departmental expenditures are shown net of salaries and benefits.
** The majority of the cost of educating seminarians is currently being funded through a bequest.
 

Please click here to find out how to make a gift....