2007 CSA goal is $17.3 million
Appeal funds most of the ministries of the archdiocese

Robert Delaney of The Michigan Catholic
Published April 27, 2007

Larry A. Peplin | The Michigan Catholic Cardinal Adam Maida tapes his homily in support of the 2007 Catholic Services Appeal.

Detroit — A goal of $17,315,805 has been set for the 2007 Catholic Services Appeal, the annual campaign that funds most of the ministries of the Archdiocese of Detroit.

This year's goal is up 1.5 percent over last year's for the appeal, which kicks off in parishes and missions throughout the archdiocese Saturday and Sunday, May 5-6.

Parishioners will be asked to pledge to help their parish meet its assigned target. In fact, many parishes try to exceed their target, because any money collected above its target is returned to the parish.

In his message taped for use during Masses next weekend, Cardinal Adam Maida said it is appropriate that the theme for this year's CSA is "Affirming the Gifts of the Spirit."

"The Holy Spirit has been shining upon our local Church in countless ways, and as your chief shepherd, I have seen the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes again and again through the generous, collaborative spirit of dedicated clergy, religious and lay faithful of this archdiocese. I thank you for your fidelity to the Church and the gift of your time, talent and treasure," he said.

The cardinal noted 2007 is the CSA's 26th anniversary: "Thanks to Cardinal (Edmund C.) Szoka and his energetic vision over a quarter-century ago, many wonderful things have happened, allowing for sharing of resources and supporting the work of schools and parishes within the economically challenged parts of our archdiocese."

He made special mention of CSA support for clergy and lay vocations.

"Thanks to the annual CSA, Sacred Heart Major Seminary has been able to provide programs of formation and enrichment for future priests, deacons, catechists and youth ministers, as well as pastoral ministry programs.

"Your generous support of the CSA over the years has also made it possible for staff to visit your parishes and schools and coordinate the vicariate pastoral planning process," Cardinal Maida continued.

And he mentioned how CSA dollars are now making possible special outreach programs to young adults, a priority identified through the Together in Faith process.

This year's increase in the overall CSA goal was held to half of what it has been in most years, said Michael Murphy, archdiocesan development director. "Typically, in the past 15 years, the CSA budget has risen 3 percent annually, but Cardinal Maida is very sensitive to the fact that we are living through difficult economic times, with many uncertainties, and he wanted to reduce the CSA increase for this budget year," Murphy said.

Speaking of accomplishments made possible through CSA funding, Murphy pointed to the seminary's progress and also cited the two-year Together in Faith process that involved more than 10,000 people in the archdiocese in developing a five-year strategic plan for the archdiocese.

"We're seeing parishes collaborating to share their pastoral resources and planning new ways to evangelize," Murphy cited as fruits of the TIF process, made possible through CSA funding.

"Another special program we can see at work in the parishes is Protecting God's Children, which — through the training of pastoral staffs as well as volunteers who work with children — is developing child-safe environments. The CSA funds that education and training program," he continues.

In addition, Murphy said many people have been impressed by the progress of parish programs for religious formation of youth and young adults. "Our CSA-funded Department of Education plays a great role in providing resources for these programs," he adds.

In fact, almost all archdiocesan departments are funded through the CSA, including Parish Life and Services, Education and the Vocation Office, Metropolitan Tribunal and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The CTND Catholic cable channel and The Michigan Catholic newspaper also receive CSA funding.

Most parishes in the archdiocese make their appeal for pledges to the CSA at Masses on the kick-off weekend.