Returning God's Gifts appeal sets $2.16 million goal
Veronica Ambuul
Feb 3, 2010 4:00 PM

COLORADO SPRINGS. In order for diocesan ministries to keep pace with the number of Catholics they serve, the Diocese of Colorado Springs’ annual appeal, Returning God’s Gifts, is setting a higher target than last year for its 2010 campaign.

This year’s goal is $2.16 million,

compared to $2.1 million in 2009, according to diocesan stewardship director Rob Faughnan. The appeal helps fund ministries and programs for a Catholic population of the diocese that currently stands at approximately 142,000 — according to the Official Catholic Directory — and is growing.

"We’re relying on the proven generosity of Catholics to make the extra sacrifice and meet the goal," said Bishop Michael Sheridan.

The 2010 campaign launched the weekend of Jan. 30-31. An appeal video will be shown at Masses around the diocese the weekend of Feb. 6-7.

This year’s appeal will focus on four key areas: youth ministry, vocations, diaconate formation and lay leadership development, Faughnan said.

"The way we’re presenting the appeal this year is a little bit different," Faughnan said. "We’re emphasizing youth ministry because the more we focus on the youth and families, that’s how the church grows."

Catholic Charities of Colorado Springs, including Marian House and the Richard C. Hanifen Self-Sufficiency Center, as well as Partners in Housing will continue as major beneficiaries of the appeal, Faughnan said.

As in past years, each parish has been assigned a goal based on its size. The parish receives 20 percent of money collected up to 100 percent of its goal. Any funds raised above and beyond its goal are rebated to the parish at a rate of 50 percent.

In 2009, Returning God’s Gifts reached 98 percent of its goal. According to Faughnan, initial reports from economists and other charities, such as El Pomar Foundation in Colorado Springs, suggest that ripple effects from the weak economy may impact donations in 2010.

Faughnan said he was "cautiously optimistic" amid the fact that 2009 donations remained strong in "the worst economic situation in 70 years."

Bishop Sheridan added that, although the economy is still sluggish, the cost of running diocesan ministries continues to rise.

Parishes have a strong incentive to exceed their goals because the money returned to them can be used for programs to serve parishioners’ specific needs, Faughnan said.

"That rebate goes to help local projects, so it goes to meet the needs of the parish community, such as food pantries and Bible studies," Faughnan said.