Southern Nebraska Register
The Charity and Stewardship Appeal, the annual appeal of the Diocese of Lincoln, is underway.
First established in 1971 by Bishop Glennon Flavin as the Diocesan Development Program (D.D.P.), the appeal has provided for many of the needs of the diocese, especially Catholic education. Under the leadership of Bishop Fabian Bruskewitz, the annual appeal was given a new name, but the Charity and Stewardship Appeal remained successful in supporting and expanding many diocesan programs and ministries.
Under Bishop James Conley, the appeal continues to support numerous apostolates.
The goal for this year’s Charity and Stewardship Appeal is $2,151,000. Of that amount, nearly $1,500,000 will be returned to parishes to support local priorities, including operating expenses, schools, or local projects.
An additional $225,000 will go to support diocesan-wide apostolates, such as the Newman Center, Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska, the diocesan Spanish-speaking apostolate, Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House, and more. Finally, $475,000, or 22% of the total goal, will support the work of diocesan offices, including the archives, the tribunal, the Office of Family Life & Discipleship, and diocesan-wide software, like ParishSOFT.
In a letter distributed to all parishes, Bishop Conley explained that all Catholics are called to boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ makes “All Things New,” the appeal’s theme for 2023.
“We join together in His mission to love and welcome every soul we encounter—in our parishes, in our apostolates, and in all that we do as one Church, united in our Eucharistic Lord,” he said.
“Each of you plays a significant role in this mission. Over the years, your generous support and prayers for our annual Charity & Stewardship Appeal has planted countless seeds of faith in our communities—seeds that Our Lord nurtures and grows—seeds that are transformed so that they bear much fruit. Planting these seeds of faith ensures that the Diocese of Lincoln will continue to be a light in our communities and in the greater Church for years to come.”
“The Church is first and foremost, a family,” said Rachael Tvrdy, director of the Office of Family Life & Discipleship, “and I want those who feel on the outside or who don’t have a sense of belonging, to feel welcomed home. Our office hosts many events that are run by faithful volunteers and support staff. I hope to encourage local leaders to feel empowered to dream about what God wants them to build in the Church, and to go and do it.”
