We promote stewardship as a way of life

The first weekend in May is called Pledge Weekend. At this time, parish leaders invite the participation of all members by asking for a financial pledge for the diocese. In that week's edition of The Observer, the diocesan newspaper, the Time and Talent sheets will be presented. Each member of the diocese will have an opportunity to volunteer for a diocesan ministry.

We are grateful for what they did...
Will they be grateful for what we have done?
Click here to play Diocesan Stewardship 2008 Video

How is each year's diocesan goal determined?
Each year in January and February, the diocesan budget making process occurs. Each diocesan office presents their financial needs for the next fiscal year starting in July 1 of that year and ending June 30 of the next year. Those budget proposals are reviewed by the Diocesan Director of Finance and Administration. His recommendations are taken to the Diocesan Finance Council and to the College of Diocesan Consulters. These consultative bodies make their recommendations to the Bishop. The Bishop finalizes the process by making the final decision. The total of next year's fiscal year budget becomes the goal for Diocesan Stewardship. The diocesan budget is published in the diocesan newspaper, The Observer, in an edition that is sent to each registered diocesan family.

Do the parishes have goals?
Yes, each parish is assigned a mandatory goal for the appeal. This goal is determined by using a formula based on the parish's Ordinary Income and other rules developed through diocesan wide consultations that occurred in 1992 and in 1998. If the peoples' gifts exceed their parish goal, the parish receives a 100% of any monies raised over goal. If the peoples' gifts fall short of the goal, the parish must make up the difference between the peoples' gifts and the parish goal.

How much is each family asked to contribute?
The Rockford Diocese encourages each family to adopt the modern Catholic interpretation of the Biblical tithe: 5% of one's time, talent and treasure is directed to one's parish, 4% to worthy causes, and 1% to Diocesan Stewardship. If it is not possible to introduce this way of giving immediately in one's life, then the member is encouraged to adopt this sacrificial gift giving as an eventual goal, and each year take a step closer to accomplishing the full tithe. When contributing to Diocesan Stewardship, members may make a one-time gift or make a pledge that can be paid over a 10 month period of time or in four quarterly installments. The Diocese sends reminder mailers to donors making pledges.

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