about Us
Pope Francis tells us, “For me this word is very important. Encounter with others. Why? Because faith is an encounter with Jesus, and we must do what Jesus does: encounter others.”
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100% of every dollar raised is restricted to fund the objectives, programs, and mission supported by the Catholic Ministries Appeal, touching each of our 133 parishes and more than 600,000 people each year. Through Communion, we worship together and share in the love and unity of the Trinity. We Participate by serving one another in our Mission to evangelize and share the love of our Faith with others.
Here are some the programs that are made possible through the support of the Catholic Ministries Appeal:
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The Office of Vocations provide Formation of our Priests and Deacons; Holy Hours for Vocations are being celebrated throughout the year. Young people of the diocese, and those who desire to draw near to Our Lord in the Eucharist come together to pray, give praise and honor in Adoration.
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Catholic Charities provide food programs for seniors, low-income families and maternity services for women and their children; affordable and safe housing for seniors, veterans and adults with mental and physical disabilities; and substance abuse services include residential and day treatment programs.
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The Office Evangelization and Catechesis programs include: Faith formation of our lay leaders, Hispanic Ministry, Multicultural Diversity, Young Adult and Youth Ministry – Quo Vadis ran another successful summer camp that fosters vocations and evangelization in our youth
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The Office of Human Life, Family and Bioethics provides prayer, education, witness and support of Respect Life Initiatives with the weekly rosary, resources for pregnant and postpartum parents
CMA Frequently Asked Questions
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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WAYS MY GIFT MAY BE USED?
Gifts are used to live and share our faith, care for God’s people and help to build God’s Kingdom.
For example, a gift of:
• $25 helps pay the gas for a Meals-On-Wheels van to deliver food for a day.
• $50 helps pay for evangelizing and teaching materials for a Campus Ministry participant.
• $100 helps a low-income pregnant and parenting mother seek job training and life skills to support her family provided by Catholic Charities Regina Maternity Case Management Program.
• $250 helps subsidize housing for a senior citizen or a developmentally disabled adult.
• $1,000 helps support the formation of our Seminarians and Deacons.
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HOW IS OUR PARISH GOAL SET?
An advisory committee of Pastors recommends the CMA goal formula by which parish goals are set. The formula for each parish is based on recent average offertory figures and the Consumer Price Index.
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WHY SHOULD I GIVE TO THE APPEAL?
There are many important ministries and services that are beyond the resources of any one parish. It would be impossible for an individual parish to duplicate the scope of ministries and services provided by the Diocese. In the same way as our own households require steady income, our Diocese needs funds to keep vital programs open and operating and to create new ministries and services. Essential to our Church and diocese is the education and formation of our priests and deacons. The Catholic Ministries Appeal funds programs that support and expand vocations to the priesthood and diaconate. Respect Life initiates have been strengthened through prayer, education, witness and support services, which are essential in our culture.
​Many families in our community are in need because of the lack of equitable wages, high cost of housing and the surge in food and energy costs. These conditions do not allow them to be economically self-sufficient and many families do not qualify for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Programs supported by the Catholic Ministries Appeal are valuable resources to these families and individuals. Every gift counts no matter the amount!
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HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE?
Every gift, no matter the size, helps make a difference. Only you can decide your gift size. Prayerfully consider an amount that you can afford to give each month. Pledging allows you to make a larger-sized gift without stretching your monthly budget. Whatever your gift, we appreciate your contribution. In 2021 the average gift to the Catholic Ministries Appeal was $330.
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I’D RATHER GIVE DIRECTLY TO MY PARISH OR PASTOR THAN TO THE CMA.
Through the Catholic Ministries Appeal, all parishes unite and become the instruments of God’s love as we support and sustain the essential programs and services which educate the young, care for our seniors, feed the hungry, and strengthen our Catholic faith in our homes, parishes and communities within our wider Long Island community.
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Additionally, the CMA gives back a share of the donated funds to individual parishes. Parishes that meet their Appeal goals receive rebates that can be used at their discretion. Some parishes use the rebate for general operating expenses; others make special purchases, such as improving technology, altar linens, or capital improvements, such as doors, lighting and or making parish centers more accessible for people with disabilities. Last year parishes received back more than $1.5 million in rebates. When giving to the Appeal, donors are simultaneously giving to their parish and to others in need in our shared faith community.
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CAN I MAKE A GIFT OF STOCK OR SECURITIES?
Appreciated securities can help donors make larger gifts to the Appeal. These gifts are most welcome and can provide significant tax advantages to the donor. Contact the Appeal Office at (516) 678-5800 Ext. 296 for written instructions or call your CMA representative directly.
CAN I MAKE THE DIOCESE OR MY PARISH A BENEFICIARY IN MY WILL?
Yes. This type of gift is deeply appreciated. To explore specific options, please call (516) 678-5800 ext. 296 for more information.
CAN I USE A CREDIT CARD TO MAKE PAYMENTS?
Yes. Make your credit card payment via our secure, online donation page at CatholicMinistriesAppeal.org or call the CMA office (516) 678-5800 Ext. 296. Credit card payments can be made monthly, quarterly, or semi-annually.
CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW IRA CHARITABLE ROLLOVER?
If you are at least 70 1/2 years old on the date you make your gift and your IRA is a traditional or Roth, you can transfer up to $100,000 per year from your IRA to charity – without incurring income taxes today or estate tax in the future. Call (516) 678-5800 Ext. 257 for more information.
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I HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS, NOT ANSWERED HERE.
You can email us anytime at CMANews@drvc.org. We are here to help.
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