Frequently Asked Questions
What is the money for the CFA used for?
The funds raised by the CFA help your parish to pay its Diocesan assessment, which is based on parish income. The assessments pay the parishes share in supporting the following work in the Diocese of Venice:
Catholic Charities, Respect Life Ministry, Office of Vocations, Catholic Schools, Religious Education, Seminarian Education, Support of missions/convents, Outreach to the homebound, TV Mass for homebound, Criminal Justice, HIV/AIDS Ministry, Campus Ministries, Office of Ministry, Permanent Diaconate, Support of poor parishes, Office of Family Life, Peace and Social Justice, Safe Environment Program, Haitian Ministries, Diocesan services, Tribunal, Hispanic Ministries, Diocesan Retreat Center, Blessed Edmund Rice School
How does the CFA benefit my parish and me?
Thousands of Catholics in the Diocese are directly or indirectly served through Diocesan agencies and programs that are beyond the scope of an individual parish. While your gift to the CFA helps to pay your parish assessment, a portion of the money that is pledged over the parish goal will be returned to your parish for its own programs and services.
Why does Catholic Charities do additional fundraising?
Approximately 13 % of the entire Diocesan budget is given to Catholic Charities to help support its very worthwhile presence in our Diocese. However, this amount is only a percentage of the money needed to achieve Catholic Charities mission. In addition to what the Diocese provides, aggressive fundraising is needed to meet its budget.
Why are the administrative services included?
The mission of the Church is to continue the work of Christ. To achieve this requires the Diocese to be a business overseeing more than 1000 employees in our schools, parishes, and agencies. A commercial business would produce an income but, in the Church, the parishioners are the primary source of income.
Are CFA funds used to pay legal fees or settlements from sexual abuse cases?
No. In fact, money contributed to the CFA helps to fund programs to prevent sexual misconduct in any form through the Offices of Child and Youth Protection and the Safe Environment Program.
Why are there so many mailings?
More than 4 million dollars of the Appeal is generated through the mailings. Once you have made a gift to the CFA, all mailings to you will stop with the exception of a thank you letter and tax receipt at the end of the year. Tax receipts are sent to anyone who gives a gift of $250 or more, as required by the IRS. It is always wise to keep receipts of your charitable giving for audit purposes.
How much should I give?
As Christian stewards, we should take the time to reflect on our individual God-given gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Charitable giving is a reflection of our Christian stewardship of treasure. Giving back to God, either through contributions to our parish, the CFA, or other charities, should require a sacrifice that reflects God’s generosity to us individually. Therefore, your gift is a personal decision between you and God and should be made after careful consideration.
Why should I make a pledge instead of a one-time gift?
Making a pledge allows you to spread your gift throughout the year, which may make it easier for you to pay, and may also allow you to give a larger gift. Pledge statements, which are simply reminders and not bills, are sent out monthly unless otherwise requested. You can pay your pledge anytime before the end of the year. If your situation changes, you may also cancel or increase your pledge.
How can I make my gift?
You can make a gift through cash, check, credit card, direct debit, on-line giving, stock donations, and charitable distributions from your IRA, etc. For bequests and gift annuities, credit is given to the parish when the gift is realized.
Give us a call at 941-486-4719 and we’ll happily answer your questions. For online donations, CLICK HERE. If you donate stock please call us first in order to obtain the correct DTC number and to make sure your gift is properly credited.
WAIT! There may be fifty donors in the Diocese with your last name. Every donor to the CFA has an individual constituent number. If you are making more than one gift, please call us at 941-486-4719 to find out your individual number to ensure you and your parish receive proper credit. Better yet, make a pledge and we will send you monthly statements to help you track your giving!