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Bishop's Annual Appeal
Letter from Bishop Albert LeGatt
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Diocese of Saskatoon
OFFICE OF THE BISHOP
September 2006 
Dear Friends,
“We are the Body of Christ.” St. Paul uses these words to describe the activity and ministry of the early Christian community.
These words resonate in our hearts today. We are called as disciples of Jesus to walk together, pray together and work together to care for the needs of one another.
We know that when one member of the Body mourns, we all mourn. When one member rejoices, we all rejoice. When one member is absent, we are not complete. The Body of Christ functions best when all participate actively in the ministry of the Gospel.
God’s loving presence can be seen through the actions of the faithful of this diocese. You understand that Our Lord employs us as instruments of love and service and works through us to accomplish the mission and ministry of the Gospel. For this and much more I am truly grateful.
Please read carefully the information that you will receive about the Appeal. Pray for a spirit of generosity, for a heart that is responsive to the needs of others. Facilitate God’s words and works by sharing the gifts God has entrusted to you. Joyfully return to God a gift that reflects your gratitude. The needs of our diocese continue to be great, and the blessings of stewardship are many.
I am counting on you, the faithful of our Church, to provide the inspirational leadership that will enable us as the Body of Christ to continue to serve the Lord through our ministry to all God’s people.
I remember each of you in my prayers. “We are the Body of Christ.”
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Albert LeGatt |
Why Volunteer?
 When people volunteer they want to:
be challenged
feel useful
gain knowledge
see results
use their gifts
share their faith
When people volunteer they don’t want to:
be involved in a poorly organized activity
be left holding the bag
be unsupported
be unappreciated
be involved in power struggles
be taken for granted
 People volunteer:
for personal growth
for faith development
Questions for each of us:
Do I love the Church?
Am I willing to put aside my own shyness to serve the community?
Do I want to help others learn more about the Catholic faith?
Am I a good listener?
Do people appreciate my energy and enthusiasm?
Do I have a special concern for the needs of the poor?
Am I able to give a few hours of my time?
Do I enjoy meeting people?
Is it my turn to help?
About the Appeal
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal – “Sharing HIS Blessings” was
initiated in the Diocese of Saskatoon in 1984 by Bishop James P. Mahoney. It
continued to thrive under Bishop James Weisgerber (from 1996 to 2000) and is
now under the leadership of Bishop Albert LeGatt.
The Appeal has responded to clearly identified needs regarding mission and
ministry in the diocese. It is an important way for parishes within the Diocese
of Saskatoon to reach out to active and non-active members, and a way for parishioners
to open a dialogue about the church and ministry.
The Appeal provides an opportunity for everyone in the Diocese of Saskatoon
to support a wide range of educational projects, address social concerns and
grow spiritually. It promotes a shared responsibility in living the Gospel,
as we participate in the mission of Jesus Christ.
Parish Sharing Incentive
Every parish in the diocese receives a yearly Appeal guideline. When a parish
surpasses its guideline, 75% of the overage is returned to the parish for a
variety of needs. Over the past 21 years, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal
has rebated nearly 5 million dollars to parishes through the Parish Sharing Incentive.
This funding is used for needs determined by the parishes.
How Your Gift Helps
| Catholic Christian Outreach |
$5,000
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| Catholic Deaf Ministry |
$5,000
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| Catholic Family Services |
$60,000
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| Communications |
$64,000
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| Ecumenism |
$23,000
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| Education of Laity for Ministry |
$17,000 |
| Education of Priests
& Future Priests |
$65,000
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| Friendship Inn |
$15,000
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| Grants in Support of Rural Ministry |
$40,000
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| Hospital Chaplaincy |
$30,000
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| L'Arche Saskatoon Project |
$5,000
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| Lay Formation Program |
$104,000
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| Liturgy Commission |
$10,000
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| Marriage & Family
Life |
$13,000
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| Ministry Development |
$52,000
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| Native Religious Ministry |
$67,000
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| Newman Centre/Campus Ministry – St. Thomas More College |
$5,000
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| Office for Justic and Peace |
$9,000 |
| Priests’ Pension Fund |
$92,000
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| Resource Library |
$30,000
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| Rural Catechetics |
$98,000
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| St. Paul's & St. Elizabether's Hospitals - Spiritual Care |
$13,000
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| St. Peter's College |
$25,000
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| Saskatchewan Catholic Health Corporation |
$5,000
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| Scripture Resources & Small Christian Communities |
$26,000
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| Support of Life |
$8,000
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| Teen-Aid |
$36,000
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| Youth Ministry |
$48,000
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| OUR NEED |
$970,000
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Helping One Another
When you support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, you are helping countless people whose lives are enriched each and every day through services, programs and ministries throughout the diocese.
Support Throughout The Year
When you make a pledge, you can pay in monthly installments (up to 12 months). It is a reminder that we share in the mission and ministry of the Appeal on a year-round basis.
All gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are greatly appreciated and will be acknowledged with a receipt for income tax purposes.
How You Can Share
You may make your gift in full or in part when you make your pledge.
A Pre-Authorized Payment Plan allows us to debit your bank account directly on a monthly basis, the first business day of each month. If you are already using this Plan, please renew your commitment annually.
You may use postdated cheques.
You may choose to defer payment; you will then receive monthly reminders beginning January 2007.
Please make cheques payable to: "Bishop’s Annual Appeal – Name of Parish"
Contact
For more information contact the Appeal office at:
Fr. Ken Beck, Diocesan Director or
Charlene Mellesmoen, Administrator
100 - 5th Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK S7K 2N7
Phone: (306) 242-1500 Extension 242
Fax: (306) 244-6010
Toll-Free: 1-877-661-5005
e-mail: baa@saskatoonrcdiocese.com
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