Just what is BAA money used for?
The gifts received by BAA are used
exclusively for the work of the Church. The
programs and ministries listed in this brochure
are the primary benefactors and depend on BAA
for all or part of their funding. On average for
this campaign year, they will depend on the
Bishop's Annual Appeal for more than 56% of
their anticipated budgeted subsidy for fiscal year
2010-2011.
Why should everyone participate in the BAA?
If we are to be true stewards of God's gifts and blessings, we have a
responsibility to return a part of what He has blessed us with to the
Church and the poor. While there are many calls on each of us, accepting
that we receive all things from God helps us focus our attention on the needs
of those less fortunate than we are.
Being a good steward is rarely convenient or easy, but by being called
to be disciples of Jesus, we often must move beyond our own personal wants
and become concerned with the needs of others.
How are the parish goals determined?
Individual parish goals are based on annual Sunday offertory collections.
Each parish is assigned a percentage of the total diocesan goal using the
same percentage as their Sunday offertory collections for the entire diocese.
For example, if a parish's annual Sunday offertory collection represents two
percent (2%) of the total diocesan wide annual Sunday offertory collection,
then their BAA goal will be two percent (2%) of the total diocesan BAA goal.
What is BAA? Why is it important?
The Bishop's Annual Appeal is the vehicle which helps the Bishop and the
Diocese fund programs and services and at the same time allows the faithful
to participate in the ministerial work of the Church.
It is very important, fiscally, to the many programs and ministries who depend
on BAA for more than 56% of their subsidized budgets.
But perhaps more importantly,
it encourages and assists the individual faithful to become a part of the work of
the diocesan Church and share their God given gifts with others who depend on
the work of the Church to participate in their salvation.
Is my contribution to BAA part of my tithe to the church?
Yes. It is generally accepted in most dioceses in the United States, that we
tithe "Sacrificially" to the Church and the poor. Sacrificial Giving is a
comprehensive stewardship process advocated by thousands of parishes throughout
the country, which recognizes God as the Creator and Giver of all things and
encourages the sharing of our time, our talent and our treasure in gratitude to
God for His many gifts in our lives.
Sacrificial Giving asks that we fully tithe 10% of our total household income
to the Church and the poor by committing 5% to our parish each and every week, 1%
to the Bishop's Annual Appeal (BAA) and the remaining 4% for 2nd collections,
other community needs such as help for the homeless or the poor, temporarily
for a Parish capital campaign, or for Catholic School Education.
