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WHAT IS THE BISHOP'S GUILD?
The Bishop's Guild is an organization of Roman Catholic lay persons and other friends dedicated to helping the Bishop of Corpus Christi meet critical needs within the Diocese. The Guild will meet periodically at special functions designed to be both social and spiritual. From its beginning in 1999, the guild has helped form a Catholic Community where members have met other Catholics and become friends.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNMET NEEDS?
Funds have been needed in the diocese in many areas. Previous Bishop's Guild funds have been used for Catholic youth education, parochial school scholarships, education of new priests, the diaconate programs, Catholic Charities, Diocesan Tribunal expenses, aid to immigrants and disaster relief. These functions are important to our community and have been under funded for a number of years. Funds raised during 2000 and 2001 focused on the recruitment and training of priests from other areas and countries, assisting Bishop Carmody in fulfilling his goal of a priest in every parish. In 2002, the guild allowed the Bishop to supplement the expenses of bringing priests to poor and developing parishes and missions. The Guild's continued growth in 2003 will afford the Bishop the opportunity to continue recruiting international priests and placing resident priests in our poorer missions and parishes.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT MY PARISH?
The Bishop's Guild is intended to be additional giving to the Catholic Church, over and above the funds given to your parish and the Bishop's Annual Appeal in past years. It is expected that members will continue to contribute to their parish and the Bishop's Annual Appeal at their same (or increased) historic levels.
HOW WAS I INVITED TO BECOME PART OF THE BISHOP'S GUILD?
Those receiving this invitation were suggested by a steering committee of community leaders, from friends and acquaintances. In no way is anyone to be excluded from membership in the Guild. Anyone in the Diocese of Corpus Christi is eligible to join the Bishop's Guild. Bishop Carmody has requested that all new and old members introduce friends and acquaintances to the guild.
IS A PAYMENT SCHEDULE AVAILABLE?
YES! Contributions may be paid monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. The diocese will send you a reminder periodically so that your gift can be fully paid by calendar year-end. Membership is on an annual calendar year basis.
WHAT ABOUT INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS?
Like all contributions to the Catholic Church, membership in the Bishop's Guild will qualify as a contribution to the Church for income tax purposes.
HOW DO WE JOIN THE BISHOP'S GUILD?
Bishop's Guild members contribute a minimum of $1,000 per year to the guild. There are three categories of membership, depending on one's contribution.
Stewards give $10,000 or more per year.
Apostles are composed of donors giving from $5,000 to $9,999 each year.
Donors giving from $1,000 to $4,999 are members of the Disciples.
You can join by simply sending your check to Bishop's Guild, Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi, Post Office Box 2620, Corpus Christi Texas 78403-2620. If you prefer, you can use your Visa or MasterCard by calling the Development Office at 882-6191 ext. 443 or 460.
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