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Survey shows Pope Francis has influenced giving by U.S. Catholics
While any increase in church attendance prompted by the pope’s appeal isn’t quite yet measurable, a new survey shows Pope Francis has made an impact on Catholic giving in the year since his papacy began.
The research by Foundations and Donors Interested in Catholic Activities, found that of more than 1,000 Catholics polled, one in four have increased their giving from last year, according to Catholic News Service. Of those who did, 77 percent said Pope Francis inspired their giving to some degree. Forty-two percent said his influence on their decision was “significant.”
“It is clear that Pope Francis and his message of mercy and joy, and a special concern for the poor, are inspiring U.S. Catholics in their giving,” Alexia Kelley, president of FADICA.
About $9 billion is donated annually to offertory, diocesan appeals and national collections, according to CARA, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate at Georgetown University, with $6.6 billion given to parish offertory collections.
Information from Catholic News Service and FADICA
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*A portion of the Leadership Gifts Phase total raised is shared with parishes, therefore the overall total is less than the sum of the individual phases.
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Individual parishes were offered the opportunity to set a challenge goal over and above their FFHL goal. In addition, parishes receive a benefit from surpassing their regular FFHL goal. All dollars raised are included in these totals.
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* Retired, but pastor when campaign was conducted.
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Fr. Eric Kowalski at Our Lady of Grace in Greensboro shared the details of Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love with parishioners during a special reception. Parishioners were glad to learn this initiative provides support to Seminarian Education and are excited to use the parish share to retire the debt on the new parish life center.
The response to Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love at Holy Spirit in Denver has been extremely positive. Fr. Carmen Malacariand the Ambassadors have raised more than 98% of the $740,000 parish goal. Families at the parish look forward to building a new church that will provide additional space for the growing faith community.
Families at St. Therese in Mooresville are excited to participate in this special stewardship opportunity. Fr. Vince Curtin and the team of Ambassadors continue to meet with families who look forward to seeing the needs of the greater Church addressed through this initiative.
Our Lady of Guadalupe in Charlotte hosted a successful public announcement; Fr. Vincent Finnerty officially launched the public phase of the campaign and provided information to more than 1,200 families. Parish families are inspired to participate in this campaign to help build a new church.
The volunteers at St. Leo the Great have been sharing the initiative with fellow parishioners in Winston-Salem and received gifts totaling $91,300 this week. Parishioners are motivated by the ministries supported through this effort, including Priest Retirement and Catholic Education. They are also excited about the new piazza they will build with the local share.
Parishioners at St. Mark joined Fr. Roger Arnsparger to hear how Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love will strengthen the Catholic community in Huntersville. Families were happy to hear about additional support given to the priest retirement fund and Catholic education as well capital improvements to the St. Mark campus. St. Mark has raised more than $500,000 from just fifteen families.
