FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 What is the Annual Catholic Appeal?
The Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA), formerly known as the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF), is the annual fundraising campaign which supports many of the educational, spiritual, and service ministries of the Diocese of Toledo. Every Catholic family or individual is asked for their financial and prayerful support.

Why should I contribute?
It is a deeply rooted precept of the Bible and of Christian Faith that each of us has a responsibility to contribute materially in support of the faith community. “Tithing” is a biblical practice. For Catholics, the Church embraces not just their own parish, but also their diocese and the universal Church. The Bible also speaks of stewardship, that is, the obligation to be generous with what we have received from God, who is the true owner.

How does my parish benefit?
Parishes benefit chiefly by those things that parishes cannot supply or effectively achieve for themselves or by themselves. A prime example is the recruitment and formation of priests and deacons, and also their ongoing training after ordination.

In the area of education, schools and religious instruction are conducted at the parish level, but a significant amount of educational and administrative support is provided by the diocese, ranging from teacher certification to lesson planning and resources.

The same can be said of parish administration in general. The diocese provides the assistance that parishes often need in dealing with legal, personnel and financial issues.

Many of the events that parishes participate in are diocesan-based, whether it is an annual diocesan Mass honoring the disabled or the rituals to welcome new Catholics into the Church

Of great importance is Catholic Charities. Someone in your parish may have recently adopted a child. Catholic Charities uses ACA funds to continue adoption programs and trainings.  ACA funded Catholic Charities was also instrumental in obtaining and coordinating help for flood victims in our diocese.

Is there a minimum I need to donate?
There is no minimum. The goal is for everyone to contribute as generously as they can, in accordance with what God has given to them.

Has ACA been used to pay legal bills involving clergy sexual abuse cases?
No, the ACA is not for this purpose. Legal fees have been paid from diocesan insurance funds.

The following list includes some of the ministries, programs and offices funded by contributions to the Annual Catholic Appeal.