As we continue to celebrate the National Eucharistic Revival, we have chosen the theme Go Forth for the Diocese of Gaylord's Catholic Services Appeal. This theme is a powerful reminder that God, in his infinite love, has showered us with graces and he calls us to share those graces with others – so that they too may come to know the profound love of Christ. United as one family, we are given the extraordinary privilege to carry his love into the world, through worship, devotions and the work we do together in our diocese through your support of the Catholic Services Appeal.
Watch How CSA Makes a Difference
FAQs
- What gift payment methods are accepted?
Gifts can be made anytime by credit/debit card (online), Electronic Fund Transfer with bank account (online), or by mailing a check or money order. Other gift types like gifts of securities, employer matching gifts, IRA distributions or gifts from donor-advised funds are also welcomed and appreciated!
To make a matching gift, please check with your employer to see if the diocese qualifies to receive matching gift funds.
To learn more about making a gift through your IRA, donor-advised fund, or stock please click here.
To make a gift over the phone, contact Kelly Lauster at 989-705-3556.
- What type of gifts can I make?
A donation can be made to the CSA 2025 as a one-time gift, recurring gift or pledge. For more information or to make a gift click here.
- How does my gift make a difference?
The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) is a diocesan-wide campaign that supports the mission of the Catholic Church locally, regionally and globally. The CSA covers 64% of the Diocese of Gaylord’s annual operational budget, impacting thousands of families each year. Gifts to the CSA help fulfill our Catholic mission by making the following essential ministries possible: Caring for the Poor and Vulnerable, Diocesan and Parish Support, Clergy and Pastoral Support, Proclaiming the Gospel, and Faith Formation.
Ministries Supported by CSA Financial Breakdown
- How does my gift support National Collections?
While some dioceses hold separate second collections for all National Collections, the Diocese of Gaylord includes most of the National Collections within our Catholic Services Appeal. The list of National Collections supported through CSA, as well as those that are not supported by CSA can be found below.
Collections supported by CSA are: Catholic Home Missions Appeal, Catholic Communications Campaign, Pontifical Good Friday Collection for the Holy Land , The Catholic University of America, Peter’s Pence, Black and Indian Mission Collection, Collection for the Church in Latin America, Collection for Aid to the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, and the Pastoral Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa.
Collections not supported by CSA are: Catholic Campaign for Human Development, Rice Bowl Program (Lent), Catholic Relief Services National Collection (March), World Mission Sunday (October), and Retirement Fund for the Religious (December).
- How is the overall CSA goal for the diocese determined? What about each parish CSA goal?
The overall CSA goal is considered each year by assessing the current needs of the ministries supported by CSA (detailed in the CSA budget). This needs assessment is steered by the bishop, the diocesan Office of Finance, and diocesan Finance Council. After reviewing the mission needs, the bishop approves the CSA goal. This year, the goal covers around 64% of the diocesan ministry needs, with the remaining 36% of budget expenses covered through other diocesan income such as grants, fees, interest, etc. The diocesan 2025 CSA goal is $3.89 million.
Once the overall CSA goal is set, the diocesan Office of Finance then determines CSA goals for each parish. This is calculated by dividing all parishes ordinary income from the previous year by the overall diocesan goal. This percentage is used to calculate each individual parish goal.
- What happens when a parish exceeds its goals?
100% of CSA funds received over your parish’s goal are returned to the parish for local needs and ministries.
- What happens when a parish does not reach its goal?
If a parish is not able to reach their goal through CSA donations, the parish contributes the remainder out of parish funds.
- Who oversees and distributes CSA funds?
Through the diocesan Offices of Development, Finance, and Communications, the bishop oversees the CSA fundraising campaign and distributes CSA funds. Please email development@dioceseofgaylord.org with any questions relating to CSA or any other diocesan fundraising initiatives.”
- Is my gift tax deductible?
Yes, gifts donated to the Diocese of Gaylord's Catholic Services Appeal are tax deductible. The diocese's EIN is 38-1960458.
- Let's Talk Catholic! with Father Scott Lawler
Learn more about how your CSA dollars help fund critical services for the diocese from Relevant Radio Host Fr. Scott Lawler, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi in Lewiston.
