DDD thanks contributors at annual appreciation reception
SALT LAKE CITY — For the first time in four years, the Diocesan Development Drive has surpassed its pledge goal. This good news was shared at a reception held Jan. 12 to thank those who volunteer to serve as coordinators of their parish DDD.
Funds from the DDD support more than 30 programs and ministries of the diocese and outreach and services to parishes, missions and the needy throughout the Diocese of Salt Lake City. For example, the DDD contributes to the diocesan seminarians, support for rural missions and assistance to the most vulnerable people.
At the gathering at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, Father John Norman, pastor, gave the invocation. He prayed, in part, that God would “fill our minds with [Jesus’] truth, and our hearts with his love, and in his Spirit may we be bonded together in a community of faith, a diocesan family, a caring people. In the name and Spirit of Jesus, we commit ourselves to be good stewards of the gifts entrusted to us; to share our time, our talent and our material and spiritual gifts as an outward sign of the treasure we hold in Jesus.”
The reception was a celebration of “the coming together to share our time, our talent, our material and spiritual treasures,” said Karin Hurley, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
The 2019 DDD campaign “showed continual improvement, and that is because of your dedication, your commitment to what it means to be kingdom builders,” she told those present. “This is happening because people like you understand what it means to share your time, to share your talent, to share your spiritual treasures with your parish and beyond parish boundaries.”
The diocese has a redemption rate of 97 cents for each dollar pledged, Hurley said, far exceeding the national average for nonprofits, which is about 67 cents on the dollar.
“But we are a church, and people have a greater sense of responsibility for fulfillment of the mission,” Hurley explained later in an interview.
At the reception, the 2020 theme was unveiled: “Abound in Hope.”
Hurley said the theme was inspired by Msgr. J. Terrence Fitzgerald, who told her, “I think in these days, where it’s a little bleak, a little dark in our society in America, we need a message of hope, we need to be reminded of what it means to be followers of Jesus,” she explained.
Giving the closing comments, Bishop Oscar A. Solis applauded those present for bringing about the progress the diocese has achieved with the DDD.
“It has been a constant struggle for the past 10 years and with your contribution and your generous support, we’re making a difference now,” he said.
The bishop also encouraged those present to continue their “wonderful spirit of generosity, of openness and abounding hope” so that with collaborative efforts, “we will make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters, especially those in poor communities and parishes that cannot afford to provide the necessary ministries … in order to establish vibrant worshiping communities, and to develop and form missionary disciples who are filled with great enthusiasm and joy.”
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