Would that my parish when it falls short of it annual envelope and offertory income could pass on to another the satisfaction of its shortfall as does the diocese to its parishes when they fail to make their Annual Diocesan Appeal goals.
The Annual Diocesan Appeal as is, is but a tax prescribed to the parishes of the diocese and as most tax systems it is in need of reform. The need of the people of a diocese as good stewards to fund their diocesan church is clear. The good that the ministry of the diocese provides for its parishes and institutions is equally clear. The need for its funding process to be one of the real world with all the consequences of real funding ebbs and flows is also clear.
Fr. John D. Spiegel
St. Mary Parish, Iowa City
