August 9, 2023
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
I prefer to stay away from communications late in the day, but I thought it was important to send you this message on a late-breaking development here in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
Following months of discernment and consultation, the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation (CSAF) Board of Directors has voted unanimously to dissolve the Foundation as of the end of this year’s campaign and to support the annual Appeal’s return to the Archdiocese as of January 1, 2024. The Archdiocesan Finance Council Corporate Board (AFCCB) this afternoon voted to reintegrate the annual Appeal into the Archdiocesan structure according to the proposed timeline. Believing that this move will be more cost-effective and assist with the alignment of long-term fundraising strategies and communications, I agree with that decision.
The Archdiocese will always be indebted to the CSAF directors and staff who for the past ten years have independently enabled the Church’s work to continue in spite of the uncertainties that accompanied bankruptcy and a transition in leadership.
I encourage you to read the CSAF’s announcement about their belief that this is the right decision at the right time to allow for “greater alignment with the larger mission and vision of the local Church,” and for the consolidation of “resources, talents, and efforts to serve more efficiently and effectively the spiritual and material needs” of the people of the Archdiocese.
The Appeal will conclude its 2023 campaign as part of the CSAF organization. To respect donor intent, funds raised in this year’s Appeal will be allocated according to the general priorities that were set forth by the CSAF in the course of the Appeal. At the beginning of the new calendar year, the Appeal will move to the Archdiocese’s Office of Mission Advancement, led by Jean Houghton. Discussions are underway as to whether any name or branding changes may be needed.
How will this change impact those who have so generously supported the Catholic Services Appeal? I am confident most will not notice any changes in the structure and timing of the Appeal. We will be striving to increase parish support for the Appeal and to increase the number of individual donors. The Appeal is such an important way for the women and men of the Archdiocese to unite in giving and support critical work happening in this local Church. That work includes supporting our hospital chaplains in their outreach to the sick and their families. It means reaching out to the poor, the vulnerable, the immigrant, the imprisoned and the marginalized. It means supporting our young people through campus ministry, and through our vocations programming assisting those who are discerning a call to priesthood or to consecrated life. It means assisting seminarians from our Archdiocese who have given their lives to preparing to serve this local Church. These are works that build up our local Church and truly makes Christ’s presence tangible well beyond our parishes and Catholic schools.
I would ask that you would remember in your prayers the CSAF Board of Directors and its Interim President, Yen Fasano, as they complete this year’s Appeal and prepare for this transition. We need to be grateful to them for their commitment to our Church and her ministries.
Finally, please know of my deep gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to our shared mission. Under Christ’s guidance and protection, we have the power to transform lives, build stronger communities, and bring hope to those in need. Please know of my prayers for you and for all that you do for our Church.
Sincerely in Christ,
Reverendísimo Bernard A. Hebda
Arzobispo de San Pablo y Minneapolis
