At Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, we are blessed to be part of the Diocese of Venice, a community deeply committed to faith, service, and compassion. One of the most significant ways we can contribute to this mission is through the Catholic Faith Appeal (CFA), an annual fundraising initiative that supports a wide array of vital programs and ministries across our diocese.

 

The CFA is more than just a collection; it is a lifeline that enables our diocese to extend Christ's love and mercy to countless individuals and families. Here are some of the key programs and initiatives supported by the CFA:

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1. Catholic Charities

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Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice provides essential services to those in need, regardless of their religious affiliation. The ever-increasing needs of vulnerable populations are served through 21 sites that offer outreach services focused on food security, housing, anti-human trafficking, behavioral health, immigration, and youth development.  Some of the key services include:

• Emergency Financial Assistance: Helping families and individuals with rent, utilities, and other essential expenses during times of crisis.

• Food Pantries and Meal Programs: Distributing food to the hungry through food pantries and meal programs across the diocese.

• Counseling Services: Offering professional counseling to individuals, couples, and families facing emotional and mental health challenges.

• Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services: Assisting refugees and immigrants with resettlement, legal services, and integration into the community.

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2. Education and Faith Formation

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The CFA supports numerous educational programs that are foundational to our faith community:

• Catholic Schools: In our Catholic schools, families and students experience a superb education infused with Catholic values, teachings, and traditions to prepare students for college and a life of purpose.  Students are educated for excellence, formed in faith, and sent to serve.  Each one of our schools is at capacity and has a waiting list.

• Religious Education: Through our Religious Education Programs, children, youth, and adults are lovingly guided to deepen their knowledge of Our Lord. This may be in preparation to receive a Sacrament or to respond to Christ to be evermore faithful. Our dedicated catechists provide a nurturing environment where participants grow in their understanding of Scripture, Church Teachings, and Tradition. These programs are spiritual milestones that strengthen families, build communities, and deepen lifelong Discipleship.

• The Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) is the official process for welcoming individuals and families into full communion with the Catholic Church. Last year alone, 552 individuals received this opportunity. OCIA is a faith-filled journey of conversion and formation. Participants come from diverse backgrounds and find a new spiritual home in the Catholic Church. Your support helps to provide resources for formation, training of catechists, opportunities for retreats, and programming that reaches those seeking to grow ever closer to Jesus Christ. 

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3. Seminarian, Permanent Deacons, and Religious Sisters Education and Vocations

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Investing in the future of our Church, the CFA funds the education and formation of seminarians preparing for the priesthood, religious sisters, and the permanent diaconate program. This support is crucial in cultivating the next generation of spiritual leaders who will guide and inspire our faith communities. This includes:

• Tuition and Fees: Covering the costs of seminary education.

• Living Expenses: Providing stipends for seminarians to cover housing, food, and other necessities.

• Retreats and Formation Programs: Supporting spiritual and pastoral formation activities.

• For Religious sisters who serve in educational roles, nurturing the intellectual, spiritual, and moral formation of youth.

• A permanent diaconate program with a five-year formation program of prayer and study helps to prepare them for service in the Church.

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4.  Evangelization

 

The Department of Evangelization serves as a vital resource for Parishes by fostering outreach programs across the Diocese. Through endeavors like Theology on Tap for young adults, Totus Tuus summer catechetical program for children and teens, and Diocesan-wide events such as Youth Adoration Nights, the Annual Rosary Congress, and the Annual Youth Rally, the Department helps thousands encounter Christ and grow in Discipleship. These initiatives strengthen Catholic identity, build community, and inspire missionary action among all ages.

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This Department spreads the Gospel by drawing hundreds of participants to initiatives that support personal, parochial, and Diocesan challenges. The most recent Annual Rosary Congress involved parishioners from every Parish within the Diocese of Venice. Blessed with growing involvement of youth within the Diocese, your support empowers this growing teen population to deepen their faith and become strong, committed Catholics. This past year, over 2,000 young adults took part in the Annual Youth Rally.

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How You Can Help

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Your generous contribution to the Catholic Faith Appeal directly impacts these vital programs and more. By participating in the CFA, you are answering Christ’s call to serve others and make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

 

We invite all parishioners of Saint Francis of Assisi Church to prayerfully consider making a donation to this year's Catholic Faith Appeal. Together, we can continue to support these essential ministries and ensure that our diocese remains a beacon of hope, faith, and love.

 

Any surplus from the total donations that exceeds Saint Francis of Assisi's CFA assessment of $244,000 will be returned to us for our own charity work.

 

For more information about this year's Catholic Faith Appeal, you can watch the CFA videos (English or Spanish), and check out the CFA Brochure link and the CFA FAQ linked below.

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CFA Video from Bishop Frank Dewane (English)

CFA Video from Bishop Frank Dewane (Spanish)

CFA Brochure

CFA Frequently Asked Questions

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To donate to CFA ... (ROBERT TO GIVE INSTRUCTIONS)

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Thank you for your continued generosity and support. May God bless you and your family abundantly.​​​​​

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