Gifts to BFA evangelize

Catholics are often accused of being reluctant evangelizers, but that’s not true of the nearly 9,000 families who donate each year to the Bishop’s Faith Appeal.

Their gifts are supporting the evangelization work of the diocese by supporting ministries like the Office of Lifelong Catholic Formation/Education and the Office of Stewardship and Communications. Both those ministries help spread the Gospel message.

Last year more than 1,300 individuals were trained through OLCF/E. “With help and support through donations to the BFA,” said Dr. Lorraine DeLuca, director, “we are able to train hundreds of catechists each year who in turn work in each of the parishes and missions throughout Southeast Texas, teaching our children about their Catholic faith.”

These catechists teach more than 8,000 children and teens every year, preparing them for sacraments of Eucharist, reconciliation and confirmation and teaching them about all facets of their faith.

The ministry also makes classes available to the entire Southeast Texas community through its Catholic Education and Ministry Institute. Class schedules appear in the East Texas Catholic regularly.

The East Texas Catholic newspaper is also a tool of evangelization in reaching throughout the Diocese of Beaumont.

“It is one way in which we can reach as many Catholic households as possible with the hope of after landing in people’s mailboxes something in the issue will touch their heart or their soul,” said Karen Gilman, ETC editor.

The ETC currently has more than 24,000 subscribers and the staff would like to reach even more.  Parishioners’ subscriptions are paid for through gifts to the Bishop’s Faith Appeal.

“Families can add on their children away at college to help them keep in touch with what’s going on at home,” Gilman said.

“Our website is also another evangelization tool available to everyone.  We have lots of information posted about our faith including some frequently asked questions about Catholicism and Mass schedules,” she said.

Other ministries helped through BFA include Campus Ministry, Family Life and Youth. The annual Bishop’s Faith Appeal brings in the necessary funds to help support 18 diocesan ministries and Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas.

Those who were not at Mass during the BFA commitment weekend or have not yet pledged or donated to BFA, can use the coupon below.

“Know that every gift does affect and help others throughout your community. And even though you may be a little timid about evangelizing yourself, you are doing that very thing when you support the work of our ministries, said Gilman.