ProceduralGuide 2021.inddTABLE OF CONTENTS Important Appeal Information…………………………………………………. Calendar of Events……………………………………………………………….. 2
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5 Weekly Parish Responsibilities…………………………………………………… 6-12 Lay Appeal Chairperson’s Kick-Off Weekend Talking Points…………………… 13-15 Pastor’s Announcement Weekend Talking Points…………………………………16-19 Pastor’s In-Pew Presentation Script……………………………………………….. 20-23 Bulletin Announcements……………………………………………………………24-27 Appeal Speakers List to Assist Parishes……………………………………………28-29 Clip Art……………………………………………………………………………...Back Cover
You may view this guide on-line at
rcdop.org/development-resources
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INFORMATION
New for 2021!!
A DMA video from Bishop Sweeney will be available to show at all Masses during the October 30-31 In-Pew Weekend.
While the audio-homily will still be an option this year, we hope you will show the DMA video instead. It will be a good opportunity for your parishioners to see and
hear from Bishop Sweeney and to visually highlight the work of the DMA.
DMA Meeting with Pastors and Lay Appeal Chairpeople
The DMA meeting with Bishop Sweeney will be held on the following date and location in October:
Thursday, October 21st at 7 PM at St. Paul Inside the Walls, Madison
While this meeting is taking place in October, please follow the DMA schedule in this guide, starting with the Lay Appeal Chairperson’s Kick-Off Weekend talk on September 25-26.
Virtual In-Pew Letter
There is going to be a "Virtual In-Pew" request letter mailed from Bishop Sweeney to donors the Monday following the regular In-Pew Weekend in parishes.
This letter will be mailed on Monday, November 1st.
This letter was successful last year and so it is being continued as a supplement to your
In-Pew Weekend efforts.
Date Activity Friday September 24
Personalized letters from Bishop Sweeney are mailed to donors and new families in the Diocese.
Saturday & Sunday September 25-26
Saturday & Sunday October 23-24
Announcement Weekend Pastor gives a homily on behalf of the Appeal. Appeal newsletters are included in parish bulletins.
Saturday & Sunday October 30-31
In-Pew Commitment Weekend Pastor plays Bishop Sweeney’s DMA video (new for 2021!) or his audio homily at all Masses and leads In-Pew process. Chairperson organizes volunteers to oversee In-Pew process at all Masses.
Monday November 1
Personalized letter from Bishop Sweeney encouraging parishioners to make “In-Pew” gift is mailed to donors/new families.
Friday December 10
Personalized letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed to all donors/new families who have yet to respond.
Wednesday January 12, 2022
Personalized letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed to all donors/new families who have yet to respond.
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THE ROLE OF THE PASTOR The pastor publicly endorses the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, informs the parish community about the ministries and programs funded by the Appeal and encourages parishioners to contribute. The pastor works with the Appeal Chairperson and the Development Office to ensure a successful Appeal process. The pastor: • recruits an effective Lay Appeal Chairperson. • meets with the Chairperson to review the parish plan and decide on who to solicit as
volunteers to assist with the In-Pew process in October. • meets with the parish secretary to review plans for bulletin announcements and
distribution of Appeal materials throughout the following months. • briefs celebrants on activities of Kickoff, Announcement and In-Pew Commitment
Weekends. • delivers a homily about the Appeal at all Masses on Announcement Weekend,
October 23-24. • introduces and plays the Bishop’s DMA video (preferred) or audio homily at all Masses
on In-Pew Commitment Weekend (October 30-31) and directs the process of completing the In-Pew pledge envelopes (script provided in this manual begins on page 20).
• updates parishioners regularly about the parish results and progress toward achieving the
parish goal.
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THE ROLE OF THE LAY APPEAL CHAIRPERSON An effective Lay Appeal Chairperson will work closely with the pastor to promote the Appeal by doing the following: • giving a 3-5 minute talk about the Appeal on Kick-Off Weekend (September 25-26),
reviewing the plan with the pastor and deciding on who to recruit as In-Pew volunteers in October.
• assuring that all additional In-Pew volunteers are recruited as needed. • making certain that those who volunteer to work on the Appeal know how to do their
assigned tasks. • assuring that the parish has sufficient Appeal materials: i.e., In-Pew Commitment
envelopes, pencils, etc. prior to their distribution. • working with the pastor or parish secretary to review and edit all bulletin announcements,
pulpit announcements and making sure that they are used on a timely basis. • overseeing preparations for and implementation of Announcement and In-Pew
Commitment Weekend activities. Particular attention should be paid to assuring that the In-Pew process is accomplished in a thorough and efficient manner.
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“TO DO” CHECK LIST
The success of the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal depends on the effort put into an effective In-Pew process. Please be sure that the following is accomplished ahead of time: Study the In-Pew process carefully and conduct it as described in this guide. The steps
that are outlined are all necessary. Prepare for the implementation of Kick-Off, Announcement and In-Pew Commitment
weekend activities. Particular attention should be paid to assuring that the In-Pew process is accomplished in a thorough and efficient manner.
Assure that the pencils are inserted in all In-Pew envelopes during the week before
Commitment Weekend. This may seem like a minor point but it is very important. Recruit and train those who will distribute In-Pew pledge envelopes, with pencils inserted,
at each Mass. (Consider recruiting confirmation candidates, Knights of Columbus, or ushers to distribute and pick-up pledge envelopes.) If these are not going to be hand- distributed, then distribute sufficient pledge envelopes and pencils in the pews, or pew pockets, at each Mass on Commitment Weekend. Do not put them only at the end of the pews where they are difficult to reach for many parishioners.
Assure that the Lay Appeal Chairperson or another assigned In-Pew coordinator attends
every Mass on Commitment Weekend. Supervise the distribution and collection of pledge envelopes at each Mass on In-Pew
Commitment Weekend. If the pledge envelopes and pencils are not hand-distributed during each Mass, pews must be checked and stocked with materials after each Mass on In-Pew Commitment Weekend. Make certain that each pew pocket has several pledge envelopes with pencils already inserted.
Forward -UNOPENED- all In-Pew pledge envelopes to the Development Office at the
Diocesan Center. THEY MUST BE RETURNED UNOPENED on MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1st . DO NOT DELAY THIS MAILING OF ENVELOPES. PLEASE MAIL THEM BACK ON NOVEMBER 1st.
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Week of September 20, 2021
A letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed to active and past supporters and newly registered families on Friday, September 24th . Posters are to be displayed prominently in Church prior to the weekend.
Weekend of September 25-26 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend:
1) Hang Appeal posters in Church and other prominent locations prior to the weekend Masses. Please display them throughout the Appeal.
2) Lay Appeal Chairperson delivers a pulpit presentation regarding the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
3) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary or assigned individual places Appeal posters in Church and other areas before weekend Masses and takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 24. Lay Appeal Chairperson speaks about the importance of participating in the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Sample talking points to assist in the presentation begin on page 13. Be sure to stress the importance of responding to the Bishop’s letter if they received one.
Week of September 27, 2021 Weekend of October 2-3 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend:
1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 24.
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Week of October 4, 2021 Weekend of October 9-10 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 25.
Week of October 11, 2021
Weekend of October 16-17 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 25.
Week of October 18, 2021
PASTORS’ ANNOUNCEMENT WEEKEND Weekend of October 23-24 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Pastor delivers homily at all weekend Masses promoting the Appeal. 2) Appeal Newsletters are inserted in bulletins. Preparation: Pastor views Bishop Sweeney’s DMA video or listens to the Bishop’s audio homily prior to preparing his homily which will focus on the Appeal and encourage support. Be sure to reference this weekend’s Appeal Newsletter and next weekend’s In-Pew solicitation in the presentation. Talking points begin on page 16. Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal Newsletter in the parish bulletin. NOTE: This newsletter will be sent to you prior to this weekend.
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Week of October 25, 2021
IN-PEW COMMITMENT WEEKEND Weekend of October 30-31 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend:
1) In-Pew commitment envelopes with pencils included are distributed at all Masses. 2) The Bishop’s DMA video or audio homily is played at all Masses. 3) The pastor methodically walks the parishioners through the completion of the
commitment envelope. To assure maximum participation and limit the time taken, please closely follow the in-pew script beginning on page 20.
4) Volunteers are recruited to distribute and collect pledge envelopes. 5) Envelopes are collected immediately after they are completed and mailed UNOPENED
to the Diocese on Monday, November 1st. Please make sure they are UNOPENED. Preparation:
1) If playing the Bishop’s DMA video (preferred method) The pastor arranges for the placement of a projector and screen that allows for optimum
viewing by parishioners in the pews. The video format will be provided to pastors ahead of time.
In preparation for the In-Pew Weekend, the pastor reviews the video in full ahead of time to make sure it can be seen and heard well in the Church on October 30-31.
2) If playing the Bishop’s audio-homily The pastor makes sure a CD player is set up and working to play the Bishop’s audio
homily. Alternatively, an MP3 format will be available to upload from your smartphone if that is
more convenient. Be sure to set this up prior to the weekend Masses and check the volume level so it is
heard clearly. Pencils (each parish will receive) are to be put inside each In-Pew envelope before distribution. Lay Appeal Chair oversees volunteers to distribute and collect envelopes at the appropriate time during the pastor’s talk. (In-Pew Commitment Weekend Info continues on the next page)
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Pastor walks the parishioners through the completion of the In-Pew envelope after the Bishop’s video or audio homily, taking the time needed to go through each part to be filled out on the envelope. A sample script can be found on page 20. This should take less than 5 minutes. This is extremely important.
A WORD ABOUT IN-PEW COMMITMENT WEEKEND…
As has been stated previously, an effective In-Pew Commitment Weekend is absolutely critical to the success of the Appeal. If it is not done according to the outlined plan, it is unlikely that your parish will reach its goal. This will impact the work we do as a Church for the tens of thousands of people who look to us for urgent assistance each year. Pastors and Lay Appeal Chairpeople (and other volunteers, if necessary) must take the time to go through the logistics of the weekend ahead of time to make sure it goes smoothly.
Be sure to recruit volunteers prior to each Mass for distributing and collecting envelopes. This is important to keep the process organized, moving and brief.
• Consider In-Pew volunteers from different sources, such as junior high students, Knights
of Columbus, confirmation candidates, your regular ushers. You want individuals who are positive and friendly, not people who appear dour and unhelpful.
• Volunteers should know where to get the collection baskets and envelopes with the
pencils included prior to each Mass, where to stand and when to begin distributing envelopes based on the pastor’s words.
• Handing out the envelopes with the pencils included to the heads of the households will
maximize your results. This method has proven effective in the countless parishes across the country that have participated in this process. It is strongly encouraged that your parish conduct it in this fashion. However, if you must do otherwise, please make sure that volunteers are available prior to each Mass to replenish pledge envelopes with the pencils in the pew racks after each Mass. Each head of the household needs to have access to the materials so they can follow along with the pastor in completing the envelope. This is critical.
See “Another Distribution Option To Consider” on the next page
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Another Distribution Option to Consider…
Instead of asking parishioners to raise their hands and having volunteers distribute the In- Pew envelopes during the homily, or putting them in the pews ahead of time, another option is to have ushers hand out the In-Pew envelopes (with pencils inside) to adult heads of households as they enter the Church prior to each Mass. This is a simple and efficient way to make sure everyone has an envelope and can participate. Note: If ushers are to distribute the envelopes in this way, and some parishioners say that they have already given, instruct your ushers to simply ask them to take the envelope anyway and check off the box indicating that they have already made a gift.
Week of November 1, 2021
A letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed on Monday, November 1 Weekend of November 6-7 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 25.
Week of November 8, 2021
Weekend of November 13-14 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 26.
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Week of November 15, 2021
Weekend of November 20-21 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 26.
Week of November 29, 2021
Weekend of December 4-5 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish Bulletin. This announcement is found on page 26.
Week of December 6, 2021
A letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed on Friday, December 10 to active and past supporters and to newly registered families who have yet to respond.
Weekend of December 11-12 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend: 1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish Bulletin. This announcement is found on page 27.
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Week of January 10, 2022
A letter from Bishop Sweeney is mailed on Wednesday, January 12, 2022
to active and past supporters and to newly registered families who have yet to respond.
Weekend of January 15-16 The following needs to be accomplished this weekend:
1) Prepare bulletin announcement. Preparation: Parish Secretary takes responsibility for placing the Appeal announcement in the parish bulletin. This announcement is found on page 27.
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LAY APPEAL CHAIRPERSON’S TALKING POINTS KICK-OFF WEEKEND
September 25-26 The Lay Appeal Chairperson, or another person designated by the pastor, is to speak at each Mass on the weekend of September 25-26. Please make sure that these comments are between 4 and 5 minutes. The Chairperson begins by thanking all of those who made a gift to last year’s Appeal. The Diocesan Ministries Appeal that begins now (please note that it was formally called the Bishop’s Annual Appeal) is being conducted to provide day-to-day funding for ministries such as (please choose a few ministries and services that people in your parish will recognize and support) and talk a little about them. Please review the following bullet points which you may want to incorporate into your talk: The Diocesan Ministries Appeal funds the following: Our Catholic Charities agencies The largest percentage of Appeal funds supports our diocesan Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities has been in the forefront of addressing emergency COVID needs. The Diocesan Ministries Appeal helps make the following programs and services possible: For those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic:
Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling For people living in poverty:
Food pantries throughout our three counties. Pre-COVID, 5,000 to 7,000 people were assisted monthly. During the 2020 Christmas season, nearly 27,000 people were being helped. They are now seeing about 20,000 people come in each month as those in need continue to deal with the lingering impact of the coronavirus
Emergency housing and homelessness prevention For youth at risk:
After-school mentoring and counseling programs Food backpack programs Family Success Center
Early Childhood Education and Developmental Intervention 5 Pre-school education programs
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Support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays Support for children, from birth to 21 years of age, with special health care needs
Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Groups homes throughout Diocese Employment Training Programs Saturday recreational program Support coordination – Case Management for over 200 families in Sussex County
People with HIV/AIDS: Supportive housing, social work, counseling and transportation
Senior citizen support: Delivering bi-weekly groceries to seniors, especially important during the ongoing
COVID situation Social day programs Meals on Wheels In-Home support for chores and minor home repairs
Giving Back to Veterans: Outreach, advocacy, social work, temporary housing support, clothing and food
Drug and Alcohol Treatment: In-patient drug and alcohol detoxification Halfway house for men Residential addiction treatment for pregnant women Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center Telehealth services Medication Assisted Therapy Monsignor Mark Giordani Center for Rehabilitation Support for mothers of young children struggling with addiction The Appeal provided over $319,000 directly to Straight and Narrow to assist in their
rebuilding efforts after the massive fire in August of 2019
Religious Education and Pastoral Ministries for clients and family members served through Catholic Charities
Seminarian Education, Priests’ Healthcare Needs and our Priests’ Retirement Residence The Diocesan Ministries Appeal helps fund seminarian education. This is a great blessing because the annual cost of seminarian education continues to be significant. The DMA also supports priests’ extraordinary healthcare needs as well as Nazareth Village, our diocesan
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priests’ retirement residence in Chester. The Appeal helps those preparing for a lifetime of service to the Church and those who have faithfully served our Diocese for decades. School Support We are extremely fortunate here in the Paterson Diocese to have the continued support of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal for inner-city Catholic education. This support helped last year during the pandemic as hybrid learning options were put in place. A new school year begins with students attending school as they have traditionally while always keeping in mind their health, safety and well-being. Parish Rebates Half of the amount received over our parish goal is returned to our parish for our own needs. Not only does the Appeal support many worthwhile ministries throughout the diocese, it will also help our own parish if we reach and exceed our goal. Over $900,000 was returned to parishes from last year’s Appeal – and over $3.65 million in five years. It is helpful to state that the funds raised through the Diocesan Ministries Appeal are used only for the goals stated in your talk. They are used for no other purpose and are certainly never forwarded to any other local diocese or archdiocese. The funds raised in the Paterson Diocese stay in the Paterson Diocese.
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PASTOR’S TALKING POINTS ANNOUNCEMENT WEEKEND
October 23-24, 2021 The focus of Announcement Weekend is to provide information about the use of Diocesan
Ministries Appeal funds and to advise parishioners that they will be asked to make a pledge the
following week during the In-Pew process. Each parish is to include the Announcement
Weekend Newsletter in their bulletins this weekend for distribution after all Masses. Pastors
should prepare their homilies to be delivered at each Mass.
The homily should be about five minutes long. If the Appeal supports diocesan ministries that
touch your own parish or provide services near your parish, please be sure to mention these in
the homily.
Thoughts for consideration as pastors prepare their Announcement Weekend homilies.
• Today’s Gospel tells of Bartimaeus, a blind man who cried out to the Lord and asked for
Jesus’ help to restore his sight. Jesus did just that, telling him that his faith had saved
him. Here in our Diocese – thousands are in need of help and look to the Church to
provide love, compassion and assistance. Through our Diocesan Ministries Appeal
(formerly known as the Bishop’s Annual Appeal) we all have an opportunity to turn our
own faith in to action for people in great need and directly change lives for the better.
For example: (please review the funded ministries and services cited on the following
pages and select those items to mention that will especially resonate with the people of
your parish.)
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The Diocesan Ministries Appeal funds the following: Our Catholic Charities agencies The largest percentage of Appeal funds supports our diocesan Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities has been in the forefront of addressing emergency COVID needs. The Diocesan Ministries Appeal helps make the following programs and services possible: For those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic:
Hope and Healing Crisis Counseling For people living in poverty:
Food pantries throughout our three counties. Pre-COVID, 5,000 to 7,000 people were assisted monthly. During the 2020 Christmas season, nearly 27,000 people were being helped at our food pantries. They are now seeing about 20,000 people come in each month as those in need continue to deal with the lingering impact of the coronavirus
Emergency housing and homelessness prevention For youth at risk:
After-school mentoring and counseling programs Food backpack programs Family Success Center
Early Childhood Education and Developmental Intervention 5 Pre-school education programs Support for infants and toddlers with developmental delays Support for children, from birth to 21 years of age, with special health care needs
Adults with Developmental Disabilities: Groups homes throughout Diocese Employment Training Programs Saturday recreational program Support coordination – Case Management for over 200 families in Sussex County
People with HIV/AIDS: Supportive housing, social work, counseling and transportation
Senior citizen support: Delivering bi-weekly groceries to seniors, especially important during the ongoing
COVID situation Social day programs Meals on Wheels In-Home support for chores and minor home repairs
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Giving Back to Veterans: Outreach, advocacy, social work, temporary housing support, clothing and food
Drug and Alcohol Treatment: In-patient drug and alcohol detoxification Halfway house for men Residential addiction treatment for pregnant women Intoxicated Drivers Resource Center Telehealth services Medication Assisted Therapy Monsignor Mark Giordani Center for Rehabilitation Support for mothers of young children struggling with addiction The Appeal provided over $319,000 directly to Straight and Narrow to assist in their
rebuilding efforts after the massive fire in August of 2019
Religious Education and Pastoral Ministries for clients and family members served through Catholic Charities
Seminarian Education, Priests’ Healthcare Needs and our Priests’ Retirement Residence The Diocesan Ministries Appeal helps fund seminarian education. This is a great blessing because the annual cost of seminarian education continues to be significant. The DMA also supports priests’ extraordinary healthcare needs as well as Nazareth Village, our diocesan priests’ retirement residence in Chester. The Appeal helps those preparing for a lifetime of service to the Church and those who have faithfully served our Diocese for decades. School Support We are extremely fortunate here in the Paterson Diocese to have the continued support of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal for inner-city Catholic education. This support helped last year during the pandemic as hybrid learning options were put in place. A new school year begins with students attending school as they have traditionally while always keeping in mind their health, safety and well-being. Parish Rebates Half of the amount received over our parish goal is returned to our parish for our own needs. Not only does the Appeal support many worthwhile ministries throughout the diocese, it will also help our own parish if we reach and exceed our goal. Over $900,000 was returned to parishes from last year’s Appeal – and over $3.65 million in five years.
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It is helpful to state that the funds raised through the Diocesan Ministries Appeal are used only for the goals stated in your talk. They are used for no other purpose and are certainly never forwarded to any other local diocese or archdiocese. The funds raised in the Paterson Diocese stay in the Paterson Diocese. • The Diocesan Ministries Appeal is not just another special collection. Rather, it is the time each year that all Catholics are asked to make a significant pledge, payable in installments, to help our Diocese meet the spiritual, educational and temporal needs of many. • Inform people that next week at all Masses, parishioners who have not yet contributed will have the opportunity to make a commitment using a pledge envelope that will be provided during Mass. • Ask them to read the Diocesan Ministries Appeal newsletter that they will receive along with today’s bulletin. Prayerfully reflect on the generosity of God in their lives and decide upon a suitable gift that reflects their gratitude.
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PASTOR’S IN-PEW COMMITMENT WEEKEND PRESENTATION SCRIPT OCTOBER 30-31
A WORD ABOUT THE SCRIPT… While it is extremely important to go through each step in completing the pledge envelope, it is equally important to present it in a natural, conversational tone. “Reading” the script is different than using the script as part of a conversation. You will find that by injecting your own personality and words into the In-Pew Weekend presentation, you will be able to communicate more effectively with the parishioners which will, in turn, make the task much easier for you and for those completing the pledge information in the pews. Pastor begins the Commitment Weekend In-Pew process immediately after the Bishop’s video or audio homily ends. Today we are conducting the In-Pew portion of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal that asks parishioners to make a financial commitment to support the pastoral work of the Diocese of Paterson. As your pastor, I thank all of you who have responded to a recent mailing from Bishop Sweeney. I can assure you that the funds you gave are deeply appreciated by the people served by diocesan ministries. The pledges made to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal are used to support the work of our Catholic Charities agencies, seminarian education, inner-city area education and priests’ extraordinary healthcare needs as well as Nazareth Village, our priests’ retirement residence. Funds given to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal stay in the Paterson Diocese. They are not used for any other purpose. They are not given to any other diocese, Archdiocese or any causes outside our own diocese. At this time, I ask one member of each household to raise your hand so that we can give you a pledge envelope and a pencil. Please take an In-Pew envelope even if you have already given in the mail or cannot give at this time. You can indicate either of those choices on the envelope. When you get the envelope, please look at the monthly pledge payment amounts that are listed and consider giving a monthly pledge if you are able.
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(Pause and make sure that everyone has received a pledge envelope and pencil.) I ask for your patience as I guide you through the process. This is important in order to minimize the time that this takes. I know that this is pretty self-explanatory, but going through it line-by-line helps complete the process in a few minutes, so please bear with me. Now, there should be a pencil in the pledge envelope. Please print your first and last name on the top line, and your spouse’s first name, if applicable. (Pause and wait until about half of those participating are looking back at you.) On the second line, please print your address including any unit or apartment number. On the third line, please print your city, state and zip code. (Pause as above.) Also, on the third line, please print your telephone number. Like I said – pretty self-explanatory. Your support during this weekend has a huge impact on the people our Church serves, so I appreciate you taking this time now to help your brothers and sisters in need. On the next line, indicate the name of our parish so that we will receive credit for your gift. This is very important. If you are a visitor and are a member of another parish in the Diocese, you may indicate that parish and it will receive credit for your gift. (Pause as above.) If you have already made a pledge to the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal by mail or on-line, check the box on the bottom left that indicates this. Stress the following point: “If you check this box, please do not indicate any additional financial information on the rest of the form. We do not want to double count your pledge. This is very important! If you are unable to participate at this time, please check that box now.
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I ask everyone else to look at the gift boxes on the right of the envelope and check the amount that you wish to give. If you want to make a pledge over several months, the Diocese will send you reminders. You may pay over five months or less if you wish. In the event that you wish to contribute an amount other than the ones indicated, please check the “Other” box and indicate the full amount of your pledge on the blank line. (Pause as above.) Now, on the lines provided on the lower right-hand side of the pledge envelope, please indicate the total pledge amount on the first line. If you are making a down payment, write the amount of the check you are enclosing where indicated and then put down the balance to be paid where indicated. There is no need to provide a down payment today. If you want to pay your entire gift at once, you can do so when you receive your first pledge billing. You can also indicate a credit or debit card payment on the first billing. (Pause 5 seconds.) Because many parishioners make a credit card gift during this Commitment Weekend, I want to give you another moment to complete the credit card information on the envelope. Please note that you can make a one-time gift, or check the box that will allow you to be billed in five installments. So that your account is properly credited, please be sure to indicate whether you want this credit card gift to be paid at one time or over several months by checking one of the boxes on the envelope. This is very important so that your credit card is charged properly. You can also wait until you receive your first reminder to list your credit card information if you do not complete it today. (Pause 15 seconds) Please be sure to tear off the pledge form, place it in the envelope, and seal it. DO NOT put the pencil inside the envelope. Drop it in the collection basket along with your completed pledge envelope. The ushers will now collect your pledge envelopes and pencils. On behalf of Bishop Sweeney and myself, I thank you for your contribution to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. May God bless you.
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INTERNAL FOR PARISH: The Monday after Commitment Weekend (November 1), all completed In-Pew envelopes are to be returned UNOPENED to: DIOCESE OF PATERSON DIOCESAN MINISTRIES APPEAL 777 VALLEY ROAD CLIFTON, NJ 07013
DO NOT HOLD ON TO THE DMA RESPONSES. PLEASE RETURN THEM ON MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1st.
THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST
SO THAT ALL GIFTS CAN BE RECORDED PRIOR TO THE NEXT DMA REQUEST MAILING.
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BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENTS Weekend of September 25-26 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine”
The 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal (formerly called the ‘Bishop’s Annual Appeal’) is officially kicking-off this weekend. The theme of this year’s Appeal is “Let Your Light Shine”. After so much hardship experienced by many because of the pandemic, it appears that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Our 2021 Appeal theme reminds us that we all have a role to play in diminishing the darkness by being beacons of hope for all in need. Please support our Diocesan Ministries Appeal that helps so many of our brothers and sisters in our Diocese. The Diocesan Ministries Appeal supports the important work of our Catholic Charities, priests’ extraordinary healthcare needs as well as Nazareth Village, our diocesan priests’ retirement residence, Catholic inner-city elementary education and seminarian formation. Tens of thousands of people are helped each year because of your generous support. You can give with confidence, knowing that funds from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal are used solely for the causes described in the campaign materials. They are used for no other purpose. For your convenience, you can support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal by making an on-line gift. Simply go to www.2021appeal.org and follow the user-friendly instructions.
Weekend of October 2-3 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” In addition to considering a one-time gift or a pledge payable over five months to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, parishioners have the option of making a continuous monthly gift where your gift will repeat each month and continue from year-to-year. This is a wonderful way to continue your support year-round. You are also able to easily adjust or discontinue this monthly gift option any time you choose. For more information, please call the diocesan Development Office at 973-777-8818, ext. 218. However you chose to make your gift to the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal, know that your generosity is a blessing to the people we serve. May God bless you for your support! You can support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal by making an on-line gift. Simply go to www.2021appeal.org and follow the user-friendly instructions.
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Weekend of October 9-10 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” With the help of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, our Catholic Charities programs provide a wide range of services for people who face extraordinary difficulties. These include: food pantries which have become especially vital during the pandemic, after-school mentoring and counseling programs for at-risk youth, Meals on Wheels for our senior population, group homes for adults with developmental disabilities, drug and alcohol treatment for those in need and outreach and assistance to veterans, just to name a few ministries. Your support of the Diocesan Ministries Appeal can be a spark that helps brighten the lives of so many people. Please be as generous as possible to your brothers and sisters in great need! For your convenience, you can make an online gift or pledge at www.2021appeal.org Weekend of October 16-17 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” The Diocesan Ministries is a genuine lifeline to many people and that is why every gift matters! Your support helps bring to life the work of our Catholic Charities agencies each year. It also supports seminarian education, our diocesan priests’ residence, extraordinary healthcare needs of our priests and urban elementary education. In addition, parishes receive half of all funds received over their parish goals, with over $900,000 returned last year to parishes – and over $3.65 million in five years! Please help people in need and our own parish by making a gift today! For your convenience, you can make an online gift or pledge at www.2021appeal.org. Weekend of November 6-7 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” With the help of funding from the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, Nazareth Village has been a home over the years for a number of our retired priests. Perhaps a priest who lovingly served your own parish now calls Nazareth Village home. The Appeal also helps in providing financial support for the extraordinary healthcare needs of our priests. Your gift to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal is a concrete way to recognize the wonderful pastoral work of those priests who have dedicated many years of faithful service to you, your family and our Church. Please make a gift to the Appeal today as a way of showing thanks. For your convenience, you can make an online gift or pledge at www.2021appeal.org.
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Weekend of November 13-14 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” It is important that when you give to a charitable organization, you are confident that the funds are used wisely. Be assured that your gift to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal supports four causes: our Catholic Charities agencies, seminarian education, our inner-city area elementary education and our priests’ retirement residence. In addition, 50% of all funds received over a parish’s goal are returned to the parish directly for their own pastoral needs. Please know that Appeal funds are used for no other purpose and serve only those who live in Morris, Passaic and Sussex counties. Please make a gift to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal today. For your convenience, you can make an online gift or pledge at www.2021appeal.org. Weekend of November 20-21 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” This time of year, as we plan to celebrate Thanksgiving, please consider making a gift to the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. Each year, tens of thousands of people in profound need seek out the services of our Catholic Charities and, with the help for the Diocesan Ministries Appeal, they find an open door and a compassionate response. For your convenience, you can make an online gift or pledge at www.2021appeal.org. Weekend of December 4-5 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” With the year coming to an end, many people plan to make a final year-end charitable contribution that has the most impact. Please consider the Diocesan Ministries Appeal which helps so many of your brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, tens of thousands of people are supported each year by the work of our Diocese with assistance from the Appeal. All of us can play a part in the Diocesan Ministries Appeal – as either a contributor to the cause or as a recipient of its mission – and all are blessed as a result. Please make the Diocesan Ministries Appeal a priority in your year-end philanthropy. Gifts can be made by check, credit cards, through gifts of securities or on-line at www.2021appeal.org. May God bless you for your generosity!
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Weekend of December 11-12 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” With the year coming to an end, many people plan to make a final year-end charitable contribution that has the most impact. Please consider the Diocesan Ministries Appeal which helps so many of your brothers and sisters in Christ. In fact, tens of thousands of people are supported each year by the work of our Diocese with assistance from the Appeal. All of us can play a part in the Diocesan Ministries Appeal – as either a contributor to the cause or as a recipient of its mission – and all are blessed as a result. Please make the Diocesan Ministries Appeal a priority in your year-end philanthropy. Gifts can be made by check, credit cards, through gifts of securities or on-line at www.2021appeal.org. May God bless you for your generosity! Weekend of January 15-16, 2022 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal “Let Your Light Shine” If you have received a final request from Bishop Sweeney asking for your support of the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal, please respond as your means permit. There is still time to do so since the 2021 Appeal funds are used to support ministries and programs through the end of the diocesan fiscal year on June 30, 2022. Every gift is important so whatever you can do is a blessing. Please respond today. For your convenience, you can make an online gift at www.2021appeal.org. May God bless you for your support!
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The representatives from our Diocese listed below have offered to speak at parishes on behalf of the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal.
Please contact them about speaking at your parish anytime during the Appeal.
Speakers for the 2021 Diocesan Ministries Appeal
Name About Contact Numbers Angela Nikolovski
Executive Director Straight and Narrow. Over 10 years experience in the mental health and addiction treatment field.
973-345-6000
Catholic Charities, CEO / Past Executive Director, Department for Persons with Disabilities. Nearly 30 years’ experience with Catholic Charities
201-303-6341
Joanna Miller Executive Director, Department for Persons with Disabilities. Part of the DPD Family for 23 years.
973-406-1105
201-315-6806
*Carlos Roldan,*
Catholic Family and Community Services, Director of Food Pantries. Oversees 3 food pantries throughout the Diocese. Catholic Charities Food Pantries have helped more people than ever before due to COVID- 19.
973-881-0127 ext. 533 Cell: 973-368-5121
*Ariel Alonso*
Catholic Family and Community Services Director of Emergency Assistance & Homelessness Prevention. Part of the Catholic Charities family for over 20 years. Ariel helps bridge the gap between poverty and needed services.
973-279-7100 ext. 2201
Catholic Family and Community Services, Director of Early Learning Programs. Catholic Charities operates 5 Early learning programs for children aged 3-5.
973-279-7100 ext. 2130
David Pearson Catholic Family and Community Services, Associate Director of Veterans Services. Catholic Charities gives back to Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
973-818-3601
Nancy Nakhle Straight and Narrow's Director of Admissions. Straight and Narrow is the largest nonprofit treatment center in the country and Ms. Nakhle assists thousands of individuals along their road to recovery
973-345-6000 ex.6289
Virgina Brown Straight and Narrow provides help and creates hope for women in recovery, including young mothers with newborns and toddlers through their Mommy and Me Program. Ms. Brown is the Senior Clinical Director of Women's Residential Treatment Services.
973-345-6000 ext. 6257
Lori Fynn Mrs. Flynn has a lifetime of service in pastoral care. Currently serves as DPD's director of Volunteer Services and Pastoral Care.
(201) 803-6442
Erin Crowley Mrs. Crowley is the Associate Executive
Director of the Department for Persons with Disabilities. Each day, DPD provides support and promotes independence for over 350 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
(845) 649-4941
Diocese of Paterson (973) 777-8818 ext. 215
*Bilingual