By Kelley Kepler
Catholic Herald

Fund raising is an important ministry in a parish

MERCER --Perhaps fund raising is not the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about ministry. Yet, fund raising can be regarded as a ministry, as one that makes other ministries possible and plays a vital role in services throughout the diocese.

Two volunteers at St. Isaac Jogues and Companions Parish have made a big impact through their fund raising efforts. Parish secretary Kathy Kadrlik and Sandy Gilarski, her friend of 15 years, volunteered to co-chair the parish's Diocesan Services Appeal efforts after the previous chairman stepped down in 1996. For the last six years, St. Isaac Parish has consistently surpassed its DSA assessments by as much as $1,000 to $2,500 each year.

Kadrlik and Gilarski attribute this success to a system that works -- great support from pastor Fr. Michael L. Crisp, and a generous parish that takes stewardship very seriously.

After taking charge of DSA at the parish, the pair soon realized that the term "goal" was misleading. "People used to think that if they didn't reach the goal, it was OK," Kadrlik said. Many didn't realize that if the parish failed to meet its goal, then the additional money had to come out of the parish's general fund.

Instead of talking about a "goal," they stressed the word "assessment." This helped clarify that the parish's annual responsibility of contributing a certain amount to DSA was not optional. According to Kadrlik, when faced with assessments as opposed to goals, members of the parish started making more generous donations.

St. Isaac Parish began surpassing the assessments by significant amounts, and the parish keeps this extra money for special projects or needs, such as paying for new windows and doors in the rectory, replacing electrical wiring and purchasing a computer.

When it comes to asking for donations, Gilarski said they stress to parishioners that "no amount is too small to give." Kadrlik added, "We don't determine what they can afford, they do."

Kadrlik said they show the DSA film during Mass and Gilarski speaks afterward. They also send out letters and collection envelopes, but they try to do that as seldom as possible. "We don't want people to feel nickeled and dimed to death," she said.

"People of our parish take stewardship very seriously," Kadrlik said. "They like to give quietly, to just fill their envelopes and drop them in a collection basket. They are terrific people who give as deep as they can," she said. Gilarski added, "They have really learned what stewardship is all about. They've come out and given of their time and talents very willingly."

According to Kadrlik and Gilarski, DSA is as small part of what the parish does as far as stewardship goes. For instance, she said the women's council often steps in when the parish needs extra money by planning numerous fund-raisers such as dinners and raffles.

The cathedral renovation means a larger assessment than in past years. However, Kadrlik and Gilarski are continuing to do what they have always done and what has worked before.

"I know that these are hard times for everybody, but I'm sure that this year our people will be as generous as they have been in the past," Kadrlik said. "When things get tough, God will intervene in some way or another. He has always provided for these parishes and will continue to do so," she added.

Gilarski believes their DSA ministry helps parishioners realize how many programs the diocese provides for them. This is why honesty and communication are essential. It important for parishioners to know what their money is going toward, and Kadrlik and Gilarski often update them on their progress in meeting the assessment.

They said their ministry with DSA helps parishioners see themselves as part of something larger. "It helps the parish see the whole church, not just the parish. We're giving people an understanding of what a diocese is and our responsibility as a parish in that diocese," said Kadrlik.

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© Superior Catholic Herald, 2002