CHARLOTTE — The 2023 Diocesan Support Appeal campaign raised $6.77 million from 12,902 donors across the Diocese of Charlotte – surpassing the campaign goal of $6.5 million by 4 percent for the second year in a row.
The theme of the 2023 Diocesan Support Appeal, “To Serve is to Love,” encouraged Catholics to help thousands of people in need across the Charlotte diocese. Inspired by Philippians 2:5-9, people are called to follow Christ’s example of humbly regarding others as more important than themselves and to serve one another.
Overall, 16 percent of registered parishioners across the diocese gave an average donation of $525, up from an average gift of $495 in the 2022 campaign, and 74% percent of parishes and missions across the diocese reached or exceeded their campaign goal.
Parishioners in all 92 parishes and missions in the Charlotte diocese fund the DSA.
Parishes that exceed their goal keep the extra funds they collect, while parishes that fall short of their goal in donations from parishioners make up the shortfall from their operating budgets.
Some of the parishes receiving rebate funds include: St. Therese in Mooresville, St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro, St. Peter in Charlotte and St. Mary Help of Christians in Shelby.
“It is wonderful to see our diocese continue to grow in both population and diversity and how the DSA has evolved to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of our local communities,” said David Walsh, the diocese’s associate director of development. “Everyone’s combined support helps our ministries and programs grow and make an impact beyond what one parish could do alone.”
The 2023 campaign continues a trend of the DSA campaign goal being achieved every year in the diocese. The 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 DSA campaigns also broke each prior year’s fundraising total and campaign goal, despite the pandemic.
— Spencer K.M. Brown
Offices and Ministries supported by the DSA
30% EDUCATION
30% CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF CHARLOTTE
13% MULTICULTURAL MINISTRIES
12% VOCATIONS
7% OTHER
7% DSA CAMPAIGN COSTS
BELMONT — Belmont Abbey College is expanding their graduate studies program in 2024, adding a Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education to the Catholic college’s expanding curriculum.
The new degree program aims to provide strong formation in classical pedagogy, the Great Books, and liberal arts, founded in Catholic intellectual tradition.
The college will welcome its first cohort for this new program in the Fall of 2024.
“At Belmont Abbey College, we believe in the development of the whole person – mind, body, and soul,” said Dr. Joseph Wysocki, dean of the Honors College and interim provost.
“During the undergraduate years, we help instill a foundation of critical thinking in our students so that they can go forth and lead virtuous lives," he said. "At the graduate level, individuals come to us with career and industry experience and a desire to lead.
"The new Master of Arts in Classical and Liberal Education takes this idea of educating the whole person and edifies educators on how to implement this approach so they can form future generations.”
Belmont Abbey College is currently accepting applications for the Fall 2024 semester.
For program information and to learn more about how to apply, go online to www.belmontabbeycollege.edu.
— Catholic News Herald