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