Diocese kicks off Together As One Annual Appeal

The 2024-25 Together As One (TAO) Annual Appeal kicked off in parishes last weekend, Sept. 14-15, raising funds for ministries, services and programs in the Diocese of Sioux City that benefit thousands of Catholic households in northwest Iowa.

According to John Schmitz, diocesan director of stewardship and development, this year’s support goal is just over $1 million for the 42 parishes in the diocese, with each parish having an individual parish goal.

Lexa Hawkins, manager of donor relations, pointed out that it is their hope the annual appeal was announced at all Masses last weekend and was followed by a direct mail marketing piece with pledge card sent on Sept. 16 to all registered parishioners as requested by pastors. 

“A parishioner’s gift to TAO does not just support the diocese but it supports our parishes, schools, communities and all parishioners,” she said. “By supporting TAO, the diocese can offer numerous services including communication, ministry support, administration support and assisting those in need.”

Hawkins cited several examples of how TAO dollars help parishes and all parishioners. For instance, the Office of Faith Formation has regular contact with parish ministry staff to assist them in their work.  The diocese has staff that supports bookkeepers, human resource roles and safe environment training. Catholic Charities is available to everyone to assist people with mental health and wellness care, immigration legal services and assistance for families in need.

“New this year is our communications efforts, which allow diocesan news, photos and videos to be sent to you through the Office of Communications/Lumen Media’s e-newsletters,” she said.

Ministries funded through TAO, noted Schmitz, provide ample opportunities for parishioners to be disciples of Christ and stewards of God’s gifts. 

“Whether it be through support for catechists involved in parish religious education programs, youth ministry, marriage prep resources, retreats, and so much more, parishioners make it possible through their sacrificial gift,” he said.

A side benefit of the appeal is that once parishes reach their individual parish goal, any funds that surpass that goal are returned to the parish.

“We encourage each parish to increase the ‘public’ goal they share with their parishioners to promote giving for their own parish projects as 100% of funds raised above and beyond their TAO goal goes back to their respective parish,” Schmitz explained. 

Some parishes do use Together As One (TAO) as a parish fundraiser, he noted, funding any parish project(s) with their TAO parish payback.

Ways to Give:

• Go online: scdiocese.org/together-as-one
• Place check and completed pledge card in the offertory basket at Mass
• Mail a check to: Diocese of Sioux City I PO Box 3379 I Sioux City, IA 51102
• Gift of grain or stock: call 712-255-7933 for more information
• Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) from an IRA, Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) or through a Donor Advised Fund (DAF)

 
Schmitz asks parishioners of the diocese to prayerfully consider making a gift to TAO and know that your gift will help fund ministries that benefit the more than 26,000 Catholic households and countless others throughout the Diocese of Sioux City in northwest Iowa.

“As individual members of the Body of Christ, we all possess different gifts and talents for furthering the ministry of Christ and his church,” he said. “God’s generous gifts should be returned to him by sharing the peace and joy of Christ with all those we encounter. Now is the time to come together as the body of Christ to support Together as One (TAO). Each of us plays an important role, and we, through our support, bring about the church’s growth by building it up in Christ’s love.”
 
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