Reflections Winter 2012

...recognizing our gifts of time, talent and treasure

Winter 2012

reflections... a newsletter from the Stewardship and Development Office

We, the Diocese of Austin, through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation and education, social ministries and advocacy, embrace diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that together, as the Catholic Church, we may continue the mission of Christ in the world today.

Stewardship and Development Office Diocese of Austin 6225 Highway 290 E. Austin, TX 78723 (512) 949-2400

Most Rev. Joe S. Vásquez Bishop of Austin

Scott Whitaker Director of Stewardship and Development

Bob Vallilee Associate Director of Stewardship and Development

Jean Bondy Associate Director of Catholic School Development

The Catholic Diocese of Austin

Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin (CSDA) began the 2012-2013 school year with an increase in student enrollment, renewed energy, and a view toward the future.

Overall, Catholic education is on the upswing in Texas and a number of (arch) dioceses have seen a significant rise in their enrollment. Texas ranks ninth in the nation for Catholic school enrollment. “This is an exciting time to be part of Catholic education,” said Dr. Ned Vanders, superintendent of CSDA. “As a diocese, we are focusing on our Catholic schools to ensure their growth while meeting the mission of the Church,” he added.

In support of the 2009 Strategic Plan for Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin, Diocesan School Advisory Board (DSAB) members have set their focus this year on Catholic identity; enrollment management; customer satisfaction; funding tools; facilities assessments; and researching programming for gifted and talented students, language, special needs, and fine arts. Marketing efforts are also being expanded and include more emphasis on print and social media to help spread the word about Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Austin.

Several schools have launched new technology initiatives this year including a 1:1 Chromebook pilot project, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), a 1:1 laptop program for middle school students, a 1:1 iPad program in grades 4 & 5, tele-presence equipment used to allow students to video conference with the world outside their classes, and the availability of NOOKs for students to check out.

To keep up with growth and new programs, a number of personnel changes have been made throughout the diocese. “New leadership brings new ideas,” Vanders noted. After 17 years of working in various positions at several schools in the diocese, Misty Poe recently joined the staff of the Office of Catholic Schools as assistant superintendent. There are six {continued on page 2} new principals this year and 82 new faculty.

{continued from page 1} In addition to the continual expansion of integrating technology into schools, CSCOPE, which is a software program and a comprehensive, customizable, user-friendly K-12 curriculum management system built on the most current research-based practices in the field, has been implemented at all Catholic schools.

This multi-faceted system provides the organizational framework for professional development, curriculum, assessment, and innovative technology. “This program will ensure concepts are taught when they are supposed to be taught,” Vanders said. “It brings standardization to all our Catholic schools.”

Celebrating Catholic Schools, scheduled for Jan. 26, 2013, is the kickoff to Catholic Schools Week. The celebration honors a person from each of the 23 CSDA schools and raises much-needed funds for tuition assistance that are returned to Catholic schools in the diocese. As a result of last year’s celebration, every school received $3,000. This year’s goal is $5,000 per school. This year, Father Leo Patalinghug will be the keynote speaker. Father Leo is known for his ministry “Grace Before Meals” in which he shares the importance of family and mealtime. He is also a chef and defeated Bobby Flay in a “Throwdown” on The Food Network cooking his famous fusion fajitas. Father Leo will present a cooking demonstration Friday, Jan. 25. For more information, visit www.csdatx.org.

Next April, the National Catholic Educational Association annual convention is being held in Houston for the first time in its 109-year history. Faculty and staff from all CSDA schools and the entire state of Texas will be in attendance, along with representatives from Catholic schools across the nation. “I have attended this annual convention for over 25 years, and it being in held in Texas adds a new level of excitement. All of our Catholic schools will close in order to attend,” Vanders said.

For more information on CSDA, contact the Office of Catholic Schools at (512) 949-2497. diocese of austin

Feast Day – January 1 In their pastoral letter, Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response, the U.S. bishops urge us to look to Mary for a clear example of Christian stewardship.

“After Jesus,” they say “it is the Blessed Virgin Mary who by her example most perfectly teaches the meaning of discipleship and stewardship in their fullest sense. All of their essential elements are found in her life: she was called and gifted

by God; she responded generously, creatively, and prudently; she understood her divinely assigned role as ‘handmaid’ in terms of service and fidelity (see Lk 1:26-56). As Mother of God, her stewardship consisted of her maternal service and devotion to Jesus, from infancy to adulthood, up to the agonizing hours of Jesus’ death (Jn 19:25).” On this day when the Church celebrates the motherhood of the Virgin Mary, we pray, “May her prayer, the gift of a mother’s love, be your people’s joy through all ages. May her response, born of a humble heart, draw your Spirit to rest on your people.” Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us, that we, too, may respond with love when God calls.

Adapted from Sharon Hueckel, Steward Saints for Every Day, Copyright © 1999, the National Catholic Stewardship Council, Inc., Washington, D.C. All rights reserved.

UPCOMING DIOCESAN EVENTS IN 2013 January 25-26 Celebrating Catholic Schools Event February 9 Pro-Life Benefit Gala February 11 White Mass February 20 Assembly of Catholic Professionals (ACP) For event information, visit www.austindiocese.org

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Stewardship in Tough Times It is no secret that our economic reality is much different from that a few years ago.

Most experts would acknowledge we are still recovering and jobs have been eliminated in many sectors; and, as you would expect, the Church is affected by these difficult financial times. made with confidence.

We are all called to believe in stewardship. To live the stewardship life is to trust in God’s love, mercy, and providence. A Christian steward acknowledges this in two ways. First, he or she understands that when one’s individual gifts of time, talent, and treasure are combined with the gifts of other Christian disciples, the church and the world are enriched, the good news of the Gospel message is brought to those who have not heard it, and people come to know firsthand the free and generous love of God. Further, Christian stewards are not afraid to keep less for themselves, realizing that the less “stuff” there is in their lives, the more room there is for God. They recall the sacrifices God continually makes for us, know the difference between needs and wants, and are willing to sacrifice a portion of their wants to meet the needs of others. Those who seek to live their lives as stewards know that “all things work for good for those who love God” (Rom 8:28).

As parishioners, we need to find ways to live out our faith in our parish communities. As Catholics, we give generously — time, money, prayers, and service — to our parishes, schools, and diocesan communities. Even in these difficult times our responsibility is clear: to continue the mission of Jesus, and our way ahead is guided and sustained by his unfailing love.

We anticipate a growing need for support for those served by our parishes, schools, and Catholic Charities. At the same time, although we anticipate that our Catholic community’s tradition of generosity will continue, inevitably the effect of the recession on charitable giving will affect offertories, special collections, and capital campaigns.

Yet, there are many reasons to hope. Religious giving is often the last to decrease even when the economy is tight. In fact, church giving as a percentage of income during the Great Depression was higher than at any time since then. Clearly, Christian stewardship has a positive affect in our own lives as well as on those organizations we support. Moreover, a commitment to stewardship can help us weather these difficult times by enriching our understanding of who we are as disciples of Christ.

The basic principles of Christian stewardship — accountability, generosity, and the willingness to give back with increase — stem from a spirit of gratitude. People of faith acknowledge God as the giver of all creation. Everything that we have and all that we are, our skills and talents, our possessions, and life itself, are gifts from God. Even in challenging times, we are truly blessed and have much for which to be grateful. This is why, when parishioners give proportionally of their treasure, whether it is 2%, 5%, or 10%, their giving decision, motivated first by gratitude, can be

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The following are tips to help you make the most of your year-end giving: 1. Talk to your financial advisor.

Before making any significant gift you should have your CPA, attorney, or other advisor help you understand the effect of your gift on your income tax return and estate.

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Maximize Your Tax Benefits Year-end is a great time for giving. When you make a donation by December 31 to the Diocese of Austin, your parish, or school, you aren’t just giving money, you are perpetuating your own values and that of the Catholic Church.

By supporting the Diocese of Austin you can help secure our vision for the future — through the Word and Eucharist, prayer, formation, education, social ministries, and advocacy embracing diverse cultures throughout the diocese so that we continue the mission of Christ.

2. Do your giving early.

This is especially true if you want to make a gift of non-cash assets (stocks, real estate, etc.). It also applies to life income gifts (annuities, trust arrangements, life insurance, etc.).

3. Calculate your income.

Take time to do some planning while you still have the opportunity to make a year-end gift. Try to get a handle on your tax liability for the year. Did your unearned income increase or decrease? Did you sell any appreciated assets? Will you owe more taxes? Answering these questions may motivate you to increase your giving before December 31.

4. Review your stocks.

Look at the stocks you have held for more than a year. Which ones have appreciated the most? It may be prudent to make your year-end gift using one or more of these stocks. Here’s why: if you sell the stock and appreciate a capital gain, you can gift the stock to a charitable organization and deduct the entire amount of the value.

5. Consider a life-income gift.

The Diocese of Austin or your parish can offer a variety of lifeincome plans that fit your needs. You can make a gift now, obtain tax benefits, and receive lifetime benefits. For more information contact Scott Whitaker, Director of Stewardship and Development at scott-whitaker@austindiocese.org or Bob Vallilee, Associate Director at bob-vallilee@austindiocese.org.

As good stewards of time and treasure, please make your year-end gifts as early in December as possible.

IS ONLINE! The Catholic Foundation – Diocese of Austin connects faith with charitable giving through longterm support for the future needs of Catholic ministries. Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device, or visit www.catholicfdn.org to learn more about creating your legacy with us.

Scan this QR code with your smart phone or mobile device, or visit www.austindiocese.org/reflections to read the latest issue.

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Providing HELP. Creating HOPE. Pr As an expression of our faith in and love for God, Catholic Charities of Central Texas is dedicated to serving children, immigrants, families, and communities. Making a difference in service, advocacy, and collaboration, Catholic Charities assesses community needs and develops strategies and partnerships to address the needs of the most vulnerable.

Programs offered by Catholic Charities are provided to anyone without regard to religion, race, or age. We offer hope and a fresh start to people who are in need.

Take for example, Demetrius. In the spring of 2010, Demetrius and his son were homeless. After they visited Catholic Charities, their lives changed dramatically.

“They not only welcomed us, they treated us with respect and dignity, like family,” Demetrius said about his experience with Catholic Charities.

Demetrius is a single father. He had a job and a home, but when the economy fell, he lost his job, and from that point forward his life changed. Demetrius has an education in drafting, but without stable housing it was very difficult to keep a job and raise a child. Nevertheless, Demetrius was dedicated to raising his son.

Each morning, they rode their bicycles to his son’s school and would prepare for his school day by washing themselves at convenience stores.

Demetrius knew that if he could get a helping hand, he could become employed again, give his son a safe home, and regain the life they once had.

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Today, thanks to the financial help they received from Catholic Charities, Demetrius and his son have an apartment in a good neighborhood and across the street from a great elementary school. His son is thriving, learning, and making new friends.

Catholic Charities truly cares. We extend a helping hand and provide compassionate assistance. Catholic Charities allowed Demetrius and his son to regain their stability while keeping their family together.

Demetrius is only one example of the thousands of clients Catholic Charities serves with its five core programs: Disaster Relief, Parish Social Ministry, Pregnancy and Prenatal Services, Long-term Case Management, and Immigration Legal Services. These core programs are dedicated to fulfilling our mission of “serving anyone in need by strengthening families and promoting respect for human dignity and life.”

We encourage you to learn more about Catholic Charities of Central Texas by visiting our website at www.ccctx.org and become involved. May the charity of Christ continue to stir us to greater love and service of God and our neighbors.

Catholic Charities of Central Texas is supported in part by the Catholic Services Appeal.

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Stewardship and Development Office Diocese of Austin 6225 Highway 290 E. Austin, TX 78723

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THE YEAR OF FAITH B E G IN S

2012 2013

A TIME OF RENEWAL AND ENRICHMENT The Holy Father opened the Year of Faith on October 11 with a Solemn Eucharistic Celebration. In our diocese, parish communities launched the Year of Faith in a variety of ways during the weekend liturgies of October 13-14. Those same parishes will offer opportunities throughout the year for parishioners to learn more about their faith as expressed in the Creed and developed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Vatican has planned a calendar of events to be celebrated throughout the entire year until the closing of the Year of Faith in November 2013.

What could an individual Catholic do to participate in and maintain an interest in the Year of Faith? The Church has a rich tradition of marking the passage of time in the liturgical calendar. The seasons of Advent and Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost provide us with a guide to embark on a prayerful journey through the Church year. The Gospel readings are like signposts on this journey which provide the basis for prayer and reflection on the most basic beliefs of our Catholic faith. The U.S. Bishops’ website contains daily scripture reflections that are offered in an audio, video, or print format which could assist anyone in maintaining a desire to grow in their faith. Celebrating the Church year is a beautiful and fruitful way to participate in the Year of Faith so that when Nov. 24, 2013, arrives you will have a deeper relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict XVI. Photo ©L’Osservatore Romano

POPE BENEDICT’S CHALLENGE TO ALL OF US IS TO GROW DEEPER IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF OUR FAITH AND BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN SHARING IT WITH OTHERS.