2023 Diocesan Development Fund (DDF) campaign — Bishop’s Annual Appeal

“…By the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life,

when God will be All in all” (CCC 1326).

‘One Bread. One Body. One Church.’

With these words of our 2023 theme, we express the unity of our diocese, rooted in the Eucharist and the Sacramental Life of the Church.  During this time of Eucharistic Revival called for by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, I, like every other bishop, am privileged to gather with each one of you at the altar of our parishes and missions for the celebration of Holy Mass.

Every member of the diocese is part of the Body of Christ. Every member has something to contribute. To quote from Pope Benedict XVI, “Each of us is necessary!” If someone is missing from the Sunday celebration of Holy Mass, we are weaker, the Body of Christ is weaker. When we choose to participate in Holy Mass, we are that much stronger.

As we begin our annual campaign, the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF), I invite you to do your part and participate with a financial donation. Some may think their contribution is too small and it won’t make a difference. Some may simply rely upon others to donate and not bother. But, let us remember the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Each of us is necessary!” Just as when we come to Mass we are stronger, when we make a donation to DDF, regardless of the amount, we are stronger as a diocese and more impactful in the ways we evangelize and bring souls to Christ.   

The culture of today has pretty much rejected Christianity and the Church oftentimes finds herself alone, even attacked, as she tries to proclaim the Gospel. I think our task today is to fortify our efforts and strengthen our resolve as disciples: together. I thank you for your faith and dedication to your parish and community. Our priests are hard workers and while some of our parishes and missions are small, the size does not reflect the hearts and dedication of our people. I often say we do so much despite being less than five percent of the general population!

What is the Diocesan Development Fund (DDF)?

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal, our Diocesan Development Fund Campaign (DDF), is the annual campaign for the diocese and takes place the first weekend of May.  The funds raised through the campaign advance our mission through a host of ministries that assist our families, our parishes, and every diocesan ministry in the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau.  The personal sacrifices of parishioners across the diocese directly benefit the lives of those who worship in our churches, those formed through religious education programs in our parishes and schools, and those who are consoled and comforted through our ministries and presence.

Explore the DDF Brochure in English or Español.
Watch the DDF Video on YouTube in English or Español.

• Financial Services
• Health Affairs
• Liturgy & Worship
  
• Media Relations
• Ministry with Hispanics
• Marriage Tribunal
• Missouri Catholic Conference
• Planned Giving
• Priest Formation
• Project Rachel
• Religious Education
• Respect Life
• Social Ministry
• The Mirror
• Vocations
• Youth Ministry

The Crosier Society

The Crosier Society is an honorary society of donors who contribute 1% or more of their annual income to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Last year, 202 people joined this list of supporters. Please consider being a member of the 2023 Crosier Society.

2023 Diocesan DDF Committee

Brad and Anna Burdick
St. Vincent de Paul Parish – Cape Girardeau

Andrew Dazey
St. George Mission Church – Van Buren

Reverend David Baunach
St. Eustachius Parish – Portageville
St. Cecelia – Kennett