Archdiocesan Annual Appeal

Among my favorite hymns at Mass is "O God Beyond All Praising", which ends with a striking line: “[we] make a joyful duty our sacrifice of praise.” That phrase “joyful duty” has been on my mind as we enter this year’s Archdiocesan Annual Appeal (AAA). The AAA is, quite literally, a duty, based on a 20% assessment of our parish ordinary income. This year we are asked to raise $141,382 towards a collective $6.45 million effort across 93 parishes in San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. Unlike other second collections, our parish is obligated to contribute the full amount whether we raise it from parishioners or not. If we raise more than our goal, the additional funds are returned to the parish. 

Being told to do something because I have to isn’t my favorite thing. But as the hymn reminds me, duty is a sacrifice, chosen and offered joyfully as part of our lived faith.

Through the AAA, we unite with Catholics across our region to support work none of us could sustain alone: Catholic education and formation for young people; chaplaincies in prisons and hospitals; formation for deacons, priests, educators, and laypeople; restorative justice initiatives; support for couples and families across the whole journey of marriage, among other programs. As a recent Catholic convert, I’ve been struck by the sheer scale of ministry that Catholic institutions carry out in service of our neighbors, especially those who are marginalized, impoverished, or excluded... (continued on next page)

This year’s reduced levy presents a real opportunity. Last year our goal was $160,934 and we raised just over $145,000. Now, at $141,382, we can meet our responsibility through broad participation rather than drawing from our operations budget at year’s end. We can turn what might feel like a tax into a joyful duty, offered together. 

Everyone’s contribution will be different depending on their circumstances. My own gift will be $600. I hope you’ll join me at a level that sparks reflection and joy for you. If you are able to consider 1% of our total duty ($1,400), your gift will help us make meaningful progress.  You can make a gift directly to the Archdiocese (crediting St. Ignatius Parish in the dropdown menu) here.

Patrick Kennedy, director of advancement, St. Ignatius Parish