Frequently Asked Questions

1. What will monies to the Returning God's Gifts Appeal be used for?
2. Why do we have this annual appeal?
3. Doesn’t my parish already send money to the diocese?
4. How are parish goals for Returning God’s Gifts set?
5. How do I make a gift to Returning God’s Gifts?
6. Why is it called an “intention card”?
7. Why are payments made over 10-months?
8. Are cash commitments the only kinds of gifts accepted?
9. Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to Returning God’s Gifts?
10. Why shouldn’t I just give to my parish?
11. Is there a full reporting of how gifts given to Returning God’s Gifts are spent?
12. What if I still have questions about Returning God’s Gifts?

1) What will monies to the Returning God's Gifts Appeal be used for?
Returning God’s Gifts funds ministries around the Diocese of Colorado Springs. There are more than 20 programs that are support by gifts that parishioners give to this annual appeal. For a complete list, click here. (Summary of Goals.)

2) Why do we have this annual appeal ?
Returning God’s Gifts provides necessary funds that allow us, the people of the diocese, to fund many ministries that are core to the mission of our Church. Through Returning God’s Gifts,

• we share our faith through education and formation programs
• we fulfill many of the corporal and spiritual works of mercy
• we fulfill the call to justice by providing for those who are poor and needy
• we promote the Gospel of Life

3) Doesn’t my parish already send money to the diocese?
Yes, each parish sends the diocese 20% of its weekly offertory collection based on a formula known as “the methodology”. For some parishes, that amount is reduced because of certain deductible expenses. The diocese uses that money to fund its on-going operations. These expenses include payroll for diocesan employees, utilities, insurance, and all the other expenses of operating the business of the diocese. Returning God’s Gifts does not fund these operational expenses, but ministries sponsored by the Diocese of Colorado Springs or one of its affiliated agencies.

4) How are parish goals for Returning God’s Gifts set ?
Parish goals are calculated based on the amount each parish contributes to the total weekly offertory collected in the diocese. For example, if a parish’s offertory equals 5% of the total collected, then its share of Returning God’s Gifts goal is 5%.

5) How do I make a gift to Returning God’s Gifts ?
All registered parishioners receive a brochure in the mail. You may use the intention card in that brochure to make your gift. Brochures and intention cards are also available at your parish.

6) Why is it called an “intention card”?
We use the term “intention” because it does not have any accounting implications whereas the term “pledge” does. All parishioners are invited to make an intention to give a gift. The vast majority of parishioners who make an intention fulfill it. However, some are unable to do that. Since the parishioner’s intention was to make a gift, there is no penalty imposed for not being able to fulfill it.

7) Why are payments made over 10-months?
Since the ministries that are funded provide services throughout the year, funding is required throughout the year. By offering parishioners the option of paying over 10 months, they are able to help fund on-going programs and are able to give a larger total gift than they might have if one-time gifts were the only option.

8) Are cash commitments the only kinds of gifts accepted?
No. While cash gifts are the most common, the diocese is set up to receive gifts of stock, real estate and other real property of value. Please contact Rob Faughnan, Director of Stewardship and Development (719-866-6459) to discuss non-cash gifts.

9) Can trust and estate-type gifts be made to Returning God’s Gifts?
Yes. Please contact Rob Faughnan, Director of Stewardship and Development (719-866-6459) to discuss trust and estate-type gifts.

10) Why shouldn’t I just give to my parish?
Supporting one’s parish is the obligation and opportunity of every parishioner. Because we are Catholics, we understand that we are connected to the Roman Catholic Church through our diocese. Similarly, the ministries funded by Returning God’s Gifts are larger than those typically performed by a parish. Sharing one’s treasure with his or her parish, diocese and other charities is a good expression of how one stewards God’s financial gifts.

11) Is there a full reporting of how gifts given to Returning God’s Gifts are spent?
Yes. Each year the diocese publishes and annual report which contains this information. It is usually published in the fall of the year after the annual audit. It is posted on the website of the diocese.

12) What if I still have questions about Returning God’s Gifts ?
Please contact Rob Faughnan, Director of Stewardship and Development (719-866-6459) or rob@diocs.org with your questions.