Pilgrimage of Faith

Annually an appeal is made to the people of the Diocese for financial support for diocesan projects not covered by donations to parish collections.  The major projects to be funded by the Appeal are:

COMMUNICATION

These funds are used for the publication of the Catholic Mountain Star, which is a vital method of bringing news of our Diocese into the homes of our parishioners.  The Catholic Mountain Star  is available to all registered households in the Diocese.    

PASTORAL PROGRAMS

There are many pastoral programs within our Diocese which are not funded, or partially funded from other sources of income.  The five main areas which are funded or assisted are:  Youth Ministry, Religious Education Development, Seton House of Prayer, the Marriage Tribunal and Catholic Schools.

• Youth Ministry: Grants are given for initiatives in favour of youth on the level of the deanery (e.g. youth rallies, youth camps, parish youth initiatives) and of the diocese (e.g. World Youth Day).
• Office of Faith Formation: Provides training programs for Catholic teachers and volunteer catechists.  Programs of adult faith formation are offered each year.
• Houses of Prayer: Seton House in Kelowna provides for the spiritual needs of many and continues to receive assistance from the Pilgrimage of Faith.
• First Nations Ministry: Pastoral Workers assist in the East Kootenay deanery and in the Okanagan Deaneries.  The Pilgrimage of Faith assists in these ministries.
• The Marriage Tribunal: Continues to assist those who are in non-sacramental  marriages by defining their status within the Church enabling them to receive the Sacraments and also to practice their faith, after re-marriage, as full members of our faith community.
• Social and Pastoral Programs: Rachel's Vineyard and Grief to Grace, as well as other pastoral programs are assisted by the Appeal.
• Catholic Education: Catholic education is part of the saving mission of the Church, especially for education in the Faith. Catholic education is provided by Catholic schools (six elementary, one secondary), parish catechism programs and Diocesan Faith Formation programs. This grant supports the work of the CISND Board and the parishes.
• Clergy Pension Supplement:  Until the pension fund becomes fully funded, clergy pensions are supplemented to ensure dignified and secure support for the needs of retired clergy.
• Vocation Support: Priestly formation normally takes five to seven years.  The costs of this formation are subsidized by the Diocese. Formation of permanent deacons is also supported by the Pilgrimage of Faith.
• Sabbaticals and Training for Priests and Religious:  Grants for priests and religious working in the Diocese allow them to upgrade their education and to renew and deepen their vocational calling.
• Lay Training:  Grants from the Appeal assist lay persons to serve their parish and the diocese more effectively.

CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Capital and major maintenance projects are eligible for a 15% rebate grant to a maximum rebate of $100,000.  All rebates must be claimed by the end of the calendar year following the completion of the project.  

 More information:

• Contact Information for Pilgrimage of Faith: Office email
• For more information, contact the pastor of your parish or mission or a member of the committee.
• Meetings are held quarterly in February, May, September and November.
• Youth Ministry Rebate for the period January 1 - June 30 is August 30; July 1 - December 31 is January 20.

Diocesan Appeals and Special Projects Coordinator:

Abee Thomas, Email
Phone: 250-448-2725, ext. 240

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