A young girl, a windy day, a $100 bill and Archbishop Bernard Hebda star in this year’s video for the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation’s annual appeal to help 20 ministries across the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Kicking off the $9.8 million “Together in Hope” campaign in parishes Feb. 26-27, the video’s wry humor emphasizes the importance of everyone’s giving to help such causes as scholarships for students at Catholic schools, evangelization efforts in parishes, college campus ministries, homeless shelters, second-hand stores, food shelves and emergency pregnancy centers (see sidebar).

“Literally, thousands of people are impacted through the ministries we support,” said Tizoc Rosales, CSAF’s new president. “This theme reflects the importance of working together to accomplish the mission of all the ministries we help fund.”

Just ask the young girl in the video.

Thoughtfully inspired by Archbishop Hebda’s homily that “when we share with others and give with a grateful heart, it pleases the Lord, it brings joy to others, and we become his love in the world,” the girl (played by Francesca Fasano, a student at All Saints Catholic School in Lakeville and daughter of Yen Fasano, chair of the CSAF board) rushes out of the Cathedral of St. Paul in St. Paul — and a $100 bill flies onto her nose.

Now distracted, the girl’s mind turns to the clothes, shoes and tacos she could buy with that gift from the sky. But the archbishop’s words spring to mind again, and she considers helping Catholic schools, mothers in need, the poor and other worthy causes. Suddenly, the $100 bill is whisked from her hand, sails down the sidewalk and lands right at the archbishop’s feet.

Taking a moment to walk, talk and re-enter the Cathedral, the archbishop and Francesca are joined by Rosales, who encourages her to give to others through the CSAF. With one common mission, Rosales says, “We can bring hope, dignity and a better future for all.”

CSAF’s message was similar in 2021, with the same theme. It is repeated this year to resonate in people’s minds, to create a sense of familiarity and recognition, Rosales said.

Last year’s goal was $9 million, and preliminary numbers indicate nearly all of that has been fulfilled — more than $8.8 million. The 2020 goal was also $9 million (see sidebar). Taking into account donations and ministry expenses, as well as the CSAF “parish sharing program” and other factors, the goal was met and more than $330,000 was distributed last year for special projects at more than a dozen Catholic schools and Catholic ministries, Rosales said.

Also last year, CSAF was recognized by Totino-Grace High School in Fridley as one of two recipients of its annual Lasallian Legacy Award for the foundation’s commitment to Catholic education through scholarships to students in need.

“The Catholic Services Appeal Foundation helps our neediest families,” said Shari Nichols, director of enrollment and international students at Totino-Grace. “They are committed to transforming lives through the Gospel, and there is no better way to do that than by supporting a student’s Catholic education.”

The “parish sharing program” at the foundation is based on parishes exceeding their fundraising goals, which are set at 5% of their unrestricted Sunday collections if they support a school and 6% of unrestricted Sunday collections if they don’t support a school, Rosales said. Parishes can receive 50% of what they raise above their goal, and 25% of what they raise over whatever their prior year result was.

Many of the ministries CSAF serves are part of the Archdiocesan Catholic Center, such as the Office of Marriage, Family and Life; and Latino, American Indian, prison and hospital chaplain ministries.

The Office of Latino Ministry alone drives more than 32 programs in 23 parishes that have active Latino ministry, including faith formation, evangelization, family life and youth, said Estela Villagran Manancero, Latino Ministry director.

Volunteers from parishes often fill the Archdiocesan Catholic Center’s parking lot in St. Paul on Saturdays to learn from programs being offered on leadership, theology, liturgy, the Bible and other topics. Once their program is completed (some require several weekly meetings, others monthly meetings for up to nine months), the volunteers can more effectively help at their parishes with prayer groups, as lectors and catechists and sacramental preparation for children, Villagran Manancero said.

After moving into the ACC from Plymouth in January, CSAF is in the Catholic Center alongside Latino Ministry and other programs, a fact that pleases Villagran Manancero.

“I am happy CSAF is in our building,” she said. “They can come on Saturday and see all the people that come through. They can see firsthand what their contributions are invested in and the impact they make at the parishes.”

Learn more about the annual appeal and the ministries CSAF serves at csafspm.org.

CSAF SUPPORTED MINISTRIES

Abria Pregnancy Resources, helping women, teens and couples experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. Locations in St. Paul and Minneapolis

American Indian Ministry, serving the Native American community in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, including funerals and a volunteer-led effort to return individuals to their home reservation for burial.

Archdiocesan Council of Catholic Women, supports and educates women in spirituality, leadership and service.

Campus ministry — Newman Center, in Minneapolis and St. Paul, encouraging students to encounter and share Christ’s love.

Campus ministry — St. Paul’s Outreach, building faith communities on campuses around the country, including the University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas in the Twin Cities.

Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis, helping those in need of food, shelter, homes and other services.

Deaf ministry, providing pastoral care and the full scope of liturgy and the sacraments for deaf Catholics.

Elementary school funding, providing financial assistance to Catholic schools in great need.

Elementary school scholarships, supporting students in need at every Catholic grade school in the archdiocese.

Evangelization, creating opportunities in parishes and elsewhere to encounter Jesus and build a Church of missionary disciples.

High school scholarships, for the neediest students at 14 Catholic high schools in the St. Paul and Minneapolis area.

Hospital chaplains, serving thousands of Catholic each year, through the COVID Anointing Corps as well as religious and sacramental care, resources on ethical issues, crisis support and bereavement care.

Latino ministry, supporting more than 32 programs for Latino Catholics in 23 parishes of the archdiocese that have active Latino ministry.

Office of Marriage, Family and Life, promoting marriages, nurturing the Catholic faith, including support for the engaged, newly married, disabled and pro-life outreach.

Prison ministry, providing the sacraments and spiritual direction for the incarcerated.

Rachel’s Vineyard Twin Cities, offering retreats for people seeking healing from abortion.

Seminarian tuition, room and board, financially assisting men studying for the priesthood at St. John Vianney College Seminary and at The St. Paul Seminary.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Twin Cities, working with parishes, businesses and civic agencies to coordinate donations of food, clothing and other goods, including pop-up stores and permanent storefronts in St. Paul and Minneapolis.

Venezuelan Mission, sustaining a missionary presence in Ciudad Guayana, Venezeula, providing material and spiritual care.

Youth ministry, ministering to teens and youth ministers, including sponsoring the annual Archdiocesan Youth Day.

— Catholic Services Appeal Foundation