By Anne Marie Amacher
The Catholic Messenger
Financial support from parishioners across the Diocese of Davenport to the Annual Diocesan Appeal helps support a wide range of services and programs and the preparation of men discerning vocations to holy orders.
Seminary education
Fathers Terry Ball, left, and Scott Foley pray June 1 during the Mass in which they were ordained to the priesthood at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport.
Father Terry Ball, ordained June 1, said, “It is a true blessing that the ADA supports seminarians to pursue their vocation. While I was at the seminary, I grew in my relationship with God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was wonderful to grow in my faith and find ways to apply my faith in serving others. I now look forward to serving the people in the Diocese of Davenport.”
“Overall, the prayers and financial support of ADA allowed me to dedicate my life to the church and accompany with love and mercy the people in the Davenport Diocese.”
Father Scott Foley, also ordained June 1, said formation and education in discerning a call to the priesthood is often a six- to nine-year process. The time commitment is based on a number of factors including whether the potential candidate has completed a bachelor’s degree before entering the seminary. ADA funds helped with his post-bachelor’s degree education.
“This appeal helps our diocese serve the Catholics and those in need in southeast Iowa,” Fr. Foley said.
Parish level
Father Rich Adam, pastor and rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Davenport, said this year’s pledges to ADA were “atypically high this year, and to be honest I really can’t tell you exactly why.”
When the ADA campaign started, Fr. Adam said he “highly endorsed and encouraged parishioners to respond favorably. Part of my endorsement was supporting the diocese for all they’ve done by supporting the cathedral, (i.e. the initial renovation of the east side of the cathedral that was paid for from the diocesan Capital Campaign, plus Cathedral Sunday).”
“I think parishioners are very pleased with the progress and all that Sacred Heart Cathedral has accomplished these past few years and are showing it via their support for the ADA. I think that’s awesome for the diocese.”
At St. Thomas More Parish in Coralville, Father Chuck Adam, pastor, said this is the third year the parish has exceeded its goal. “I am not sure there is just one thing that has helped us exceed our goal. Good communication about the ADA is helpful.”
The past two years he has connected the ADA appeal to his homily on the Sunday prior to in-pew solicitation. “I emphasize that we have a responsibility not just to our parish, but also to the diocesan church. I like to point out how the ministries of our parish are supported by the diocesan offices funded by the ADA. That includes religious education, youth ministry, social action, finance and human resources assistance.”
“Secondly, Bishop Thomas Zinkula is recognized as a pastoral leader who is present to the people of the diocese and that makes people want to support his office and the ministries of the diocese.”
Michael Hoffman, director of development for the Diocese of Davenport, said, “The diocese is grateful for any gifts we receive for the Annual Diocesan Appeal. No matter the amount, your gift does so much to cover the costs of numerous services and programs provided throughout the diocese. It is through the generous donations that we can offer support to so many.”
