Bishop's Annual Appeal
The Faith Within Family
Watch the 2020 BAA Video: English | Spanish
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal is our yearly fundraising campaign that supports the ongoing ministries and programs throughout the Diocese of Tyler. This includes the education of seminarians and ongoing formation for current priests, priest retirement, support of Catholic Charities, faith formation programs for our parishes, and other ministries. For donor assistance, please contact Russell Stager at (903) 534-1077 x196.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bishop’s Annual Appeal?
The Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) is the public request from Bishop Joseph E. Strickland to support the ministries of East Texas. The BAA also supports the Teaching Mission set out by the Bishop through this appeal.
What ministries do my gifts support?
The gifts received are distributed throughout diocesan ministries including seminarian formation, faith formation (St. Philip’s Institute on Catechesis and Evangelization), retired priests, missions, campus ministry, continued priestly formation, Catholic Charities, and prison ministry.
What type of donation is accepted towards the BAA?
The appeal office accepts pledges and one-time payments towards the BAA. These could be filled out via check, money order, credit or debit card, electronic fund transfer (EFT), or cash donations. All checks and money orders are to be written out to: Bishop’s Annual Appeal and mailed to 1015 E. Southeast Loop 323, Tyler, Texas 75701.
How can I fulfill my pledge for the BAA?
The pledges received can be fulfilled through monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, or annual giving frequencies.
Are gifts towards the BAA tax deductible?
Yes, gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Parishioners with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorney or tax preparer.
What is the difference between Priests for Tomorrow: Teachers of Truth and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal?
The Priests for Tomorrow campaign exclusively supports FUTURE seminarians. We are creating the endowment now in hopes of doubling the number of seminarians in the coming years and increasing the number of active priests throughout the Diocese of Tyler. However, right now, those pledged funds are not realized, and won’t be for almost five years. It cannot support our current seminarians. It is for this reason, that the Bishop’s Annual Appeal must be successful.
Further, the BAA supports many more ministries and services of the Diocese than seminarian formation. The Appeal serves the immediate needs of the Diocese as a whole while the Priests for Tomorrow campaign looks to ensure the future of the priesthood in the Diocese of Tyler.