2023 DDD begins, with theme of gratitude

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SALT LAKE CITY — The Diocese of Salt Lake City exceeded its fundraising goal for the 2022 Diocesan Development Drive. In a Feb. 6 letter to the diocese’s clergy and staff, Bishop Oscar A. Solis expressed appreciation for the many people involved in the effort.

“I wish to share with you great news,” he wrote. “Despite the many challenges, we have surpassed our goal for the 2022 Diocesan Development Drive. Thanks to our priests, deacons and parishioners, to our diocesan and parish staffs, we can feel good about our achievement – an effort that took all of us working together. Kudos to Shannon Lee and the staff of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development for their great efforts.”

On Feb. 17 the diocese hosted a small staff celebration to recognize this achievement and the work of Lee and her team. At that event, Father Kenneth Vialpando, the diocesan vicar for clergy, praised their efforts. “When I congratulated Shannon and her office, Shannon gave all the credit to the priests by saying, in so many words, ‘We didn’t do that much; it was the hard work of all the pastors here in the diocese,’” he said. “In one sense she was right: The priests and their parishioners offered their time, talent, treasures, blood, sweat and tears to accomplish the goal that we have today, but we also want to acknowledge the DDD staff who lit the fire under the pastors, just as the saying goes, ‘It only takes a spark to get the fire going.’”

Fr. Vialpando then presented Lee with several small mementos that represented their achievement.

Looking ahead, the theme for the 2023 DDD is “The Holy Eucharist: An Attitude of Gratitude.”

“It is a perfect meditation to be considered, experienced and lived during this time as our Church continues our celebration of the national Eucharistic Revival,” Bishop Solis said in a diocesan video launching the 2023 drive. The video may be viewed at https://www.dioslc.org/DDD.

“The DDD is a vital appeal in the life of the Catholic Church throughout Utah,” the bishop continued in the video. “Without your gratitude, without your Christian stewardship of treasure, time and talents, many ministries and programs and services would not be available, especially to our small and poor faith communities. As I give my gift to the 2023 DDD, I invite you to join me and give your gift sacrificially, unconditionally and joyfully.”

New this year, Bishop Solis is asking all the faithful to join him in praying the Luminous Mysteries of the rosary for the success of this year’s drive. He also invites everyone to participate in the drive by visiting the DDD website to share their thoughts on “The Holy Eucharist: An Attitude of Gratitude, how our sacrificial gift each year speaks to us in an attitude of gratitude.”  

“I am so very grateful to those parishioners who gave to the 2022 DDD,” Lee said. “Throughout the year, my staff and I speak to many parishioners who tell us their stories of why they give to DDD. I encourage everyone to participate after they give their gift this year.”

Parishioners are invited to donate through the website. They may also sign up for St. Francis Circle, where participants can set up automatic monthly donations; more than 200 donors participate in this effort.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of the Bishop’s Leadership Society. Bishop Solis and the Office of Stewardship and Development are planning a special event for this summer to honor those donors who have been members of the society since its inception.