DDD phonathon scheduled as part of annual drive

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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah Catholics will have an opportunity to help further the work of the Diocese of Salt Lake City during an upcoming phonathon April 28 to May 14 as part of the Diocesan Development Drive.

While the diocese is weathering the financial challenges of the ongoing pandemic, support is needed for the DDD, which funds diocesan ministries, programs and services such as lay ecclesial minister formation, ongoing priestly formation and rural mission outreach.

“I am most grateful for your past participation in the Diocesan Development Drive,” Bishop Oscar A. Solis wrote in a letter to diocesan parishioners in February. “I humbly ask your support once again this year if you are able to do so, by making a gift to this important appeal. Your participation in the drive affirms our calling as generous and grateful stewards of God’s gifts in our lives and enables us to move forward together as partners in the mission of spreading our faith and love.”

As part of its annual DDD fundraising efforts, the diocese has traditionally held a phonathon each spring. Usually, it is staffed by volunteers from parishes across the diocese who donate time to call their fellow parishioners and ask for their support. This year, because of pandemic conditions and social distancing concerns, the diocese has retained a professional firm that will call close to 5,000 Utah Catholics identified by the diocese and its parishes who have not yet donated.

The phonathon calls will be made April 28 through May 14 between the hours of 4 and 8 p.m. weekdays, Saturdays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays, 3 to 7 p.m. Caller ID will indicate that the call is being generated by the Diocese of Salt Lake City.  

“We have always done phonations; this year we are doing this type of phonathon because we can’t gather,” said Shannon Lee, director of the Office of Stewardship and Development. “The phonathon offers an opportunity for someone to give over the phone, which is an easy way for someone to make a pledge. It’s just another opportunity for someone to give their gift.

“For those who are able to give to the DDD, I invite you to participate, especially this year,” she continued. “The DDD is a way for you to serve and impact the lives of our Catholic neighbors throughout Utah. Perhaps you can give a little more this year for those who are unable to give this year. Remember the ministries, programs and services that DDD helps to fund.”

The funds raised during the DDD are essential in supporting the diocese’s nine seminarians and its diaconate program, Lee said. They are also used to help poor parishes, and outreach programs for those in need.

“First and foremost, in my mind is always our seminarians,” Lee said.  “As Catholics, we want to be able to have a priest at Mass on Sunday morning. Without DDD, someday we just might not have that. So, I invite you to answer your phone when it rings, and you see on your caller ID ‘Diocese of SLC.’ Make a pledge, make a gift, to make sure you have a priest at Mass tomorrow, next year and for your grandchildren when they are adults.”