Salina Diocese participates in #GivingTuesday via #iGiveCatholic

Ellis school, Grinnell parish among those in need of help

SALINA — More than 95 parishes, schools and organizations in the Catholic Diocese of Salina are participating in #GivingTuesday this year.

The diocese has partnered with #iGiveCatholic, which encourages people to support their Catholic church, school or other Catholic organization.

#iGiveCatholic is an online giving event for the faithful in arch/dioceses across the nation (and the world!) to come together and raise as many charitable dollars as possible for Catholic parishes, schools and nonprofit ministries on #GivingTuesday, Nov. 27. Last year, #iGiveCatholic raised more than $3.6 million for organizations in participating arch/dioceses. As the first-ever online giving day created to celebrate our unique Catholic heritage, #iGiveCatholic inspires faithful stewards to “Give Catholic” on #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving.

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving.

The Salina Diocese is assisting more than 95 of its parishes, schools and organizations in northwest Kansas (from Manhattan all the way west to the Colorado border, and from I-70, all the way north to the Nebraska border). It is comprised of parishes and schools — big and small. Each has goals and needs.

A few examples:

• St. Mary Parish/School in Ellis is trying to make repairs after a storm damaged the school this summer. More info is HERE.

• Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary parish in Grinnell is seeking assistance with the basics – sanctuary supplies, worship materials, religious education costs for students. Their information is HERE.

• St. Peter in Aurora has been working for at least 2 years to raise money to repair its roof. You can read more HERE.

• Sacred Heart Parish in Atwood is working to raise money for a prayer Garden. Early donations have been strong. Their page is HERE.

Advanced giving for the campaign began Nov. 12, with more than $40,000 raised for parishes, schools and organizations within the diocese in the first day.

“The early donations help build momentum going into Giving Tuesday, and hopefully will rally more supporters to give to these causes which shape our souls,” said Beth Shearer, director of Stewardship and Development for the Salina Diocese.

A minimum donation of $25 may be made online. Simply go to salina.igivecatholic.org and choose the organization to support. The donation must be made before midnight on Nov. 27.