Our Mission
The Catholic Diocese of Tucson Charity and Ministry Fund Inc. is a separate non-profit corporation from the Diocese of Tucson that has as its sole purposes the raising and allocating of funds to support the mission of the Diocese.
The Charity and Ministry Fund conducts the Annual Catholic Appeal in the Diocese of Tucson. The Appeal is the primary means by which Roman Catholics in the nine counties of the Diocese provide funding to 26 uniquely Catholic charities and ministries.
Among these charities and ministries are programs through the six-member agencies of Catholic Community Services that address spiritual, health, and social needs and Diocesan programs that nourish the spirit with the Word of God, that speak with and for the oppressed, that support vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and that help pass on the gift of Faith to future generations.
The Charity and Ministry Fund's Board of Directors is appointed by the Bishop of Tucson, with laity comprising a majority of its members.
In addition to overseeing the corporation's fundraising activities, the Board makes recommendations to the Diocese for the allocation of funds.
The Board members and their parish affiliations are: Ed Steinhoff, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, Tucson, president of the board; Joseph "Sonny" Rodriguez, St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Yuma, secretary-treasurer of the board; Father Robert Brazaskas, pastor of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, Sierra Vista; Jack Cotter, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Tucson; Rogene Covell, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Tucson; Willie Jordan-Curtis, Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Tucson; Fred Freeman, St. Joseph Parish, Tucson; Don Hawkins, St. Theresa Parish, Patagonia; Terisa Lopez, St. Augustine Cathedral, Tucson; Luis Martinez, Sacred Heart Parish, Nogales; Deacon Kenneth Moreland, Most Holy Trinity Parish, Tucson; Robert W. Moser, St. Ann Parish, Tubac; and Cheryl Ponzo, Our Lady of the Valley Parish, Green Valley.
2007 Annual Catholic Appeal
The 2007 Annual Catholic Appeal generated approximately $4.1 million in pledges, compared to $3.5 million in 2006 and $3.3 million in 2005.
2008 Annual Catholic Appeal
The 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal is being incorporated into the diocesan renewal campaign, Our Faith, Our Hope, Our Future. The Appeal will return to its normal format in 2009.