Bishop Daniel Garcia encourages everyone to participate in the CSA, which supports programs and ministries in the Diocese of Austin.

“God calls every one of us not just with our time and not just with our talent but also with our treasure,” the bishop said. “Everything we have is a gift from God, and through the CSA, we can give back a little of what we have been gifted. Working together through the CSA, we can all bring hope to those in need.”

Among the more than 100 ministries the CSA supports is seminarian education, which currently costs nearly $70,000 a year per seminarian. Considering that a man’s journey to ordination can take up to 10 years and the Diocese of Austin currently has a record number of men preparing to serve as diocesan priests, CSA gifts are important for this ministry — and for the future of the church. Gifts to CSA also support priests currently serving and retired priests, as well as Catholic schools, religious education programs, ministerial formation, and initiatives for life, peace and justice.

Father Michael Noriega, associate pastor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Parish in Pflugerville and one of the diocese’s newly ordained priests, said he is thankful to those who contribute to the CSA.

“I’m blessed with the formation that I received, the universities, the seminaries I attended the past seven years,” Father Noriega said. “Truly, I’m seeing the fruits of that now as a priest. And the reality is, that costs money.”

Knowing that people of the diocese joined together each year to generously support his formation had a profound impact on Father Noriega’s studies.

“Those funds literally made my formation possible,” he said. “We are so blessed to receive this gift made possible by the people of God united together.”

Since his ordination on June 14 was the fruit of their efforts, Father Noriega thanks all parishioners for their support of the CSA.

“By contributing whatever they’re able to, the Lord will bless that,” he said. “He loves a generous heart, but also, it’s all for the glory of God.”

While most U.S. dioceses have seen a decline in participation for their annual appeals, the Diocese of Austin has experienced a 57% increase during the last two years. The 2024-2025 CSA set new records for the diocese, raising $8.3 million — far exceeding the $6.6 million goal.

In addition to her office focusing on encouraging more parishioners to give, Lisa Rosenberger, associate director of the CSA, gave credit to pastors and associate pastors.

“Our priests have done an outstanding job as they talk to their parishioners about the CSA. They are motivating the people to give to this worthy cause,” she said.

During the CSA, parishes earn tickets for meeting various benchmarks as part of the CSA Parish and School Grant Program. Each October, the bishop picks the winning tickets at a reception in their honor in October. Because of the success of last year’s appeal, a record $250,000 in grants was given back to parishes and schools.

“The additional funds allow us to give back to our parishes and schools,” Rosenberger said.

As associate chaplain at the University Catholic Center, Father Scott Fyall said it is important to know that everybody’s contribution matters because every person matters.

Father Fyall, who was also ordained on June 14, reminded all of the story in Mark’s Gospel of the widow who put a few cents into the temple treasury. (Mk 12:41-44)

“Jesus says, this woman has given more than anyone else because she's given her entire livelihood,” he said. “Even a small contribution is something meaningful if it’s made with the heart.”

As he ministers to college students at the University Catholic Center, he hopes students will welcome Christ into their hearts and prayerfully consider how they can contribute meaningfully with their time, talent and treasure. He said that giving is not something we have to do, but something Christ is inviting us to do.

All registered households have been mailed the 2025-2026 Catholic Services Appeal packet.

Visit www.austindiocese.org/donate to donate to this year’s appeal.