Editor: The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) for 2026-2027 is in full swing, with commitment weekend coming up on Oct. 24-25. How does the CSA help us fulfill the mission of the Diocese of Austin?

Bishop Garcia: The Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) is one of the important ways we live the Gospel together as the local church. This annual appeal supports the spiritual and material needs of the Catholic community throughout Central Texas.

Thanks to the funds raised through the CSA, we as a diocese can provide resources to help parishes across our 25 counties to strengthen their religious education programs and to encourage more young men to consider the priesthood. Through the generosity of many donors across the diocese, the appeal provides essential resources for parish programs and ministries that foster faith formation, evangelization, social justice, charitable outreach, pastoral care, education and more. I am deeply grateful for the generosity of the people of our diocese and for their faithful support of this annual campaign.

Editor: This year's CSA theme is Together, we are one. Why did you choose this theme?

Bishop Garcia: This year’s theme comes from the Acts of the Apostles, “The community of believers was of one heart and mind.…” (Acts 4:32) Across our diocese, there are more than 125 communities of faith that are all quite unique, but together we are the Diocese of Austin.

Even though we come from different places and experiences, through the CSA we come together as one to build the kingdom of God and to educate, heal, serve, form and strengthen the people of God. Each of us has different gifts to offer, yet when those gifts are united, God uses them to accomplish extraordinary things.

Editor: Last year, the CSA was quite successful with more than $9 million collected. What is your response to that success?

Bishop Garcia: First, the people of Central Texas continue to amaze me with their generosity. It is clear to me that our people are devoted to helping their brothers and sisters in Christ. Secondly, I am thankful to our priests who help the faithful understand the importance of the CSA.

Our clergy take the time to review the CSA materials with their respective parishioners, and they invite the faithful to participate in the CSA, which is very important. When people are spiritually fed in their parish, they want to give and they want to be part of a successful project.

I want to personally thank all those who contributed to last year’s CSA, and I want to invite everyone to consider participating in this year’s CSA. Because of your support, seminarians continue their formation for the priesthood, retired priests receive the care they deserve, children and young adults grow in their Catholic faith, and families in need encounter compassion, dignity and hope.

Editor: As our shepherd, what is your hope for this year's appeal?

Bishop Garcia: My hope is that we can carry forth the momentum of last year’s appeal. Our goal for the 2026-2027 CSA is to raise $7.4 million. Please consider renewing the gift you made last year or please consider making a gift if you were unable to last year. No gift is too small, and if you cannot support the CSA financially, please pledge to pray for the success of the appeal. When we support the CSA, we are saying that, in Christ, we belong to one another. Our neighbors are not just those who live on our street or in our town, but also, they are those who live in the far western/eastern/northern/southern edges of our diocese.

I am deeply grateful for the trust the people of Central Texas have put in the Diocese of Austin. And I invite all members of this local church to participate in the CSA as we seek to build up the body of Christ. Together, we are one, and together we are one diocesan family united in Christ. Thank you.

Most registered households will receive their CSA packets in the mail this month, so please take the time to review the material and make your pledge. If you have not received a packet in the mail, visit austindiocese.org/give for ways to donate.