BMA Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal?
  

The Bishop’s Ministry Appeal, also known as the BMA, is an annual campaign to raise funds that support the programs and ministries that serve the educational, physical and spiritual needs of the people of the Diocese of Stockton.

• Is it important to give to the BMA even though I already give to my parish?
  

The programs of local parishes are important because much of the work of the Church and the Diocese takes place at the local level. However, there are certain specialized services for which the Diocese has to take responsibility. These are services no one single parish can provide.

• How do I make my pledge?
  

Make your online gift today. Click the Donate Now button on the list of links.

• Make checks payable to the BISHOP’S MINISTRY APPEAL TRUST
  

Contributions can also be made by contacting the Diocesan Development & Stewardship office at (209) 546-7643. Download, print and mail in the BMA Donation Mail in Form.

• Why are pledges encouraged instead of one-time donations?
  

Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to consider larger sacrificial commitments to support the mission of the Church by spreading their donations over an 8-month period.

•  How much should I pledge?
  

Your pledge is part of your Christian stewardship of treasure. Consider the many ways God has blessed you and your loved ones. Your gift should have some sacrificial relationship to your standard of living and God’s generosity to you and your family. Suggested Giving Plans have been prepared for your consideration. No pledge is too small or too large.

• What payment methods can I use to make my pledge?
  

Pledges or one-time gifts can be made by credit card or direct debit (direct charge) from your checking account. Electronic Funds Transfers will occur on or about the 20th of the month. You may also give by check, online at the diocesan website or mail your pledge form to the Bishop’s Ministry Appeal Trust office.
Just fill out the envelope and place it in the collection basket during the Offertory of the Mass on that weekend. Contributions can also be made by contacting the parish office or the Diocese Development office at 209/546-7646. Online giving is also available at www.stocktondiocese.org.

• How much should I pledge?
  

Your Bishop’s Ministry Appeal pledge is part of your Christian stewardship of treasure. All families are asked to consider a sacrificial gift to the appeal. First consider the many ways God has blessed you and your loved ones, then make a generous pledge that says how grateful you are for God’s gifts.
Gifts of all sizes are appreciated, but for gifts of $600 or more, you will be included in a special group of dedicated and committed Catholics throughout the Diocese.
Morning Star donors ($600 - $999), Day Star donors ($1,000-$1,999), and Evening Star donors ($2,000 and up) will be acknowledged on our Diocesan website.

• Why are pledges encouraged, instead of one-time donations?
  

Pledges provide parishioners with the opportunity to increase their sacrificial gifts to the mission of the Church by spreading their donations over an eight-month period.

• What payment methods can I use to make my pledge?
  

Pledges are paid by monthly installments over an 8-month period by credit card or direct debit (direct charge) to your checking or savings account. Donors choosing Electronic Funds Transfers will have their credit cards or checking accounts charged on or about the 20th of the month. One time payments can be paid by, credit card or direct debit to your checking or savings account or through online giving at the diocesan website.