Office of Development and Properties at 601 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65806 US - DDF

Through the sacrament of baptism, each of us joins the body of Christ, becoming members of one family united in Jesus. We experience this in our relationship with our parish communities and also with our larger Church, the Church ofsouthern Missouri.

Jesus says, "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples ofall nations, baptizing them in
the name ofthe Father, and ofthe Son, and ofthe Holy Spirit, teaching them everything God has commanded you." Matthew 28:18-20.  The Church's mission is about making disciples...bringing individuals into the life of grace and then handing on the saving truth that Christ reveals. That, precisely, is why the Diocesan Development Fund is important. It is important because making disciples continues to happen here in our little comer of the vineyard that we call southern Missouri.

The DDF enables the diocese to provide programs and ministries that sustain our call to discipleship. From religious formation for catechists to marriage preparation programs, from assisting men and women considering a religious vocation to ensuring the quality ofour Catholic schools, from educating the faithful on social justice issues to providing continuing education for the priests who serve us, all of the diocesan ministries are connected to the fundamental mission of making disciples.

The Diocesan Development Fund enables us to unite as a Catholic community, sharing a portion of our blessings to affect others' lives.  Contributing to the DDF is an essential part ofbeing a disciple...supporting the work ofthe Church as we spread Jesus' message beyond the doors of our parish churches.


How are we affected by the DDF?

These are just a few of the ways each of us are touched by the services provided through the Diocesan Development Fund:

Catechetical training for Catholic school and Parish School of Religion (PSR) educators
Religious education and faith formation for youth and adults
Annual retreat for priests
Marriage preparation classes
Architectural and legal consulting for parishes and schools
Camp Re-NEW-AII
Permanent deacon formation
Web site building for parishes and schools
Training of parish employees and volunteers to provide a safe environment for ouryouth
Seminarian formation
Educational workshops on Catholic social teaching
Liturgical planning for diocesan-wide celebrations
Religious outreach to the Hispanic faithful
Property and liability risk management guidance for parishes and schools
Annual diocesan youth gathering in West Plains
Counseling services to those in need
Annual retreat for Catholic school principals
Marriage tribunal (annulment process)
Bishop's travels to parishes across the diocese
Natural Family Planning
Assistance to parishes with new construction and renovation projects
Oversee parish and Catholic school employee benefits
Offset subscription rates for The Mirror

Please join me as a disciple of Jesus Christ, our shepherd and servant, through your contribution to the DDF.  Make a difference today by pledging your support to the Diocesan Development Fund.