Donor Events
The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal Giving Circles recognize and celebrate the thousands of generous people who sustain the many diocesan-level ministries and programs of the Archdiocese of Atlanta. The Archbishop and Bishops of the archdiocese are deeply grateful for these contributions, which make a profound difference in so many lives. These generous gifts support the mission of the archdiocese to proclaim the Good News and build disciples who will grow in faith, hope, love, and service to others. These gifts are used in evangelization, fellowship and faith-formation, Catholic education, social services, care for creation, and charity to pursue effective discipleship.
Giving Circles
His master said to him, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. Since you were faithful in small matters, I will give you great responsibilities. Come, share your master’s joy.’ (Matthew 25:21)
The Lifetime Award is given in recognition of consistent and substantial support over many years for the many works of the archdiocese through the Archbishop’s Annual appeal, archdiocesan and Office of Mission Advancement projects. The Lifetime awardee is the Lord’s servant who was faithful in small matters and took on increasing responsibilities and thus shares in the master’s joy exemplified through generosity and service to the work of the Church.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life. (John 3:16)
Exemplifying the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ, the lamb of God, who gave himself on the cross for the salvation of all people, Caritas Christi (love of Christ) is the highest recognition bestowed by the Archdiocese to annual appeal donors. Through their sacrificial giving, Caritas Christi donors play a crucial role in enabling the Archdiocese to go over and beyond the work they could imagine due to a lack of financial and other necessary resources to continue the work of God in the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Luke 1:46-47)
Imitating the humble and incredible faith of the Blessed Mother Mary, Bonitas Mariae donors are celebrated for reflecting the ‘goodness of Mary’ – the Blessed Mother of God, Morning Star, Comforter of the afflicted, and Help of Christians. Through the generosity of Bonitas Mariae donors and with the intercession of the Blessed Mother, the archdiocesan office, through the leadership of the Archbishop and his auxiliary bishops, continues the work of serving the people of God in the local diocese and beyond.
For who is greater: the one seated at table or the one who serves? Is it not the one seated at table? I am among you as the one who serves. It is you who have stood by me in my trials; and I confer a kingdom on you, just as my Father has conferred one on me. (Luke 22:27-29)
Through their substantial generosity, Archbishop Circle donors affirm their support of the role of the Archbishop as the spiritual leader of the diocese and chief shepherd of the flock. Their generosity is celebrated for supporting the many works of the archdiocese aimed at the salvation of souls now and for the generations to come.
So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend to the flock of God in your midst, overseeing not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it. (1 Peter 5:1-2)
The generosity of donors in the Bishop’s Circle is celebrated for their inspired generosity and discipleship as they support the bishops' work in shepherding the people of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
The Parable of the Good Samaritan. 33. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them… The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, “Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.’ (Luke 10:29-37)
The Bonus Samaritanus (Good Samaritan) award allows the Archdiocese to tackle projects and programs not entirely covered by collections from the Archbishop’s Annual appeal or not included in the collection from the annual appeal. This award encourages parishioners to look beyond their parish borders and help others, particularly from parishes with limited financial means, thus exemplifying St. Paul’s exhortation about the faithful as one body in Christ.
Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you. (Luke 6:39)
God blesses His people with many resources, but that blessing comes with the responsibility of using the resources for God’s glory. The faithful steward returns to God what God has entrusted and stores treasures in heaven.
And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)
The patron who gives generously to help build up the Kingdom and serve the poor is pleasing to God.
Moreover, God is able to make every grace abundant for you, so that in all things, always having all you need, you may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)
An act of charity is a true expression of benevolence and an imitation of the generosity of God, who provides for the needs of His people.
And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. (Romans 5:5)
Hope is a gift from God, and acts of giving provide hope to people and ministries needing assistance.
I no longer call you slaves, because a slave does not know what his master is doing. I have called you friends, because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father. (John 15:15)
Friends give as a reflection of their friendship with Jesus, who is Lord.
2024 Dei Beneficia Event
The Office of Mission Advancement gives thanks to God for all His blessings and to all the people of God for sharing the gifts God has bestowed upon them to help build up the Kingdom and serve those in need.
2024 Award Recipients
These Donors received awards because of their generous contributions to the Archdiocese and the Annual Appeal during the Office of Mission Advancement's Dei Beneficia Event on September 28, 2024
2024 Goodness of Mary Donor Retreat
On May 11th, nearly twenty donors enjoyed a spiritually enriching day at Heritage for our Goodness of Mary Donor Appreciation Retreat. We thanked our donors by spending time in prayer, fellowship, and nature on the beautiful grounds of the retreat center.
The Office of Mission Advancement looks forward to hosting future events like this retreat so we may share our appreciation for our generous donors and take time to be in spiritual communion with one another.
2023 Dei Beneficia Event
Seven lifetime donors and others were honored at the Archdiocese Dei Beneficia event hosted by the Office of Mission Advancement on Saturday, December 9, 2023.
Donors from the Bishops’ and Archbishop’s circles and Bonus Samaritanus (Good Samaritan) and Lifetime level givers were recognized for their generous contributions to our Archdiocese.
Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, Bishop Joel Konzen, Bishop Bernard Shlesinger, and Bishop John Tran concelebrated a beautiful Mass at Saint Peter Chanel Church in Roswell, followed by brunch and awards.
Deacon Rick Medina, Chief Advancement Officer, spoke of the Office of Mission Advancement’s sincere gratitude for our incredible donors’ generosity over the years and how vital that support is to funding ministries, programs, and special projects that benefit many families throughout the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
2023 Award Recipients
These Donors received awards because of their generous contributions to the Archdiocese and the Annual Appeal during the Office of Mission Advancement's Dei Beneficia Event on December 9, 2023.
