One Faith. One Family. One Mission. Answer the Call to Give
The Bishop's Ministries Appeal helps us extend Christ's love to those seeking comfort, guidance, and support. Through more than 70 vital programs that serve as beacons of hope in communities across the diocese, our ministries provide essential assistance and spiritual nourishment to all who seek it.
SUPPORT THE BISHOP'S MINISTRIES APPEAL
The Bishop’s Ministries Appeal supports diocesan ministries from a single, collective fund. Gifts to the BMA cannot be designated to a specific program or ministry. Donors wishing to direct their gift should select one of the available funds by clicking here.
Living the Faith Through Our Ministries
The Diocese of Oakland offers a number of ministries, in multiple languages, that provide support to its parishes, schools, and our large, diverse Catholic community.
other ways to give
The Bishop’s Ministries Appeal supports diocesan ministries from a single, collective fund. Gifts to the BMA cannot be designated to a specific program or ministry. Donors wishing to restrict their gift should select one of the available funds outlined in the tabs below.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Pastoral Ministries
Diocesan pastoral ministries and services focus on strengthening our faith, our families, and building up our parish communities by engaging people in the daily life of the Church as they strive to live as faithful disciples of Christ.
Religious Education & Formation
Gifts to the Bishop's Ministries Appeal help support religious education and formation programs for thousands of youth and adults annually.
Our commitment to our donors
The Diocese of Oakland applies donations towards the service, ministry, or campaign specified by the donor. Funds are never redirected to any other purpose.
The Diocese of Oakland will not sell, share, or trade our donors' names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by the Diocese of Oakland, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors' information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.
make your legacy go farther
Some Diocesan family members may be employees or former employees of companies that have a matching gifts program. A matching gift program may allow a donor to double the size of his/her gift through employer contributions.
Families or individuals can make gifts of real estate, personal property, automobiles, life insurance, estate bequests, or charitable remainder trusts. For substantial gifts of property other than marketable securities, the IRS requires an appraisal. Procedures for gifts of property, insurance, wills, or bequests can be obtained by calling the Office of Mission Advancement at 510-267-8314 for more information.
Traditional gifts via personal check are accepted (made payable to a specific program, i.e. "Bishop's Ministries Appeal", or "FACE"). Make sure your parish name is written on the check. Include the response/pledge card or donation form.Have Questions?
Federal and state laws on income and inheritance taxes encourage charitable giving. It may be particularly advantageous for some people to contribute stocks, appreciated securities, annuities, property or other valuables. Or, traditional giving through personal check or electronic transfer may be best. Some may have the option of applying for a matching gift. In many cases, the tax savings may be more than your original investment in the gift. Because each situation is unique, we urge you to discuss such donations with a financial advisor.