BAA launches campaign in challenging year

A pandemic has forced quarantines and crippled economies worldwide.

Hurricanes slamming into the Louisiana coast in record numbers.

Gwen Fairchild’s entrée into the largest fundraiser for the Diocese of Baton Rouge has certainly been riddled with challenges but despite those setbacks optimism hangs on her every word.

Although launching more than three weeks later than normal because of the extraordinary circumstances presented during 2020, Fairchild adamantly believes the Bishop’s Annual Appeal can at least equal if not eclipse the $1 million raised a year ago. 

Fairchild, hired as stewardship director in July, is driven by the campaign’s mission and recognizes that without BAA funding many services assisting the needy in the area would be negatively impacted.

“These funds support the ministries which are essential to our entire community,” she said.

“They enrich their quality of service and allow more people to be served in a richer way.”

Fairchild said one of the most important ministries BAA supports is vocations, assisting in the education of seminarians. She has noticed a strong desire from the community to support this important ministry, saying that when a person hears a calling to join the priesthood or a religious order, “families are not always able to provide $60,000 to $100,000 a year for their son or daughter to enter religious life.”

“Yet, we do not turn away good future priests and religious,” she added. “We need them now more than ever.”

Fairchild also stressed the importance of BAA providing assistance to Catholic education. She noted the tuition assistance program is even more critical this year because so many people have lost their jobs or struggle financially because of reduction in wages.

“Parents send their children to Catholic schools not only for the excellent education they receive but to continue to instill the Catholic values and principles that these children receive at home,” Fairchild said. “Families are trying to hold things together (this year), and education is so very important.”

The BAA also helps support several programs of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Baton Rouge, including the agency’s disaster relief fund, which has been stretched during this catastrophic hurricane season. 

“Catholic Charities is available to everyone regardless of their religion,” she said. “(The agency) works 24/7 to meet the needs of so many people in a variety of ways.

“It is a service for all of humanity.”

BAA funds are also used to feed and shelter the homeless, support prison ministry and Sanctuary for Life, which provides shelter for unwed mothers.

“One only must look around; the Bishops Annual Appeal is helping every corner of our diocese,” Fairchild said. “Now (since taking over her current role) I see the impact and meet the people whose lives are changed and uplifted by the funds from the BAA. I know I want to give more.”

Fairchild said changes are modest in her first year but do include the option for donors to use credit cards to make monthly or quarterly payments as well as offering bank draft withdrawals. 

“People may not have the cash on hand but can make a larger gift by stretching out their payments,” Fairchild said. 

She said this year people may notice more public signage and visibility promoting the campaign.

Fairchild also credits Bishop Michael G. Duca for his leadership with the BAA, saying he is the leader, the person who chooses the theme, the Scripture, the ministries, the focus.  She said the bishop prays for all requests and will send thank you letters and distribute the funds.

“How can we not succeed with such a strong and committed leader?” Fairchild said.

She invited everyone to participate and encourages parishioners to send a prayer request.

For more information or to donate to the BAA, contact Fairchild at 225-336-8790 or visit officeofstewardship.com.