How is my contribution to the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) spent?
The Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) helps all of us fulfill Christ’s mission here on earth by supporting those programs and services that cannot be accomplished by one parish alone.

More than 60 programs receive all or part of their funding from DSF and all funds are spent within Archdiocesan boundaries. The broad areas of ministry that receive DSF support include: Catholic education of children and adults; pastoral ministries for the sick, the poor and the incarcerated; the formation and education of church leadership; social service programs such as San José Clinic, St. Dominic Village and Catholic Charities. These ministries are listed in Section 1, Ministries in Action.

Are any of the funds spent on administration at the Chancery?
No funds are spent on general administrative expenses of the Chancery. A little over 4% of the funds are spent on the DSF appeal expenses. This percentage does not cover staff compensation expenses or supplies which are covered under general administrative expenses of the Chancery.

How may I donate to DSF?
Online: DSF is Cardinal DiNardo’s annual appeal; as such, DSF donations are made directly to the Archdiocese to benefit Archdiocesan programs. You may donate online at www.archgh.org/dsf or by calling the Development Records Office of the Archdiocese at 713-652-4422.
Check: You may place your check in the Pew Envelopes found at your parish or send your check with the response card you received in the mail.
Cash: You may place your cash in the Pew Envelopes found at your parish.
Credit Card: You may charge your donations to a credit card either using your response card or going online at www.archgh.org/dsf. We accept payments via MasterCard, VISA, Discover and American Express.
Direct Debit: You may set up a direct debit on your checking account on your response card. Just follow the directions on the card. You may also pay by “e-check” online at www.archgh.org/dsf.
Stock, IRA, or Mutual Funds: The Development Department can help arrange any of these transactions. Please call Cindi Garcia at 713-652-8248 or email at [email protected]
Donor Advised Fund: If you request a Donor Advised Fund (DAF) send a contribution in your name, confirm the Fund will send the check to the address listed below: Attn: Development Department DSF PO Box 4681 Houston, TX 77210-4681 Matching Gift DSF qualifies for many corporate matching gift programs.
Matching gift: companies will support the educational component of DSF, not religious. Contact your employer for more information on their matching gift program.

How does DSF benefit my parish?
DSF benefits your parish in many ways, from training and supporting Archdiocesan priests and deacons, to training pastoral councils and catechists, to supporting the parish and school system and the many ministries within your parish. Additionally, there are ministries at the Archdiocesan level that:

• Support and accompany families and married couples
• Provide medical care to the uninsured
• Offer the sacraments to young adults and students, forming them as Disciples of Christ
• Provide support for sacramental ministry throughout the Archdiocese
• Feed the hungry, care for the elderly and visit the imprisoned Financially, if your parish exceeds goal in payments, a certain percentage of those funds over your goal are returned to your parish.

May I designate my donation to a particular ministry?
 Individual contributions to DSF cannot be designated to specific ministries as funds are allocated based on the needs of each ministry set forth in their budget. This ensures that all ministries benefit from your gift.

How can I confirm that my parish is getting credit for my donation?
Each parish has access to a report with donor gift details. Please contact Tanya Mahoney, Associate Director of Development Records, at 713-652-4422 or via email at [email protected] if your donation is not credited.

Why am I now receiving The Texas Catholic Herald?
With your gift to DSF you will receive a free subscription to the Texas Catholic Herald to help keep up with the activities and ministries of the Archdiocese and the Church worldwide.

Will I receive an acknowledgement letter for tax purposes?
Acknowledgment letters are sent at the time a gift is made. All gifts equaling $100 or more are sent a tax letter at the end of January following the tax year the donation was given. If you do not receive a tax letter, please email [email protected] or call 713-652-8284 and request a letter.

How can I learn more about DSF?
Visit the Archdiocesan website at www.archgh.org/dsf.