Bishop Parkes launched the Mater Dei Giving Society on November 9, 2020 with a special live stream event featuring prayer and conversation. Named in honor of our Blessed Mother, the Mater Dei Giving Society recognizes those helping our diocese put our faith into action so the world can see who we are by the good works we do in Christ’s name. Generosity to our local Church comes in many forms. It is amazing that in just two years our Mater Dei Giving Society has grown to almost 6,500 members dedicated to helping us carry out of mission to courageously live the Gospel.

On October 24, 2021 Bishop Parkes invited members of the Mater Dei Giving Society to attend the first live event – an afternoon prayer service and reception at the Cathedral of St. Jude. Due to Covid-19, the past few years have made it difficult for Bishop to have many face-to-face interactions. It was with great prayer that this event came to be. With more than 6,000 members, it was a great feat for 170 members to attend in person and 206 to join by live stream.

Our Mater Dei Giving Society recognizes four specific types of giving:

+ The Mater Caritatas (Mother of Charity) Circle recognizes those who have given 10 years or more at any level to the Annual Pastoral Appeal, Spirit FM 90.5 and/or the Catholic Foundation. 

+ The Mater Unitatis (Mother of Unity) Circle recognizes those who made significant gifts of support to the Annual Pastoral Appeal, Spirit FM 90.5, Catholic Charities and/or the Catholic Foundation in 2020 or 2021.

+ The Mater Ecclesiae (Mother of the Church) Circle recognizes those businesses and organizations that made significant gifts of support to diocesan ministry, Spirit FM 90.5, Catholic Charities and/or the Catholic Foundation in 2020 or 2021.

+ The Mater Spei (Mother of Hope) Circle recognizes those who have shared they will establish legacy gifts from an estate or through a beneficiary designation, or have already created an endowment, perpetual fund or purchased a Charitable Gift Annuity in support of a parish, mission, Catholic school, Catholic Charities, Spirit FM 90.5, the Catholic Foundation and/or diocesan ministries.

To view the members of the Mater Dei Giving Society, or for more information, please visit www.dosp.org/materdei.