How do parishes collect money for ShareLife?

Each parish adopts the campaign style that is best suited to their community. If your parish is using the direct mail approach, you can expect to receive a letter from Archbishop Thomas Collins inviting you to be part of the ShareLife family. For those not responding to the Archbishop's appeal, a second mailing from your pastor is sent to registered parishioners with an option to also approach parishioners through telephone follow-up. Those parishioners not registered at the parish office would be asked by the parish to contribute through a collection on three specific "ShareLife" Sundays. For the last several years, the direct mail campaign has proven to be the most effective type of campaign for ShareLife.

The in-pew campaign is one where parishes make specific collections (ie. 3 ShareLife Sundays, each week during Lent, etc.) where the parish community is invited to contribute to ShareLife. There are also a small number of parishes who canvas door to door in their community, requiring a significant number of volunteers to participate and visit registered parishioners' homes.

Does ShareLife have speakers to help show where my donation is going?

Yes. Each year, dozens of speakers make presentations in our parishes and schools to put a face to the ShareLife family. Speakers are available from our agencies as well as the ShareLife office. Contact ShareLife for more information on how to book a speaker.

Does ShareLife only give money to its 34 agencies?   What about individual cases?

ShareLife is committed to funding its 34 agencies each year through donations collected from our annual appeal. A small portion of funds collected also goes to support emergency grant-in-aid efforts - in recent years, grants have been made for Philippine landslides, Kenyan refugees and hunger in Africa.  While ShareLife is not structured to fund individuals in need, we may be able to refer you to the appropriate ShareLife agency who may be able to assist you.

Is ShareLife helping only Catholics?

ShareLife agencies have an open door policy of helping all those in need, regardless of religious affiliation. This has been the case since 1976, when ShareLife first began.

Are there new initiatives being undertaken by ShareLife?

In 2008:

• Additional funding is needed to support family counselling services in a number of areas in the Archdiocese.
• ShareLife agencies are working to answer the call for help from an increasing number of immigrants and migrant workers.
• We have committed additional resources to supporting research and education related to women's health issues.
• More assistance is being offered to men seeking to break free from their addictions.
• Our efforts to help fight hunger in impoverished parts of the world have been strengthened, along with our commitment to spreading the Gospel message in developing nations.