What is Together We Serve
Together We Serve is the annual charitable appeal of the Catholic Archdiocese of Edmonton. It was launched in 2014 to simplify giving by combining recurring special collections in parishes (often called “second collections”) and to encourage Catholics to work together to serve those in need—locally, across Canada, and around the world.
Together We Serve demonstrates to us Catholics and to everyone around us that we are one Church, acting together to fulfill the mission entrusted to us by Jesus Christ.
Why an additional appeal?
Catholics are obliged to “assist with the material needs of the Church, each according to his or her own ability” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2043). That is why every parish has a regular Sunday collection during Mass, a portion of which goes to support the Pastoral and Administration Office of the local Church (Archdiocese). At both the parish and Archdiocesan levels, these funds pay for salaries, facilities, contracted services, and other material needs of the Church.
Together We Serve offers a unique opportunity for all Catholics in the Archdiocese of Edmonton to support their fellow workers in the Lord’s vineyard, generously and joyfully contributing to Catholic causes that go beyond the immediate needs of our parishes and Pastoral Office.
As St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians about the churches in Macedonia and Achaia:“I can testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability, entirely of their own accord. They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.” (cf. 2 Cor 8:2–4)
How was the TWS goal determined?
The original Together We Serve goal in 2014 was determined by looking at total giving to special collections over the previous five years (2008–2013), and then calculating a five-year average.
When Catholic Social Services – Sign of Hope was added to Together We Serve in 2015, the goal was increased by the five-year average of parish giving to the Sign of Hope special collection. In 2016, the Together We Serve goal was increased again by 3%, to $2 million.
In response to the variety of challenges experienced by our parishes during the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal was reduced to $1.5 million in 2022.
How are parish targets determined?
Original parish targets were set based on each parish’s giving to special collections over the previous five years, after which a five-year average was calculated for each parish.
Current parish targets are determined in consultation with each parish priest to ensure they are both achievable and inspiring for parishioners.
Why is Development and Peace – Caritas Canada no longer part of TWS?
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada was established in 1967 by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops to promote just social, political, and economic structures in the Global South.
The Share Lent campaign is a long-standing tradition in Catholic parishes. As one of a number of special collections, Share Lent was included in Together We Serve from the beginning.
In 2022, in consultation with Development and Peace, it was decided that the organization could resume running its own Share Lent campaign in Edmonton Archdiocesan parishes, beginning in 2022. This allows D&P to tell its own story and reach a new generation of Catholic donors directly.
Can I designate where my donation goes?
Together We Serve was designed as a sign of unity in the local Church. All of the beneficiaries play an important role in building up the Church and carrying out her mission locally and abroad.
Allowing donors to designate their gifts would work against this sign of unity and is therefore not an option.
What if I want to give directly to TWS beneficiaries?
By all means, give! Together We Serve does not replace individual charitable giving to those organizations and causes that are near and dear to you. In fact, most of the TWS beneficiaries reach out to their own supporters through modest fundraising appeals.
If you are a supporter, please give!
What about special emergency situations or disasters?
Yes. When disasters or other emergencies occur, our Archdiocese responds through special collections and/or other relief efforts. Because these events are unpredictable and urgent, they are not included in Together We Serve.
How much should I give to TWS?
Only you can answer that question. As disciples of Christ, we should listen to how God might be calling each of us to serve others through our charitable giving—and respond generously in gratitude for the abundance we have received. We invite you to take the time to pray about it and discern how Together We Serve fits into your life of discipleship.
Here are some starting points you might consider:
Do I want to give monthly, annually, or just when I have a little extra to share?
How much am I already giving to my parish and other charities? While Catholics are not required to tithe, many Christians try to give between 5–10% of their gross or net income to Church and charity.
Give what you can. The average annual gift to Together We Serve is just under $500, which simply means half give more than $500 and half give less.
If I am already giving to Together We Serve, can I give more? Many of us fall into a comfort zone with parish and charitable giving and don’t stop to think about how the organizations we support are affected by inflation and rising costs—just like our own families.
How can I give to TWS?
There are many ways to give to Together We Serve. Choose the one that works for you:
By pre-authorized debit (PAD) through your parish. Your donation can be deposited directly into your parish account monthly, quarterly, or on any schedule you request. Most parishes now offer PAD. Contact your parish office for details.
By credit card. Check with your parish office to see if your parish accepts credit card donations. If not, visit the Archdiocese website at https://caedm.ca/, click on “Ways to Give,” and follow the Together We Serve link. Your gift will count toward your parish target when you select your parish name.
By donation envelope. Most parishes provide Together We Serve envelopes in their envelope boxes (often monthly). The Archdiocese also prints envelopes and distributes them to parishes. You can use these envelopes year-round or on special collection days to give by cash, cheque, or credit card.
By e-transfer. A convenient option if you want to donate from home! Contact your parish office for details.
By mail or in person. Send or drop off your donation at your parish office or at the Archdiocese Pastoral and Administration Office, 8421 101 Avenue NW, Edmonton AB T6A 0L1. Be sure to indicate that your gift is for Together We Serve.
