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Giving Societies

The Communion of Saints Leadership Gift Societies

 

The Communion of Saints Leadership Gift Societies is a community of benefactors who, through their generosity to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, have taken on a leadership role in the work of the Church. As a member, you pledge to become partners in a shared vision for a vibrant Church in Vermont, furthering our core ministries such as faith formation, Catholic schools, vocations, and emergency aid, while setting a good example of stewardship for all in our Diocese.

 
 

Circle of Charity – $5,000+

Blessed Virgin Mary

 
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. — Jn 15:12
 
The Blessed Virgin Mary is the patroness of the Diocese of Burlington. She is the Queen of Peace and intercedes on behalf of humanity for her son Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Our work strives to continue to spread peace through our pastoral ministries as we seek to grow discipleship and serve the spiritual needs of all in our Diocese. 
 

Circle of Faith – $3,000-$4,999

St. Joseph

 
Jesus told him, ‘Go your way; your faith has saved you.’ Immediately he received his sight and followed him on the way. — Mk 10:52
 
St. Joseph is the patron and the protector of the Catholic Church, and as the earthly father of Jesus, he is a model of humility and peace through faith. Faith unites all of us as one diocesan community, and there are many who serve our parishes and our Diocese, especially those who are called by God to ordained service. These men model the faith witnessed by St. Joseph and ensure a vibrant future for the Church in Vermont. 
 

Circle of Hope – $1,853-$2,999

St. Andre Bessette

 
And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. — Rm 5:5
 
St. Andre Bessette, the “Miracle Man of Montreal,” helped heal thousands by encouraging prayers to St. Joseph, to whom he had a strong devotion. He did not dismiss the real pain and sickness of those who visited him but offered peace and hope by standing with, listening to, and praying with them. With a parish named for him in the Northeast Kingdom, St. Andre Bessette continues to bring hope and peace to the people of Vermont. 
 

Circle of Devotion – $1,000-$1,852

St. John Vianney

 
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will act. — Psalm 37:5
 
The patron saint of priests, St. John Vianney set an example of selflessness and dedication to leading his parishioners on the path to eternal salvation. With devotion, our priests and bishops make sacrifices to serve those in our Diocese and do it in a way that brings peace to the surrounding communities. An example of such a sacrifice is the first bishop of Burlington, Bishop Louis deGoësbriand. He died penniless after using his wealth to grow the Diocese. This society honors Bishop deGoësbriand’s charitable nature and dedication to the Church in Vermont. 
 

Circle of Peace – $500-$999

St. Kateri Tekakwitha

 
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid. — Jn 14:27
 
St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the patron of the environment and ecology, was raised in the Iroquois nation that managed the fields, forests, and wildlife of its homeland in the area of Canada, upstate New York, and Vermont. She has been referred to as a “child of nature” who often went into the woods to make crosses out of sticks and to talk to God. The Circle of Peace honors God’s gift of the resources and natural beauty of Vermont. 
 
JOIN A CIRCLE TODAY
 

History

The roots of our Catholic faith here in Vermont lie in our noteworthy history. When we read about the remarkable men and women who prepared the soil and planted the seeds of our faith, we realize that the Holy Spirit has been at work from the beginning. One significant signpost in that history was the official establishment of our Diocese, when Bishop deGoësbriand was appointed the first bishop of Burlington in 1853. We look back at that year with great pride, and in that memory we discover our roots and we find our hope for the future.