You feel moved to give, but now you’re faced with hundreds of choices. Within that choice, I urge you to find #iGiveCatholic. Make your first gift to your Catholic parish, your Catholic school or your Catholic ministry. Give back to the community God has given you, so that you might more fully encounter him.

#iGiveCatholic is the U.S. Catholic Church’s annual giving day, held in coalition with Giving Tuesday. It is the one day each year when hundreds of Catholic parishes, schools and ministries across the United States come together in a friendly competition of philanthropy and stewardship to “Give Thanks, Give Back, and Give Catholic.” 

The Diocese of Charleston has taken part in #iGiveCatholic for many years, and every year we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the faithful. At its heart, #iGiveCatholic isn’t about raising money — it’s a community of like-minded people, bound together by a deep love for Christ and his Church. The parishes and schools that have historically raised the most haven’t just asked for donations every year. They’ve rallied together as communities.

St. John Church in North Charleston is a prime example. In 2025, the parish set a goal of $25,000 to be raised on Giving Tuesday — with the hope of replacing damaged gutters, repairing the rectory sidewalk, fixing heat pumps and duct work, painting and more. St. John will celebrate its 100th anniversary in three years, and this series of repairs and improvements would help ensure the parish reaches that milestone and guarantees its longevity for generations to come.

St. John didn’t just hit that $25,000 goal; it raised over $35,000. That’s an impressive number, but money alone isn’t what made the campaign such a success. It was made from something that captures exactly what #iGiveCatholic is all about. 

Father Rafael Ghattas, administrator of St. John Church and School, gave back to his parish in a way that went beyond his usual generosity. Father Rafa offered his baking skills as a thank you. He made his “famous” homemade apple pie for any family who donated over $1,000, plus a batch of his homemade ice cream for anyone who gave over $500. The parish’s graphics were handmade, simple and inviting.

But inspired by their priest’s example, the community gave more of themselves, determined to make sure the place that has supported them through the most important moments in life would continue to flourish.

St. John’s story is one of a true community coming together to give back to the place that has been there for them in the biggest moments of their lives. Now think of your own parish, the community that has shaped your life. The start of your marriage. The baptism of your children and grandchildren. The memorial Mass for a loved one.

Your parish has been present for every one of them. Even the days that felt ordinary were anything but, because your parish gave you the gift of receiving the true Body of Christ in the Eucharist. Your parish has always been there for you in your biggest moments, but only because of the faithful and generous supporters behind the scenes.

So, when you wake up on Giving Tuesday, after you’ve eaten your leftovers and tracked the status of your packages, visit the Diocese of Charleston #iGiveCatholic webpage, find your parish, local school or favorite ministry — then give thanks, give back and give Catholic.