Gathering restrictions didn’t prevent us from holding our Second Annual Bishop’s Dinner on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Although we weren’t able to gather in person, that didn’t stop our community from joining us virtually in the name of Jesus to celebrate Ba’utha Thanksgiving! Through your generosity, the dinner exceeded all expectations raising over $450,000!
The bishop’s dinner is our largest annual fundraiser, in support of our parishes, seminarian fund, priest retirement fund, and the bishop’s office. Our night of celebration took place after our three-day Ba’utha fast on Ba’utha Thanksgiving, also known as “Chaldean Thanksgiving,” to give thanks to our Lord for all His blessings.
The live-streamed virtual event was hosted by Fr. Bryan Kassa, director of vocations and associate pastor at St. Thomas Chaldean Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Fr. Kassa guided viewers through various highlights including a reflection of the past year and the current state of our diocese today.
A keynote talk was given by Most Reverend Francis Y. Kalabat, bishop of our diocese. Viewers also joined Bishop Kalabat on a guided tour of the Chaldean Cultural Center museum to learn about the distinctive and powerful story of our people.
Families were invited to donate by sponsoring the event or simply donating online. Donations ranged anywhere from $20 one-time gifts via Venmo, to $25,000 sponsorships!
Sponsorship packages included a premium dinner for the family delivered to their homes on the night of the event, provided by Regency Manor. Sponsors also received gifts such as blessed religious statues and artwork.
Altogether, over $450,000 was raised for our parishes, seminarian fund, priest retirement fund, and the bishop’s office! We give thanks to God for everyone’s contributions, no matter how large or small!
It’s estimated that our parishes have collectively lost over $1,000,000 in 2020 due to Church closures. To help alleviate the financial strain endured by our parishes, much of the profits from this year’s dinner went directly to our parishes.
The night concluded with a special musical performance of “Hail, Holy Queen,” sang by Fr. Patrick Setto, associate pastor of Mother of God Chaldean church in Southfield, Michigan; and Mayce and Furat George.
We want to again thank our sponsors and all those who volunteered, donated, and prayed for us—making our Second Annual Bishop’s Dinner a success! You are among those who give life to our work for the Lord and in our shared mission, to make Christ known to all!
If you missed out on the dinner and would like to support this great cause, you can still donate by selecting which fund or parish you would like to give to.
Our diocese is committed to financial transparency. To view our 2020 Annual Report, click here.
