We are ‘cells in the Body of Christ,’ Bishop Iffert tells ministries, community members at DPAA celebration
Maura Baker
Staff Writer
People of the diocese and surrounding community came together, Aug. 20, for a celebration and recognition reception in honor of the 2026 Diocesan Parish Annual Appeal, or DPAA. Joining them was Bishop John Iffert, Jim Hess, director, Stewardship and Mission Services and Dr. Greg Salzman, the 2026 DPAA Leadership Gifts Chair.
As part of the evening, grants through the DPAA were distributed to different faculties and ministries within the diocesan community. DPAA grants totaling $275,000 were given out to diocesan and local organizations who serve the community for needs such as staff, repairs, operating expenses and facility improvements. (For a full list of grants dispersed through the 2026 DPAA, see page #.)
The theme of the 2026 DPAA is “Live as Children of Light.” Jim Hess, addressing the guests gathered for the reception, called back to this theme. “This room is so full of the light of Christ,” he said. “… When you think about the amount of people that each of our ministries impact individually, and then the cumulative efforts of all the ministries that are in this room right now — it’s outstanding. It’s amazing.”
The DPAA sets aside 10 percent of its total funding each year for these community grants. In 2026, the DPAA goal was $2.75 million, resulting in the $275,000 given in grants that evening.
“That’s a commitment that the diocese made,” Mr. Hess said, “10 percent of what the faithful will donate to our DPAA goes back out to support your beautiful ministries.”
Dr. Greg Salzman spoke also to guests, saying, “It’s exciting to be able to tell everyone how well the Lord has blessed us.”
Dr. Salzman shared the success of this year’s DPAA, stating that the diocese is doing “much better than expected” compared to results this time last year — with a rising number of donors compared to a falling number over the past few years.
Dr. Salzman additionally noted that 36 diocesan parishes have met or exceeded their 2026 DPAA monetary goal. Money raised over the goal is given back to the parishes for their needs. However, donor participation goals are still underway — with seven parishes having met this secondary goal and 31 parishes 20 participants or less away.
After dispersing the grants to the different organizations gathered, Bishop Iffert spoke also to those gathered. “It’s a wonderful thing,” he said. “It’s such a nice evening to be here and to be able to give these little gifts to so many different groups and ministries.”
“All this is made possible by all of our neighbors,” Bishop Iffert said. “By you and all of our neighbors who contribute for the support of the Church and who allow the Church to support others … Our diocesan Church is not something separate from our experience in our parishes — but our experiences in our parishes, and our local schools, and our local agencies and our associations combine to make our world. They are cells in the Body of Christ here in this region.”
Bishop Iffert concluded, thanking ministries by saying, “Thank you all very much for what you’re doing to be the Body of Christ to others.”
At the end of the evening, Dr. Greg Salzman was given a gift on behalf of the diocese for his service as Leadership Gifts Chair. Dr. Salzman will continue his work in the 2027 DPAA as General Chair.
