As Catholic fundraisers we believe that what we do is a ministry because it is a response to Christ's invitation to build the kingdom. Inspired by the Gospel call to stewardship, we invite others to receive God's gifts gratefully, nurture these gifts responsibly and share these gifts justly and charitably for the sake of the realm of God. We serve the Church by respecting the hallowed ground on which donors and the mission meet. We hold sacred the trust established between the donors and mission they choose to support.

Asking others for money gives them the "opportunity to put their resources at the disposal of the Kingdom." (Henry Nouwen, The Spirituality of Fundraising.) We help them discern how to use their resources in ways that they believe will make a significant difference.

Our donors never cease to amaze and astound us with their generosity. We ask people to give because someone, at some time in our life, asked us give. We ask people to give because we are convinced our mission is worth their support. We help our donors fulfill the deepest desires of the heart to love God and neighbor as one's self.

Our ministry is first and foremost about relationships. It is about being of one heart and one mind. It is our relationship to God, to the mission of Jesus and to all our brothers and sisters. It is an invitation to be and build communities of faith, hope and love.

Jesus taught us that we cannot do it alone. Our donors and all of us need communities of acceptance and support and place to find our common voice.

The National Catholic Development Conference is this community for those who have been called to the ministry of fundraising.