How to Join and other FAQs

Catholic World Mission organized the efforts of a number of Catholic organizations into 'Mission Hope' as a way to most efficiently and effectively get the right type of aid to the people most in need. Their faith will bring them through this trial.  But your help is needed by getting donations and by selling our 2006 wall calendars and fun aluminum 'Mission Hope' bracelets.

To reach our goal of $3 million, it will take many teams and many individuals doing all they can to help.  The money raised will help in three areas:

• Youth and Family Missions to help clean up and help the survivors person-to-person;
• Tuition assistance, school materials, and financial support to Catholic schools that are absorbing the tens of thousands of children whose schools were destroyed;
• Financial assistance to nearly 3 dozen priests from New Orleans and Lake Charles who have no parish now and hence, no source of income as they continue to minister to the survivors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Join 'Mission Hope' to work as Christ's Hands to Help Hurricane Victims on the Gulf Coast?
Join Mission Hope either of two ways:

1. Register online at www.missionhopegulfcoast.com.  Click on 'Participant Registration' along the left menu and follow the easy step-by-step registration.  Then you'll be able to send emails to friends and family to support you with credit card donations as well as receiving a package to help you sell products and collect donations in your neighborhood, school or parish.  Registering  online is the FASTEST way to get started!
2. Simply register by sending us a letter to "Catholic World Mission-Mission Hope", 33 Rossotto Drive, Hamden, CT 06514. 
   Either way you register, we'll send you what you need to get right to work!

What's the difference between being a 'team' or just an individual participant?
First, remember that every participant is able to earn 'thank you' incentives for collecting donations or by selling products-whether they are on a team or not.  However, only teams can earn special incentives that will be announced throughout the campaign.  If you think you can get others to help you raise money (such as a club, a school, or just your friends), then start a team!

How Can I Raise Money for Mission Hope?
Three ways:

1. Sell our 2006 Wall Calendars-suggested minimum donation is $13
2. Sell our official (and fun!) 'Mission Hope Gulf Coast' aluminum bracelets-suggested minimum donation $2
3. Encourage people to make donations to 'Catholic World Mission' that you collect and send in to us at the same time you send us your orders.  Many people want to help and they will be glad that you are offering them a great way to help those most in need.

Is There a Registration Fee?
No.  There is not a fee for individual participants or for teams.  However, we do want each team to set a fundraising goal so everyone on the team has something to work towards.  It will take a lot of effort to reach our $3 million goal!

What happens when I register?
Every participant and team captain will be sent a package with Fast Fact sheets, team member registration forms, donation forms, reply envelopes and samples.  Note:  if you 'join' a team, your team captain will give you everything you need.

What are the 'thank you' rewards?
Catholic World Mission and our sponsors want to thank everyone who participates in this project with some special rewards-all great products that you could use as gifts for your friends and family.

For every $50 you raise (about the amount from selling just 3 calendars and 5 bracelets), you'll be able to select a product FREE our 'Mission Hope' sponsors. For example, raise $50-select one prize.  Raise $100-select any TWO prizes.  Raise $150-select any THREE prizes!  Just think about it.  You will have the possibility of earning prizes from each of our sponsors! Go to our website to see the prizes that are offered:  www.missionhopegulfcoast.com and click on 'Help by visiting our Gift Store'-every product offered there is available FREE to everyone who becomes a team member to help 'Mission Hope.'

Century Club:  Everyone who raises $100 or more receive the special 'Mission Hope' t-shirt and cross worn only by our mission workers along the Gulf Coast! 
Five Century Club:  Everyone who raises $500 or more will also receive a Sacred Heart of Jesus statue, along with their ‘Mission Hope’ t-shirt and cross.
There will be other special incentive rewards for the teams with the most members, most donations, fastest donation effort, and other criteria announced throughout the campaign on our website-so check often!

How Will the Funds Raised Be Used?
The funds raised will go to our projects for relief and rebuilding along the Gulf Coast, with at least 90% of the donations raised going directly to program support in the area.