A sum that you, and they, can live with

With the arrival of the 45th annual Bishop's Appeal, Catholics in the Albany Diocese have another opportunity to demonstrate their outstanding generosity -- this time a little closer to home (see pages 1 and 32).

Over the years, the generous and sacrificial spirit that has marked Catholics in this Diocese has been shown again and again as they have dug deep in their pockets and purses to aid hurricane victims in South America and war-ravaged people around the globe.

But tragedies also touch our own hometowns and cities, which is one reason you should contribute to the 1999 Bishop's Appeal. Through the Appeal, the Church soothes an abused child who comes to a Catholic Charities facility, comforts an ailing elderly person in a nursing home or hospital, guides a troubled couple through marital difficulties at Catholic family services, and provides loving care for families touched by AIDS. By supporting those programs, you are helping to carry on Jesus's healing ministry.

But helping people in difficult circumstances is only one part of the Bishop's Appeal. It also funds Catholic education through schools and catechetical programs, seminary training for the next generation of priests, guidance in prayer and worship for parishes, apostolates for minorities, and ecumenical and interfaith activities. By backing that work, you are joining with Christ in His work of teaching, preaching and praying.

The Bishop's Appeal material sent through the mail and handed out in parishes in recent days suggests different levels of giving, with the $5/week plan ($260 annually) highlighted. That sum is certainly within the reach of most families, many of whom pay $500 annually for cable TV. A couple who goes to the movies twice a month is spending about $360 a year -- without buying anything at the concession stand.

Current images on TV and in newspapers show the suffering refugees in the Balkans. They deserve our help. The same faces of anguish can be found in the 14 counties of the Albany Diocese. They, too, deserve our attention, and it can be given through the Bishop's Appeal. When it comes time to pledge your donation, think of your cable bill and your movie-going habits, and then write a figure you -- and people in need -- can live with.

(04-22-99)

[[In-content Ad]]