Aid goes overseas

With spring just around the corner, Catholics in the Albany Diocese have an opportunity to plant seeds of hope this weekend by contributing to the annual American Bishops' Overseas Appeal.

The collection supports four official Catholic entities that have been involved in humanitarian work around the world for more than 50 years: Catholic Relief Services, Migration and Refugee Services, the Holy Father's Relief Fund, and the Department of Social Development and World Peace of the United States Catholic Conference.

This year's theme is "Planting the Seeds of Hope," reflecting the spirit of support for helping others expressed by the Catholic community in the United States.

Last year, Catholics contributed $12.6 million to the appeal; $161,257 was raised in the Albany Diocese.

A large portion of the proceeds goes to Catholic Relief Services and supports that agency's emergency relief, community self-help projects and pursuits of justice in more than 80 countries.

Most funds that go to Migration and Refugee Services support the pastoral care of newcomers to the United States; one-quarter of all refugees admitted to this country each year are resettled with the help of MRS.

The Holy Father's Relief Fund assists victims of natural disasters and other emergencies around the world; the Department of Social Development and World Peace applies Catholic social teaching to current issues, including human rights, justice and the search for peace.

In a pulpit letter read during Masses last weekend, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard encouraged Catholics in the Albany Diocese to make a sacrificial gift to this year's collection.

"Think of the refugees who come to this country, fleeing for their lives, with only the clothes on their backs," he writes. "Think of the Africans for whom a small loan will help get them on their feet. Think of the Latin Americans for whom a well would mean a change in their standard of living.

"Our gifts become seeds of hope for these people, helping them to live the life of dignity Jesus won for them."

(03-19-98) [[In-content Ad]]