Bishop's Appeal 'impacts' Diocese

Ellen Donovan would like people to know that, when they contribute to the 2008 Bishop's Appeal, their gift has an impact around the Albany Diocese.

Each time a man is trained as a deacon, for example, or a campus minister reaches out to a college student, Bishop's Appeal funds are being used, she explained.

The annual appeal, which funds Catholic education, Catholic Charities, services for the poor and elderly, and other diocesan programs, kicks off this month.

Wide impact

"The Bishop's Appeal has a huge impact," said Ms. Donovan, director of the campaign. And "it's not just Catholics that are impacted. Everyone a deacon or campus minister comes into contact with benefits."

This year's theme is "A Simple Act With Profound Impact...Impact Your Parish, Impact Your Church, Impact Your Community."

"The impact of a gift to the Appeal goes beyond one parish or program," she continued. "The people who are served through our ministries, educated in our schools, trained through our formation offices -- they touch so many lives. My hope is that, when people learn or are reminded of this, they will be excited and inspired."

Stewardship

Ms. Donovan wants Catholics to know that the Diocese is a good steward of the gifts it receives.

"It's really important to use people's money carefully," she said.

Television ads are a new aspect to the campaign. The hope, Ms. Donovan said, is to reach Catholics who might not currently be giving to the Bishop's Appeal.

The ads also serve as a form of evangelization, spreading information about the Diocese to those who might not know what the Catholic Church does.

Statistics

The average gift to last year's Bishop's Appeal rose to approximately $185 per household. The 2007 campaign raised $7.6 million.

Rather than stating a financial goal for this year's campaign, Ms. Donovan hopes that more Catholics donate.

"The Bishop's Appeal has an important impact on every county in the Diocese," she noted. "Together, we can accomplish a lot of great things."

(The brochures and TV advertisements for this year's drive feature 65 people from each of the 14 counties that make up the Diocese.)

(04/17/08) [[In-content Ad]]