Bishop's Appeal kicks off for '07

The need is "infinite," and "every program is worthwhile," said Ellen Donovan, director of the annual Bishop's Appeal, which is about to kick off throughout the Albany Diocese (see ad on page 7).

From supporting education for Catholic school children to backing efforts on behalf of the poor, she is "very excited" about what donations from Catholics fund.

"The message of the Church is always relevant in people's lives," she continued. "I get excited about reminding people of that relevance, and bringing the message into their lives."

Record broken

This year's Bishop's Appeal follows one that reached a record-breaking tally of $7,665,567.

This year, the theme is "For Generations," encompassing the Diocese's commitment to "preserving mission, stewarding traditions and sustaining values" across all age groups, she noted.

Gifts to the Appeal fund:

* diocesan Catholic schools and religious education;

* ethnic apostolates, the marriage Tribunal, and the Office of Prayer and Worship;

* religious personnel development and vocations;

* Catholic Charities' efforts for the poor, elderly and sick; and

* clergy recruitment.

Who is helped?

The Bishop's Appeal brochure, mailed to Catholics throughout the Diocese, introduces Catholics to different generations that garner support from the Appeal:

* Rev. Kenneth Doyle, veteran pastor of St. Catherine of Siena parish in Albany, and Daniel Quinn, a seminarian;

* Sister Elizabeth Costanza, CSJ, principal of St. Mary's Institute in Amsterdam, and Toni Miller, an eighth-grader at Blessed Sacrament School in Albany who wants to be a Catholic school teacher; and

* Roy Madsen, a volunteer in the Mentoring Program of Catholic Charities of Saratoga County, and his young mentees, Victor and Sean.

The Appeal also backs the Vocations Office, campus ministry, ecumenical efforts, and the Women's Commission, all of which have a direct effect on Catholic life throughout the Diocese, Ms. Donovan noted.

All welcome

The Bishop's Appeal "recognizes that people are faced with changes and economic challenges," and that "all gifts are welcome," said Ms. Donovan.

She hopes to reach out to Catholics who may not have donated in the past and encourage them to participate.

"The Bible is full of commentary about stewardship and supporting the Church," she explained. "One of my favorites is the loaves and the fishes. Every gift is important to us."

(Founded in 1955, the Bishop's Appeal for 2007 begins with in-pew commitment weekends on April 28-29 and May 5-6. For more information, go to www.rcda.org. Seventy percent of the funding needed to provide vital services to Catholics throughout the 14-county Diocese is raised through the annual campaign. For Catholics who can afford to give a little more, two new giving societies have been created: the Legacy Society, for donors over $2,500, and the Bishop Burke Society, for donors over $5,000.)

(4/19/07) [[In-content Ad]]