BISHOP'S APPEAL: Making a decision along with Molly

A year ago, when the annual Bishop's Appeal began, we predicted that "some Catholics will probably pause before donating to the annual campaign that supports Catholic schools, marriage preparation courses, charities for the poor and aged, assistance to unwed mothers, and an abundance of other worthwhile programs."

We suspected the hesitation would be caused by the nationwide scandal of clergy sexual abuse. Some people will ask themselves, we wrote at the time, "What do I want to do more: help the needy, or send a message by withholding my money?"

Catholics provided a resoundingly positive answer by donating more than $6 million.

With that in mind as the 50th anniversary of the Bishop's Appeal gets under way this week, we believe that Catholics will not balk at all this year; instead, they will eagerly donate -- even increase their gifts -- as a sign of their solid faith, their firm support for the good works the Diocese does in their name, and their strong backing for Bishop Howard J. Hubbard at a time when he has become the target of despicable slurs and horrible lies.

As recounted in an article on our front page this week, a little girl named Molly Stenard collected $3 to donate to the Bishop's Appeal. Her outstanding example of stewardship, we predict, will be copied again and again by thousands of Catholics who will dig a little deeper into their wallets and purses. By doing so, they will send a clear message of unwavering fidelity to their Church, constant loyalty to their Bishop, and resolute devotion to supporting the many good works counted on by the needy, the elderly, children and others in our Diocese.

When it comes time to donate to the Bishop's Appeal, we are confident that Catholics will both imitate Molly's example of selfless generosity and echo her simple request: "Please use this money to help people."

(4/22/04) [[In-content Ad]]