Building toward the next sesquicentennial

Throughout 1996, The Evangelist has been carrying monthly articles about the history of the Albany Diocese. We have been doing so in anticipation of the 1997 celebration of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese.

In the research for those articles as well as for a sesquicentennial history book that will be printed next spring, we have again and again heard stories of the generosity of Catholics, rich and poor, in building their Church -- and their churches, schools, hospitals, orphanages and other religious institutions. Examining the past 150 years, we have found many instances of people sacrificing in order to attain a better future for us because they recognized that there were critical needs to be met.

When Catholics of 150 years from now reflect on 1996 in the Albany Diocese, they will note the creation of something new: The Albany Catholic Foundation. Eight pages in the center of this week's issue of The Evangelist introduce you to the foundation, which Bishop Howard J. Hubbard calls "critical to the future ability of our parishes, schools, Catholic Charities and the Diocese to fulfill the mission of Jesus in our time."

He continues by noting, "It is now our turn" to imitate what generations of Catholics before us did: make a lasting contribution to the Church in order to extend God's word, Christ's hands and the Spirit's love. We can do that by making use of the many donor opportunities the foundation presents to individuals and organizations.

Catholics of 150 years from now will judge our commitment to the Church partly on how successful the Albany Catholic Foundation is. We encourage you to take the time to read this special section and to think about how you will be part of a past that future Catholics will be proud of when it comes time to write the tricentennial history of the Albany Diocese.

(09-05-96)

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