Catholics' giving sets new record

Catholics in the Albany Diocese have set another record for giving to the Bishop's Appeal, donating $7,338,683 during the 2007 campaign.

That represents a small rise over the 2006 Bishop's Appeal, which broke all previous records in the 50-year-plus program. The total last year was $7,317,473.

The average gift in 2007 increased about two percent over 2006.

Who's helped?

Scores of ministries in the Diocese are funded by the Appeal, ranging from Catholic Charities' services for the needy to religious education for children and adults.

A large portion of the donations fund Catholic education throughout the Diocese, and a substantial part goes to vocations and seminary education.

Individual Catholics are helped in numerous ways by the offices funded by the campaign, such as Counseling for the Laity and marriage programming from the Family Life Office.

Appreciation

Reacting to the report, James Kopp, executive director of development for the Diocese, said, "The continuing generosity of those who historically have given to this campaign underscores their understanding of the necessity of these funded ministries and programs."

Ellen Donovan, director of the Bishop's Appeal, said, "Each year, I am so heartened to witness the people of this Diocese giving so much of their time, talent and treasure in support of our Appeal. Their commitment to our Catholic mission, traditions and values touches so many lives and unites all of our people and parishes in serving Jesus Christ.

"Many people worked hard and gave selflessly to ensure that the 2007 Bishop's Appeal was a success. In times of great change throughout our Diocese and in our faith, the Bishop's Appeal remains strong, and will sustain programs to educate and aid Catholics throughout their lives."

(A parish-by-parish report of giving to the Bishop's Appeal can be found on page 13 of the print edition.)

(7/19/07)