Collection aids missions in U.S. and Latin America

By PAUL QUIRINI- | Comments: 0 | Leave a comment

The annual Black, Native American and Latin American Collection will be taken up in parishes across the Albany Diocese on March 11-12, continuing the diocesan tradition of raising money for such missionary and pastoral work on the first weekend of Lent.

Since 1885, Catholics in the United States, including the Albany Diocese, have contributed to the annual collection for the Black and Native American missions; for the past 39 years, the collection also has supported the pastoral ministry of the Church in Latin America.

The purpose of the appeal is to support missionaries to African-American and Native American people in areas facing economic hardship and deprivation.

The collection aids pastoral ministry in 20 countries in Latin America, supporting numerous programs and leadership training for the building of strong faith communities. In addition, contributions to the Church in Latin America help to rebuild areas affected by Hurricanes Georges and Mitch, which killed more than 9,000 people in 1998 and left almost four million homeless in the Caribbean and Central America.

Last year, Catholics in the Albany Diocese raised $119,726 for the Black and Native American Missions, and $10,000 for the Church in Latin America. In return, the Diocese received a $58,000 grant for its own efforts, bringing the total grants received by the Albany Diocese since 1980 to $749,000.

"These figures strongly reflect the generous support of the work of evangelization that you and many others have given, as well as the national recognition of such sterling support," Bishop Howard J. Hubbard said in a letter read at parishes last weekend.

He encouraged Catholics in the Albany Diocese to support the work of the Church in countries that need help.

"We who are the Church share in her mission of bringing the Good News to others through evangelization and a compassionate response to their needs," Bishop Hubbard said. "I well know and appreciate your ongoing generosity. I also value your earnest consideration of what, in your present circumstances, you are able to contribute to this collection. Your support will help to advance the pastoral ministry of the Church to our Black, Native American and Latin American sisters and brothers."

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