Donations rise despite hard times

Though Catholics in the Albany Diocese face the same economic hardships as the rest of the country, they still gave well to the 2008 Bishop's Appeal. The total in gifts and pledges came to $7,391,516, up from last year's $7,338,683. 

There were 35,973 gifts and pledges, down from 37,069 gifts in 2007. But the average donation was $205, compared to $198 last year.

"In a time that's challenging for many Americans, with rising food and fuel costs and people having to feed and clothe their families, people continue to be very generous," said Ellen Donovan, the director of the Bishop's Appeal. "Our diocesan responsibility is to make sure that we steward those donations to carry out our Catholic ministry."

As of July 15, 162 parishes reported their gifts and pledges, and people's donations can still be counted toward their parish assessments, which are set by the Diocese based on various factors and in collaboration with the parishes.

Not so simple

The 2008 campaign operated with the theme of "A Simple Act with Profound Impact." The promotional pamphlet featured several dozen people representing ministries and services that are funded by the appeal in each of the 14 counties in the Diocese.

For the first time in several years, the appeal also ran television advertisements. There were a total of about 88 spots over a two-week period.

The appeal funds dozens of ministries and services, from Catholic Charities to faith formation, schools, the education of priests and deacons, campus ministries, counseling and outreach to minority groups.

'Called' challenge

The giving came despite the mixed feelings that many Catholics have regarding the eventual outcome of the Called to be Church process, which will restructure some parishes.

"We are going through a time of pastoral planning and there is a lot of uncertainty," said Ms. Donovan. "Whatever struggles there are on a broad basis, people are not using their checkbooks to register any dissatisfaction."

At St. Gabriel's Church in Rotterdam, parishioners met an increased assessment despite such challenges and the economy. "We did not need a hard sell," said Annette Brooks, the parish life director. "People came through; we were just amazed."

Thomas Prindle, executive director of stewardship for the Diocese, called the steady giving "a moving expression of just how generous and caring the people of the Diocese are."

(07/31/08)