One more chance to show off generosity

People who ask for money for worthy causes worry about "compassion fatigue," that feeling among donors that they have reached the end of their ability to feel sympathy for those in need and to respond generously in a time of trouble. Fund-raisers are also concerned about something else: that givers, even those who remain compassionate, have simply reached the bottom of their pockets.

We suspect, however, that if it's the Pope who comes around asking for a little more charity, Catholics in the Albany Diocese will resist the emotional tug of compassion fatigue and find a little more in their purses to give.

Certainly, those Catholics who have been generous over the past several weeks have much to be proud of. As we reported last week, the annual Bishop's Appeal, which funds educational, charitable and other services throughout the Diocese, topped last year's total by seven percent. Many of those same donors turned around, reached deeper into their wallets and responded sacrificially when calls went out to help the victims of the Pentecost Sunday tornados that hit several counties in the Diocese (see article on page 18).

Now comes yet one more request for help, this one sounded by Pope John Paul II on behalf of the annual Collection for the Works of the Holy Father. Sometimes known as Peter's Pence, this collection will be taken up in parishes throughout the Albany Diocese this weekend. It funds papal charities around the globe to relieve suffering, educate people in the Faith and provide pastoral care among the poor.

Will Catholics respond as they have in recent weeks to other requests? Based on experience, we expect that they will: generously, selflessly and happily, knowing that their gift will help someone in need.

The theme of the papal collection is "We Are A People of Hope." The members of the Albany Diocese can proudly say that they are also always a people of love.

(07-23-98)
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