Ravena parish reaches out -- near and far

When it comes to the Church of St. Patrick's in Ravena, charity may begin at home -- but it doesn't end there.

Rev. Vincent J. Ciotoli, pastor, and his Stewardship Committee routinely set aside five percent of the weekly offerings to help improve the lives of those who often have little or nothing to do with the parish

"Some people disagree with what we're doing. They believe that since we have so many needs right here within our own parish, all the money should stay here," reflected Father Ciotoli. "But I believe it is only when we give out of our own need that we can identify more fully with those who are most in need of our help. Why should we have a surplus when others have nothing or next-to-nothing?

"The bills will always be there," he said of the parish's expenses, "and we pay them as they come our way. But if we become too secure financially, we risk becoming complacent -- and perhaps even indifferent -- to the needs of others. Besides, I have found that God is never outdone in His generosity. As we give to others, so He gives to us."

Five and five

The policy of giving five percent of the weekly collection to outside causes began a few years ago in conjunction with a sacrificial giving program.

"The figure everyone kept talking about was 10 percent," recalled Father Ciotoli, "and our Stewardship Committee agreed that this could easily be divided into two parts with five percent of our income staying in the parish and the other five percent being donated to various charities."

Since then, thousands of dollars have been given away to organizations that are sometimes literally a world away.

International aid

Recent international recipients of Ravena donations include Magdalene Rescue and Rehabilitation ($350), and a Maryknoll mission parish in Tacna, Peru ($1,000).

Reaching 22 countries, the Magdalene organization assists children as young as 10 who have been sold into sexual slavery. Financial gifts are used to buy food and clothing, pay for medical needs, provide job training, shelter and counseling.

The funds bound for Peru help Maryknoll Father Joseph Kowalczyk (a native of the Albany Diocese) better serve the needs of his poverty-stricken parishioners.

Back home

Closer to home, funds from St. Patrick's have been allocated for Hale House, a Harlem residence for babies born to drug-addicted mothers ($350); Unity House, a transitional housing program in Troy that serves families in crisis ($500); and the St. Charles Lwanga Center of Albany, an overnight shelter for homeless men ($500).

Another recent recipient was the Comprehensive Transportation Program for the Sick of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany ($500). That program assists persons with cancer, HIV/AIDS and kidney failure as well as those requiring transporation to hospitals and medical appointments.

Also on the receiving end of a gift was the St. Patrick Food Pantry ($500), which was given money to help combat "the continuing hungers of the families of our local community."

Making choices

Deciding who qualifies for financial assistance -- and how much they will get -- is St. Patrick's Stewardship Committee: Joseph Boehlke, Ellen Bradt, R. Michael Conners, Paul Lawler, Joan Lipscomb, Lisa Weber and Father Ciotoli. Meeting quarterly, they review donation requests in the order in which they are received.

"We keep all of the requests in a file and then look at them one at time. Usually, the organization requests a specific amount, like $250 or $500 or $1,000. We discuss each request, and then decide by consensus which ones we can assist," said Father Ciotoli.

"If committee members agree the request should be filled, we do our best to give the amount requested. Sometimes, we have it; sometimes, we don't. If we don't have it in our special five percent bank account, obviously, we can't give it."

The Stewardship Committee strives to help local and regional causes within the Diocese as well as those of national and international scope.

"The Gospel tells us we must share with those in need, and I strongly feel we have a responsibility to share what we have with others -- wherever they may be," said Father Ciotoli. "True stewardship goes beyond the immediate needs of one's own parish."

(05-01-97) [[In-content Ad]]