Take a big bow

The weather outside is hotter than you think. That's because Catholics in the Albany Diocese have added to the heat by setting fire to previous records of giving to the annual Bishop's Appeal.

In a blaze of generosity that's sure to raise the temperature (see page 1), more than $7.3 million has been given or pledged to the campaign, which funds Catholic schools, Catholic Charities, seminary training, religious education, help for those in troubled marriages, assistance to unwed mothers and a host of other good causes.

Some of the credit rightly goes to the pastors, parish life directors and volunteers who work on the campaign; but most of it goes to you -- the people who reached into their pockets and said, "I'll do with less so that others can have more."

More what? More schooling in their faith...more hope in their futures...more food on their plates...more life and love in their marriages...more guidance in times of trouble.

The past two years have been an extraordinary period of giving. Starting with the tsunami at the end of 2004, running through the hurricanes of 2005 and continuing with the New York State floods of a few weeks ago, the generosity of Americans has been tested again and again. And Catholics of the Albany Diocese have passed the test with straight A's.

What accounts for such superior displays of sacrifice and selflessness? There are probably many answers, but we suspect the main one is that you like to live your faith in imitation of Jesus, who emptied Himself unto death.

Time and again, through special collections for natural disasters, in ordinary giving to charity and in the annual Bishop's Appeal, you have responded with exemplary displays of abundant charity.

Congratulations! Take a bow!

(7/20/06) [[In-content Ad]]