PROVIDENCE – In an effort to respond to the dramatic increase in spiritual and basic human needs of people throughout Rhode Island, the Diocese of Providence has launched its most ambitious Catholic Charity Fund Appeal.
Commencing during the Lenten season, 68 of the 150 parishes of the diocese have embarked on the first foray towards raising $8.2 million in order to continue to serve the people of our community through the 39 Catholic Charity Fund ministries.
The 2008 theme, ‘Your Hands, God’s Work’ reflects the impact of the 39 ministries on the lives of nearly 200,000 people, and how the gifts that donors make truly make a difference.
In February, at a series of Bishop’s Continued from page one
Partnership in Charity receptions, this year’s appeal co-chairman, Bruce Morris, noted, “After visiting a number of the ministries, along with my wife Ann, we truly came to realize how the gift we give helps. Every time we went to a ministry office and people found out we were donors, they thanked us and let us know how much they had been helped. It was at times really overwhelming.”
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin told those in attendance at the events, “Having just read The Five People You meet in Heaven, I am reminded that we are all interconnected, and that as you visit the ministry displays tonight you will recognize your connection to the many people that our ministries serve. In a very real way, your hands make God’s work possible.”
At the receptions, staff of a number of the ministry offices, such as St. Martine de Porres Center, the Office of Community Outreach, Interfaith Dire Emergency Fund, St. Francis House, the Catholic School Office, and the Seminary of Our Lady of Providence were present with displays and information about their work and to share first-hand examples of how their gifts are making a difference for those in need.
One donor commented, “This was a really great opportunity for me to talk to some of the people who provide the ministry I support and understand the types of services they provide.”
Another donor added, “It was interesting to hear some of the stories about the people who were helped too. It really helped me to understand that the people our ministries serve are so grateful and regular folks, just like me.”
General co-chairs for the 2008 Catholic Charity Fund Appeal are Bruce and Ann Morris of St. Luke Parish, Barrington; vice-chairs are Joseph and Paula Caramadre of Holy Apostles Parish, Cranston. As one of the changes to the appeal this year, Bishop Tobin has reinstituted an old tradition, appointing a clergy chairman, Rev. Richard Sheahan of Holy Apostles Parish, Cranston.
Together with Bishop Tobin and the Rev. Raymond Bastia, vicar for Planning and Finance, Father Sheahan spoke at several luncheons held by the Bishop around the diocese to ask clergy for their continued hard work and support on behalf of the Appeal. As Fr. Sheahan noted in his talk, “The verbal, spiritual, and physical support of pastors, and fellow clergy on behalf of the appeal is still holds a major influence on the laity of our diocese.”
In announcing the changes being instituted in the 2008 Appeal, Stewardship and Development Director Anthony T. Gwiazdowski said, “ After a great deal of study over the past two years, we have concluded that moving towards a Lenten Appeal is sound from both a spiritual and fund-raising perspective. We are in the midst of this effort and hope that many of the 82 parishes conducting appeals during the Easter season will move to the Lenten timeframe next year.
“This also provides additional time for follow-up after parishes have conducted their Bishop’s Partnership in Charity and In-Pew solicitation,” he continued. “We can get the vast majority of gifts processed and then mail to all registered parishioners who have not yet made gifts. We believe this will cut down on confusion, and will allow us to reach out to more parishioners in a more coordinated way.
“Most importantly, we are hopeful that Lenten Appeals will provide the critical resources that enable our ministries to serve our neighbors in need,” Gwiazdowski concluded.
The 2008 appeal has also realized an increase in the number of parishes that are taking advantage of the parish share program. Under this option, parishes that surpass their goal will receive all of the excess funds, once the amount collected equals the goal. Parishes participating in this program must use their funds to support parish ministry in concert with the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal.
The Catholic Charity Fund Appeal will conclude on June 30, 2008, but parishioners from Lenten parishes will receive their last follow-up mailing soon after Easter, and parishioners from churches conducting Easter season appeals will receive their final mailings in early June. It is hoped that by June 30, the appeal will surpassed its $8.2-million goal.
