Catholic Charity Fund Appeal

No more 'hiding our light under a bushel'

Posted

PROVIDENCE - The official date of the opening of this year's Catholic Charities Appeal is April 9, but on March 15, Diocesan Director of Stewardship & Development Anthony T. Gwiazdowski said being "one of the three oldest Catholic appeals in the United States" has its benefits.

"This is the 82nd year of the Appeal," Gwiazdowski said, and some parishes have already begun their in-pew solicitations. "In the diocese, it is such a tradition; it is part of our Catholic culture." The main thrust of Appeal solicitations will occur mid-April in most parishes, and because of state budget cuts and an anticipated larger number of clients turning to Catholic agencies for help, the soliciting campaign is going to be on-going.

Gwiazdowski said no longer will the Appeal "hide our light under a bushel." He anticipates more contact with potential donors and several more direct mailings to every household to make sure that everyone in the diocese has the opportunity to donate to the campaign. "It is too important for anyone to ignore. Donations to the Appeal truly affect lives. They make people's lives better," he said.

In addition to highlighting the impact the ministries have on people's lives and how the individual donations make a real difference in the lives of those whose needs can only be described as desperate, Catholic Charities has a pilot program in place. Thirty-five parishes will be allowed to use any money over their goal to benefit charitable causes of their choosing within their own communities. Gwiazdowski said this is a further way of making sure that people will get the help they need.

Gwiazdowski praised his office staff, those who help with the preparation for the Appeal and, once it is officially launched in April, those who keep tabs on the number and amount of donations. In-pew solicitations are scheduled to begin in parishes the weekend of April 14 and 15.

It is a pleasure to work with Bishop Thomas J. Tobin, Gwiazdowski said. "He has a real grasp of the importance of this campaign and a willingness to ensure its success by giving of his time." The bishop has met with every pastor in the diocese and attends all fund-raising functions, meeting with smaller groups and promoting the fine work of the diocesan agencies as he talks about the people who benefit from the gifts.

(This story originally published in The Providence Visitor)