January 20, 2006
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For More Information, Contact:
Bud Bunce (503) 233-8373
bbunce@archdpdx.org
Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal – 2006
The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal 2006 begins with announcement weekend on February 18 – 19. This annual appeal provides funds to support essential Gospel-inspired ministries that would be difficult, if not impossible, to operate without the generous contributions of parishioners. The goal for the 2006 Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is $3,150,000. The theme for this year’s Appeal is “The Spirit Gives Life.”
In a reflection on the theme for this year’s appeal, Archbishop John G. Vlazny quotes from the Creed “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life.” He reminds parishioners, “The Holy Spirit is also the life source of this archdiocese, its evangelizing mission and many ministries---all of which are supported by the annual Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal. The Spirit gives life to the appeal by opening our hearts and encouraging all of us to share in the mission of the Church in the 21st century.”
The Appeal gives life to areas representing nearly 80 ministries and services. The Appeal provides funding for pastoral care, Catholic Schools, vocations and seminary education, parish grants and support, campus ministries, the Oregon Catholic Conference, ethnic ministries, clergy continuing education and education for deacons, justice and peace, and provides for the health care and retirement care for priests. The effect of these ministries is felt throughout the archdiocese. Sandi Belleque, Coordinator of Parish Faith Formation for Sacred Heart-St. Louis parish in Gervais said, “The appeal helps people like myself get certified as Directors of Religious Education through the Ministry Formation Program.” Seminarian Eric Andersen stated, “People’s generosity allows us to be generous in our ministry, in our studies and with God.”
As the Archdiocese continues to face the challenges of the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process, it is important to note that the contributions to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal are used only for the designated ministries. Archbishop Vlazny writes to parishioners, “I want to reassure you that gifts to the appeal are not used to pay for attorney fees, litigation, or settlements. Gifts designated to the Catholic Appeal are used immediately for ministries and programs that meet the everyday needs of the people of the archdiocese. 100% of your gift will be directed to ministries and programs.”
Last year’s goal of $3 million was surpassed by the generous contributions of parishioners. The support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal has been a sign of the commitment of Catholics in Western Oregon to the mission of the Church. Father Dennis O’Donovan, Vicar General, writes, “Virtually every Gospel ministry we support through the Pastoral Center, we’re able to support because of the appeal. What we’ve seen, by the grace of God, is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Despite court cases, the work of the Church is being done. I know that the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal touches people’s lives.”
Archbishop Vlazny asks Catholics, “Please join me again this year in supporting this appeal that gives so much Spirit and so much life to so many Catholics throughout Western Oregon.” The weekend for making pledges to the Appeal will be on February 25 – 26.
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