Diocese Ready to Begin 2007 Annual Appeal
 

The 2006 Diocesan Annual Appeal was the most successful ever, raising a record $6,090,552.

The faithful of the Diocese will be asked to maintain that momentum by supporting the 2007 campaign, which officially kicks off on the weekend of Sept. 29-30 with a goal of $5,300,000. This year’s theme is “Living Our Faith…Loving Our Neighbor.”

“Sharing of our time, talent and treasure is a reflection of the faith that we live, which calls upon us to love one another and to provide help to those in need,” said Bishop Joseph F. Martino. “Our Diocesan Annual Appeal is one way we can help and serve our neighbors in faith and love. Financial gifts to the Appeal have a great impact across our Diocese.

“Our supporters have been truly generous in the past, and we are counting on them again to help carry forth the mission of the Church.” 

Last year’s Appeal was expanded to include more programs and services that would receive funding. Those initiatives will be continued.

For example, supplementary funding will be given to three soup kitchens: St. Francis of Assisi in Scranton, St. Vincent De Paul in Wilkes-Barre and St. Anthony’s in Williamsport.

The Appeal will assist Camp St. Andrew /Project Hope, which provides a summer camp experience for children from lower-income households. St. Anthony’s Haven, a homeless shelter in Scranton, will also receive funds.

Funding will be provided to Fatima Retreat Center, and grants will be made available for catechists to obtain education online, for post-confirmation catechesis programs, and for financially troubled parishes.

These are in addition to the campaign’s traditional core components: recruitment and formation of seminarians, care for retired clergy, support for the many programs offered through the Office for Parish Life and Evangelization, funding for The Catholic Light and CTV: Catholic Television, scholarships for students in Catholic schools, and money to maintain Diocesan facilities.

“Once again this year, we ask parishioners throughout the Diocese of Scranton to offer their sincere prayers and generous support for the success of the Annual Appeal,” said Monsignor Peter P. Madus, Appeal moderator. “This campaign helps thousands of people in the 11 counties of Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania to improve their quality of life. As good stewards in the vineyard of Lord, I encourage all to live their faith and love their neighbor by supporting the good works of the Diocesan Annual Appeal for 2007.”

Planning is being completed for the upcoming kickoff of the Appeal. Parishes are being provided with an Appeal video to show at Mass on Announcement Weekend.

Parishioners will receive a mailing from Bishop Martino on Oct. 1. Parishioners are asked to send their pledges directly to the Appeal Office to expedite the recording of their pledge and the reporting of pledges back to parishes.

This year the in-pew process will take place towards the end of the campaign on the weekend of Nov. 17-18. Parishioners who have not given by that time may make a pledge at Mass.