2006 Diocesan Annual Appeal Will Begin Sept. 23-24

With a challenging goal and new initiatives to support, the 2006 Diocesan Annual Appeal officially kicks off the weekend of Sept. 23-24.

This year’s theme, “Fulfilling God’s Plan…Doing Good for Others,” is a reflection of the new evangelization taking place throughout our Diocese, according to Bishop Joseph F. Martino.

“Our Annual Appeal makes possible many programs and services that are beyond the ability of any one parish,” the Bishop said. “But through the support provided by this campaign, we can enable parishes to better fulfill their ultimate mission – proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ for the salvation of all.” 

The 2006 campaign will attempt to raise $5,250,000, which is $850,000 more than last year’s goal.

One reason for the higher goal is increased demands on the Diocesan budget. In addition, there are new initiatives that will depend on the Appeal’s ability to provide funding.

New Initiatives Require Funding
For example, extra help for parishes is being offered through the Appeal this year. Grants for Regional Religious Education Directors and Catechists who will serve a group of parishes are being made available to encourage parishes to share resources. In the same manner, grants will be made available for regional business managers.
In addition, the Appeal will make scholarship grants available to parish catechetical leaders, teachers and adult faith formation instructors. This will provide additional professional development for our lay volunteers, parents and teachers to become true catechists – those trained to teach the faith with authority. Courses will be available on-line through The Catholic Distance University. Working adults have found this approach to be highly practical.

Some parishes, despite their best effort and intention, run into financial difficulty. Many need a helping hand to get them started on the road to recovery. This year the Annual Appeal will provide a limited number of grants to help parishes that have a plan in place to return to financial stability.

Another new item funded by the Appeal will help support spiritual renewal. Funding will be allocated to support the operation of the Fatima Retreat Center, a multi-purpose facility available for prayer meetings, days of reflection, retreats, workshops, education conferences and seminars. Located in the Diocesan Center for Ministry Formation and Spiritual Renewal in Dalton, countless parish and Diocesan adult and youth groups have used the Retreat Center for programs such as Engaged Encounter, Diaconate Formation, Diocesan Priests’ Retreat, Bible Study, First Communion and Confirmation classes. 

In addition to these new initiatives, the Appeal must continue to support many ministries that are essential to the spiritual and physical welfare of people throughout the Diocese.

Programs Help The Needy
Funds from the Annual Appeal support endeavors to assist some of the most vulnerable people in our community. The campaign will provide supplementary funds to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and offer disadvantaged children the chance to attend summer camp and participate in recreational activities.

Three soup kitchens – St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton, St. Vincent De Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre and St. Anthony’s Kitchen in Williamsport – serve and provide meals for homeless and low-income individuals and families.

St. Anthony’s Haven, a homeless shelter in Scranton, provides a refuge for those experiencing a lack of housing, hunger and poverty.

Camp St. Andrew/Project Hope provides youngsters from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to experience and participate in traditional camp activities in a Catholic atmosphere.

In addition to these initiatives, the Appeal will continue to support Diocesan Catholic schools, the formation of seminarians for the Diocesan priesthood, care of retired clergy, maintenance of Diocesan facilities, evangelization through communication in The Catholic Light and CTV: Catholic Television, and the many services provided to parishes through the Office for Parish Life.

Monsignor Peter P. Madus, moderator of the Appeal, noted that this is the campaign’s 20th year, and perhaps its most challenging.

“We are making a special effort to truly help fulfill God’s plan and to do good for others in ways that we have not done in the past,” he said. “Funding for our new initiatives will offer hope and provide help for those in need, and strengthen the carrying out of our mission in this part of God’s vineyard we call the Diocese of Scranton. I am hopeful that the good people of our Diocesan family will continue to support our efforts and, if possible, even increase their gift this year.”

Prior to the upcoming kickoff of the Appeal, parishioners will receive a letter from Bishop Martino. They will be asked to complete and return a pledge card.
Those who cannot make a pledge at this time will have an opportunity to do so during the in-pew process at Masses the weekend of Nov. 11-12.

Diocesan Annual Appeal 2006 Home Page