The 2005 Diocese of Scranton Annual Appeal will begin with an announcement in all parishes this weekend, Sept. 17-18. The campaign goal of $4.4 million is equal to last year’s goal.

This year’s them, “Together in Faith,” reflects the need for all Catholics to consider how they can help promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ through their support for the campaign.

Annual Appeal. Through the prayers and good stewardship of the people of our Diocese, we can work Together in Faith to achieve what God has given us to accomplish.”

A recorded message from Bishop Martino will be heard in all parishes prior to conducting the in-pew sign-up process, which has proven to be an efficient way for people to make a pledge.

Those who can make larger gifts are encouraged to join the Diocesan Stewards Guild, which was instituted last year by Bishop Martino. In August, a prayer service and reception was held at the Fatima Renewal Center in Dalton for members that joined the Guild last year. At the reception, Bishop Martino thanked members for their good stewardship and asked them for their help in this year’s Appeal.

Members of the Steward’s Guild and other donors who have made large donations in the past will be invited to participate one again with pledges from $1,000 to $10,000 or more.

Those gifts and contributions of any amount will support numerous parish ministries; communication efforts such as CTV: Catholic Television and The Catholic Light; Diocesan schools and religious education programs; clergy formation and retirement; and care of Diocesan pastoral facilities.

Msgr. Peter P. Madus, moderator for this year’s Appeal, said the campaign provides funding for many vital programs that support the life of our Diocese and all our parishes.

“It is also another opportunity for all parishioners throughout the Diocese to fulfill their own spiritual need to be good stewards,” he said. “They do this by giving some portion of their God-given gifts to support the Church and its mission in that part of the vineyard we call the Diocese of Scranton. Year after year, our good people throughout the eleven counties of Northeastern Pennsylvania have been successful in attaining the campaign goal along with all the good it accomplishes in our midst. Through our own humble efforts coupled with the help of God, we confidently move forward with every hope for success again this year.”

More than 400 members of parish leadership teams have attended workshops held throughout the Diocese. Information on conducting the Appeal, including the important timeline that was included in their Parish Leadership Team Handbook, was provided along with ways to strengthen stewardship in their parishes.

A mailing will be sent to all parishioners on Sept. 21 to assure that everyone is invited to participate.

“I look forward to working with all of our parishes again this year as we are poised to begin the 19th Diocesan Annual Appeal,” said Ernest G. Pappa, campaign director. “Each year we work to communicate the needs that are funded by the Appeal in a way that helps all of the faithful in the Diocese to appreciate what is being done to carry out our mission in all of our parishes. The insert in today’s Catholic Light will answer questions that many have asked through the years and help everyone to understand just how important the Appeal is. I know that our people will offer their prayers and financial support again this year for another successful campaign.”