STEWARDSHIP APPEAL AIDS

60 PROGRAMS, PARISHES

            The 2003 Annual Stewardship Appeal of the Diocese of Brooklyn will enter its pledge-making phase the weekend of March 1-2, when the members of 219 parishes will commit their financial support for the more than 60 educational, social service and pastoral outreach programs offered by the Diocese. 

            Designated as Commitment Weekend by Bishop Thomas V. Daily, the Saturday and Sunday before Lent have become the traditional time set for the pledge phase, a week after Appeal Sunday, when parish staffs ask their congregations to assist the fund-raising effort.

The monies contributed by parishioners are earmarked to underwrite the cost of specific services sponsored by the Diocese, from the Bishop Mugavero Residence for Retired Priests and housing and home care for the elderly to the Family and Respect Life Offices and religious education programs.

Because the diocesan Stewardship and Development Office has identified where the contributed funds will go, donor support is enhanced, according to a pastor, Father Michael A. Carrano, of Assumption Church in Brooklyn Heights.

Stating that Assumption’s 2002 appeal was successful in his parish, Father Carrano said a reason for “the great response” was that “it was made very clear that the monies pledged would be used for the many charitable, social and ministerial programs in our Diocese.”

He said the theme he addressed to parishioners “focused on the Gospel message of service to the poor and marginalized, stressing that without the appeal’s success some programs could possibly be discontinued.”

In his talk to parishioners last year, Father Carrano also pointed out that a successful appeal would benefit the parish as well as diocesan programs. As a result, while the parish goal was $6,675, parishioners pledged $24,000, he said.

Each parish is assigned a goal to be reached during the appeal. The amount contributed above the goal remains with the parish.

Father Carrano describes as “positive” the in-pew solicitation aspect of the appeal, which takes place at weekend Masses.

“Education on all these points is the key to success,” he said.

Among the other programs that benefit from the appeal are the Cluster Planning and Collaboration Office, the Pastoral Institute, the Hispanic Ministry Office, the Catholic Migration Office, the Prayer Channel, the Office of Black Ministry and St. Paul’s Center.

Also, the Spanish Cursillo Center, the Tribunal, the Superintendent of Schools Office, campus ministry, the Vocation Office, Cathedral Prep, the Office for Senior Priests, the Pastoral Care for the Sick Office and the program for developmentally disabled persons.

The 2003 appeal, taking place during the 150^th anniversary of the founding of the Diocese, has as its theme: “Share in Christ’s Ministry---No One Can Take Your Place.”

As Commitment Weekend approached, Bishop Daily expressed his gratitude to parishioners who have supported the appeal in past years by “sharing the blessings that God has entrusted to you in an authentic manifestation of Gospel stewardship.”

            Urging continued participation in the appeal, he drew attention to the pastoral letter on stewardship issued by the U.S. bishops in l992, “Stewardship: A Disciple’s Response.” It called on the faithful to “share the gifts and graces they have received from God.”