SUPPORT STEWARDSHIP APPEAL

                                                      DESPITE TOUGH ECONOMY

Despite the financial pressures created by a sputtering economy, parishioners of churches in Brooklyn and Queens have made pledges of support in excess of the $4.4 million goal of the 2003 Annual Stewardship Appeal, according to a report issued this week.

            The pledge total reached $4,633,316 on Monday (April 14), the beginning of the appeal’s seventh week. The amount already paid stood at $2,511,674.

            In the report, prepared by the Stewardship and Development Office, statistics showed that more than half of the parishes---113 of 217---had gone over goal, meaning that the monies received above that level will be distributed back to them for parish projects.

            Twenty-six parishes were within 80 percent of their goals, the report said.

            The funds collected up to goal benefit pastoral, social service, educational, clergy training and other programs sponsored by the Diocese.

            Several young people said they wanted to do their share in letters to the Stewardship and Development Office.

The parents of a 13-year-old girl made a contribution on her behalf asking for prayers for “the sick, the poor, the unborn, those seeking to be loved and the unfortunate,” saying that “she feels the Annual Stewardship Appeal helps in these areas.”

            Two youngsters in one family donated money to the ASA “to help God’s work” and a candidate for First Holy Communion contributed to the appeal asking for prayers for “my family and myself.”

            Reflecting a faith in providence, one donor made a commitment “during difficult economic times,” adding: “I am scared that I may have trouble paying it. But, thank God, He provides.”