APPEAL FUNDS HELPING

PARISH PROJECTS

            The financial pressures faced by 159 parishes in Brooklyn and Queens were eased when each received checks representing funds they raised over their respective goals for the Diocese of Brooklyn’s Annual Catholic Appeal.

            In all, $1,575,492 was returned to the parishes in late November, the second distribution of over-goal parishioner contributions in the 2005 campaign. In July, $805,670 was sent to the parishes. A third distribution is scheduled to follow the Dec. 31 close of the pledge redemption period.

            Pastors of parishes receiving the checks have earmarked the funds for local needs.

In Far Rockaway, Father James K. Cunningham, the pastor of St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, has told parishioners that their over-goal contributions help him meet diocesan assessments and insurance obligations.

            “It’s our major fund-raising appeal, helping us to pay our diocesan bills so that we can stay as current as possible,” he said. “The people know it and they respond, aware that we have to recognize the needs of the Diocese, the greater Church.”

            He said he is especially pleased that 50 percent of the 849 registered families support the appeal. The parish goal was $30,671 and parishioners pledged $90,432. In the latest distribution, the parish received $23,560.

            “The money raised for the parish through the appeal is important to us, and I’m happy knowing that half of our families participate,” Father Cunningham said.

Meanwhile a landmark in Ridgewood is receiving a fresh look as the church tower of St. Matthias parish is being restored, thanks to funding from the Annual Catholic Appeal.

            Msgr. Edward B. Scharfenberger, the pastor, said the parish’s over-goal funds of $90,000 thus far are beginning to underwrite the cost of refurbishing the 150-foot tower, which dates back to 1926.

The people in the neighborhood are familiar with the cross atop the tower, the tower’s Seth Thomas clock and its five-tone Westminster Chimes that mark the hours of the community’s day, Msgr. Scharfenberger said.

With the work heading toward a completion date in late January, the repair cost will remain with the parish, so that over-goal funding in the next few years will be applied to the total cost.    

“The reaction of the people has been overwhelmingly positive,” Msgr. Sharfenberger said. The renovation “has motivated people to give to the appeal, as they see something immediate and tangible.”   

In Sunset Park, Father Patrick G. Burns of St. Michael’s Church said one of the first things parishioners asked him to do when he was made pastor was to repair a serious leak in the church roof that was damaging part of a church restoration that was completed several years ago.

            Because the parish was unable to afford the $35,000 repair bill, the Diocese loaned the funds needed. The over-goal distributions in July and November, amounting to $25,014, has enabled St. Michael’s to repay most of the loan, and the anticipated return early next year should retire the debt, said Father Burns.

“Everyone here is real happy,” he said. “They’re ecstatic.”