A recent letter to the editor of this newspaper has prompted me to share some thoughts with you on our efforts to raise funds on behalf of the Diocese of Providence through the Catholic Charity Fund Appeal.
To be sure, these are the toughest economic times our state and nation have faced in generations. Sadly, there are thousands of people, including current and past donors, who have been hurt by the economic downturn. And while we see small signs of recovery—I also see great signs of hope from within our Catholic community. Let me share these with you.
We have a Bishop not only committed to teaching doctrine, but who has reached out personally to Catholic families to ask for major support for the Appeal and with great success. We have a dynamic Pastor’s Committee, led by Rev. Msgr. Barry Connerton, the members of which have worked diligently to guide the Appeal and to encourage their brother pastors in this effort in these tough times. We have great pastors. Men who are not only committed to the success of the Appeal by asking their parishioners to support the effort, but who themselves give hundreds of thousands of dollars as a group from their less than average (by lay standards) salaries each and every year. These are men who both talk the talk and walk the walk.
I see hope in these times in the great parish chairpersons who assist their pastors in coordinating all the work that must be done so that each parish can be as successful as it can be. And, we have thousands of Catholics who, even in these dark days, support the Appeal as generously as they can. In fact, against all conventional wisdom, and with a month still to go, more people have donated to the 2009 Appeal than did in 2008! We have received the largest gifts in the history of the Appeal (thanks to Bishop Tobin and our donors) and are in striking distance of our $7.8 million goal. Yes, these are tough times, but I believe that the Holy Spirit knows that too!
It is true that we have asked for increased gifts in our letters. That is a standard fund-raising practice that we have and will continue to use. In fact, each year, in good times and bad, 30% of our donors respond to that request and increase their gift to the Appeal. We also know that even as these letters go out, some people cannot give more than they did last year. However, what is important is that we want you to know that every gift is meaningful, helpful and deeply appreciated. No matter what the size of your gift, its monetary value is enhanced by the spirit of Christian Stewardship in which it is presented. We ask for more because the need is greater, and asking with hopeful, grateful hearts is all we can do, but for whatever is given, the entire Church of Providence, especially the 200,000 people served by our Appeal ministries, is entirely grateful!
The faithful support of the Catholic community in Rhode Island is an 84 year tradition of love. It is a testament to every pastor, every parish chairperson and every donor and to the steadfast faith of this Church in the Gospel. The efforts of the diocesan staff, clergy and laity are put forth solely so that those who are suffering-will suffer less- and know that the Roman Catholic Church is here to help!
Your Hands do God’s Work for 200,000 needy neighbors through 39 ministries! We are grateful for all you have done past and present and hope that you truly understand that no matter how you support the Appeal, through donation, prayers or both, that your support makes a real difference in thousands of people’s lives everyday.
It’s an old fund raising maxim, “you raise funds in the environment you are given”. Even in this “less than perfect environment” you have brought this Appeal within $600,000 of our goal. Yes, the Holy Spirit knows these are tough times too but through each of you He proclaims His presence and with that there is always Hope!
Anthony Gwiazdowski is the director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development.
