Ministry for today, hope for the future

Bishop launches Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) to “Build the Faith”

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Calling on Catholics to help “build the faith” so that young Catholics will inherit a flourishing Church of the future, Bishop Matthew Clark today launched the 2007-08 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). The CMA funds ministries for more than 350,000 Catholics in 12 counties.

The goal for the Catholic Ministries Appeal has been set at $5.3 million.

The CMA funds four crucial areas for the Church of Rochester:

• Helping the needy
• Guiding and inspiring our young people
• Supporting our parishes
• Spreading the Good News of the Gospels

 “We chose as our theme this year Building the Faith, a mission of Christians since the time of the first Apostles,” Bishop Clark said. “We are called to take care of each other, help our neighbors, and be a source of hope for all. The CMA directly and indirectly funds many ministries and resources that do just that. I am confident that the generous people of our Diocese will continue to support the ministries that have helped so many people throughout our 12 counties.”

The goal remains unchanged from last year, which the Bishop said is appropriate given the financial challenges facing many communities.

“Despite these challenges, our previous appeal saw a tremendous increase in money raised from the previous year,” he added.  “I am confident that people will remain generous and I am grateful always for their willingness to support this cause.”

Last year’s CMA returned the best response in several years. The total was about $450,000 more than the previous year. The average gift climbed to $132 and the number of donors grew.

Brochures and pledge cards are being distributed to the approximately 125,000 Catholic households in the diocese, and personal appeals will be made at the parish level over the course of the next several weeks.

Contributions to the CMA enable the Diocese to provide critical support to Catholic Charities, Catholic Schools and parishes, including training and support for catechetical leaders, youth ministry opportunities, migrant ministry, grants to inner city parishes, and support for the Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program.  It also funds the pastoral planning process, which enables Catholic faith communities throughout 12 counties to face common challenges and maintain vitality in an era of declining clergy and resources. ◄