2009-2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal

July 10, 2009

Help support your parish in the Catholic Ministries Appeal

‘Keeping the Spirit Alive’ theme of 2009-10 CMA

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Asking Catholics to share their blessings to ensure the Church’s ministries remain vibrant in challenging economic times and amid growing need, Bishop of Rochester Matthew Clark today officially launched the 2009-2010 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA).

“The ministries and services the CMA funds affect every facet of Catholic life and every Catholic in our Diocese in some way. I ask every Catholic family to participate if they can, knowing they are helping their parish, their friends and their neighbors. Every gift, large or small, helps us to keep the spirit of service alive.”

The CMA, which runs until May 31, 2010, helps fund ministries for more than 314,000 Catholics and others in Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Cayuga, Livingston, Steuben, Tioga, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Tompkins and Yates counties. This year’s campaign goal is $5.49 million. Materials are being mailed this week to more than 115,000 households. Every pledge received is used to help fund ministries such as:

  • Reaching out to the poor, the homeless, the hungry
  • Assisting Catholic Charities and Catholic Education
  • Welcoming new Catholics through special education programs (RCIA)
  • Providing faith formation programs for youth
  • Encouraging religious vocations
  • Honoring marriage and preparing engaged couples
  • Spreading the Gospel through communications media
  • Teaming with other dioceses in the USA, supporting the Vatican
  • Providing parishes with needed services and resources they would be hard-pressed to obtain on their own
  • Giving support to families, elderly and the sick

“I have felt blessed to celebrate my 30th anniversary as Bishop of Rochester this year. And year after year, I have watched in awe as Catholics open their hearts and give, even in difficult times.” the Bishop said. “I think people just know that when times are tough, the Church is all the more a refuge, a place offering healing, hope and help.”