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Jean-Paul and Gerrie Musicco have been named Chair Couple of the 2010 "Living Our Faith" Annual Bishop’s Appeal.
The New Canaan couple, members of St. Aloysius Parish, bring a deep and renewed faith along with their commitment to building a more compassionate community.
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The Diocese of Bridgeport has an email newsletter, Living Our Faith, in addition to our periodic e-mail updates on the Appeal and other areas. Sign up for our e-newsletter today!
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<< Back to Article Index
Giving to the Appeal:
The Millennials
“There are things more important than a new iPod.”” (PHOTO BY JOHN GLOVER)
Article Appears in the May 5, 2009 Edition of the Fairfield County Catholic
BY JAN & BOB DILENSCHNEIDER
(Editor’s note: Jan and Bob Dilcenschneider, members of Saint John Parish in Darien, are serving as chair-couple of the 2009 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop’s Appeal)
We’re from the fabled “Baby Boomer” generation, that generation of 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964 who gave you everything from rock ‘n’ roll to consumerism.
Most of us were committed to changing the world at one time in our lives – usually adolescence – and, hopefully, that desire still remains strong in us, albeit in a more institutional way. And while many of us still believe we can change the world, the torch is being passed to a younger generation, the so-called “Millennials.”
Commitment to Giving Back
They’re the 75 million young people born during the 1980s and 1990s, whose technological savvy, computer wizardry, high expectations, love of Facebook and YouTube, set them apart – not to mention their commitment to giving back and making a difference.
They often surprise us and make us proud at the same time. Our son, Peter, for instance, who is a college freshman, chose to give his Christmas gift of $1,000 to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. In fact, we’re honored to say it was the first donation the Appeal received.
“Even though it’s difficult for most kids my age to give money, many of us do what we can,” he said. “I gave to the Bishop’s Appeal because I knew my money would go toward important causes like Catholic Charities’ soup kitchens. There are things more important than a new iPod or iPhone.”
The Millennials are transforming the idea of charitable giving in America. They’re attuned to the social needs of the underprivileged, particularly in a place like Fairfield County.
Claire Gaudiani of the Heyman Center for Philanthropy and Fundraising at New York University was quoted in USA Today as saying young people are “not just making checks and going on with their lives. They want to be part of what happens.” They have a sense of social commitment that is encouraging to see.
Giving back and volunteering are also important to Peter’s friends, he said. At least 40 of them are affiliated with organizations such as Builders Beyond Borders, and they’ll spend their time in places like Guatemala and Ecuador helping the indigent.
Misconception
And there are opportunities to help much closer to home, Peter reminded us, despite the misconception of Fairfield County as an affluent enclave. “A lot of people just see the affluence and not the need,” he said. “It’s important to remember that not everyone drives a BMW. We have poor people even in Greenwich, and we need to help them.”
Yes, the Annual Bishop’s Appeal is more important than ever because poverty and unemployment are causing despair,
even in Fairfield County. The Appeal helps schools, Catholic Charities, soup kitchens, food pantries, religious education programs, and so much more. This year, the need is immeasurably greater. The number of unemployed, poor, and homeless has increased. And families confronting the loss of a job and the loss of their homes are under greater stress than ever before.
As our son Peter wisely advised us, “We need to take care of each other, and then we’ll take care of the world.”
There’s a lesson in that for all of us.
(Have you made your Annual Bishop’s Appeal yet? A donation can be made securely online at www.bridgeportdiocese.com.)
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