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"Living Our Faith," the 2008 Annual Bishop's Appeal, Has Launched in All 87 Parishes of the Diocese of Bridgeport
By PAT HENNESSY
Fairfield County Catholic (funded by the Appeal)
January 26, 2008
Page One: Introduction / Largest Provider
Page Two: Catholic Charities
Page Three: Making a Gift
The Appeal is the primary fundraiser for the essential programs and ministries of the Catholic Church in Fairfield County. This year's goal is $12.3 million.
"Since Christ calls us to care for one another, not just in what we say but, above all, in what we do, I earnestly ask every parishioner to participate as generously as possible in this year's Appeal," says Bishop William E. Lori. "Parishioners throughout the diocese provide the time, talent, and financial resources to support the poor, feed the hungry, provide shelter to the homeless, educate and form our youth in the faith, create momentum for vocations to the priesthood and religious life, and sustain the elderly. We simply cannot do the Lord's work without the participation of our Family of Faith through the Appeal."
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Largest Provider
Bishop Lori points out that the diocese is the largest provider of social services in Fairfield County to people of all faiths, after the government. It also runs the largest private pre-K through grade 12 educational system (also open to all faiths).
The Catholic Church, moreover, is the largest religious denomination in Fairfield County, with nearly 51 percent of the population attending one of 87 parishes, from Sherman to Norwalk, Greenwich to Stratford.
"Last year was a banner year for our Church, in many respects, and lived up to our theme of 'Living Our Faith,'" Bishop Lori continues. He notes several accomplishments made possible by funding from the Appeal: the continuing excellence of 39 Catholic Schools, nine of which are eligible for "Blue Ribbon" status, the highest recognition from the U.S. Department of Education; the successful first year of the five-year Pastoral Plan for Evangelization, "Following in the Footsteps of Christ;" the publication of the new Parish Administration & Finance Manual to standardize parish financial procedures and controls; and the comprehensive Safe Environment Program, which just passed its fourth independent audit in a row.
In many different ways, contributions to the Appeal help to build up the life of the Church throughout Fairfield County. They provide for the education of seminarians entering the Saint John Fisher Seminary Residence in Stamford; care for the needs of retired priests; and ensure that senior citizens in hospitals and nursing homes have the services of a priest. They assist the faith education of the newest generation of Catholics through support of 87 parish religious education programs and a thriving youth ministry. Adults, moreover, benefit from the Saint Cyril of Jerusalem School of Catechesis, and a new Marriage Preparation Program. Ethnic ministries nurture the faith lives of African-American, Hispanic, and Haitian Catholics.
All of these good works are communicated through the Fairfield County Catholic (mailed free to every Catholic household) and the diocesan website, www.bridgeportdiocese.com.
Next: Catholic Charities >>
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