Special to the HERALD
(From the issue of 6/10/04)

Thanks to the stewardship of Catholics in the Diocese of Arlington, the Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) has received pledges of almost $4.5 million, or 90 percent of the diocesan goal of $5 million. The BLA is a leading source of funds for diocesan operations. The generous gifts of parishioners from 21 diocesan counties support 66 parishes through the various programs and offices financed by the BLA. (The accompanying chart shows pledges and payments received to date, by parish.) St. Bridget of Ireland Mission has reached 352 percent of its goal.

BLA donations are accepted as "restricted gifts," meaning that they are used only in the diocese and only for the areas stated in BLA materials. Just as the parish offertory supports the needs and ministries of the local church, the BLA provides operating funds for the ministerial, program and office needs of the entire diocese.

The BLA takes place annually and is different than the recently completed "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope" capital campaign which accepted pledges that are restricted for specific capital and endowment projects.

Within the major funding areas, there are over 30 programs and ministries supported by the BLA including the Fairfax Hospital Chaplaincy Program, the High School Youth Rally, College Campus Ministry, televised Sunday Mass for shut-ins and the marriage preparation and enrichment programs which are conducted by the Office of Family Life. Also administered by the Office of Family Life are many respect life programs, including Gabriel Project and Project Rachel.

Gabriel Project Arlington helps pregnant women by coordinating volunteer assistance. A network of churches, crisis pregnancy centers and other agencies work together to assist expectant mothers with physical, material, spiritual and emotional support. Generally, when a woman calls the Gabriel Project central phone line seeking assistance, her needs are assessed to determine the best source of help. If the most fitting resource is found to be within a parish, and the client agrees, the expectant mother will be referred to an Angel within a parish. Angels assist expectant mothers by driving them to doctor’s appointments, babysitting, shopping for baby items, and helping them with proper nutrition and pre-natal care. Angels also offer prayer, encouragement and support in a loving, unconditional and non-judgmental manner, witnessing to the infinite and healing love of God.

Twenty percent of every dollar given to the BLA goes to support vocations, clergy formation and seminarian education. The Vocations Office conducts vocations awareness programs and also receives funds for the education of seminarians studying to be priests. These expenses annually total close to $20,000 for each student. The diocese currently has 22 seminarians studying for the priesthood. Five will be ordained as deacons this year and Deacon Augustine Minh-Hai Tran will be ordained a priest on June 12 at the Cathedral of St. Thomas More.

Across the street from Patrick Henry Elementary School in Alexandria is a place where senior citizens gather together daily to exercise, play cards, eat a nutritious lunch, attend educational seminars, make arts and crafts and even learn to use email.

St. Martin de Porres Senior Center provides outreach, education, referral services, recreation, and support to senior citizens, 60 years and older. Each day, an average of 64 seniors experience the center’s fellowship opportunities and life-enriching programs. Catholic Charities staff members also assist parishes in assessment and development of senior support services.

St. Martin de Porres Senior Center is one of the many ministries of Catholic Charities which is supported by gifts to the BLA. Prison ministry, counseling services, adoption and foster care, crisis pregnancy services and Christ House Food Pantry are just some of the programs administered by Catholic Charities that serve those in need within our diocese. The BLA will provide almost $500,000 to Catholic Charities during the fiscal year that begins July 1.

Although the observance of Pentecost signifies the transition from the Easter season to ordinary time, supporting the BLA is an excellent opportunity to continue the charitable works begun as Lenten observances. Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde chose "Our Charity is Our Strength" as the theme of the 28^th annual BLA with every confidence that diocesan Catholics would "be reminded that we find strength in our unity. Our unity with one another is a sign of charity, for authentic unity can only exist when it is supported by genuine love for one another."

Almost 20 percent of registered families have made a gift to the BLA. The help of every parishioner is most important to reach this year’s goal. Every family in the diocese who has not yet done so is strongly encouraged to make a gift to the BLA.

For additional information check with your parish office or contact the Diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development at 703/841-2516. Information is available on the diocesan Website at www.arlingtondiocese.org.