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2007 BLA Brings Hope to Those in Need

Special to the HERALD
(From the Issue of 2/8/07)

The 2007 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) campaign has begun. The BLA campaign material this year prominently features an image of Jesus Christ with his hand outstretched, symbolizing the BLA theme “Bringing Hope to Those in Need.”
The BLA raises funds for many diocesan services, programs and offices including the Offices of Vocations, Youth Ministry, Catholic Schools, Catholic Charities, Family Life and the Spanish Apostolate. These programs depend on support from the BLA to continue their work in spreading the message of Christ throughout the diocese.
Most members of the diocese should already have received their 2007 BLA mailing. This past weekend, pastors or parish administrators were to speak at Masses about the significance of the BLA and the programs it supports. This coming weekend, Feb. 10-11, is BLA Commitment Weekend. During this period, Catholics who attend Mass in parishes throughout the diocese will be asked to make a commitment to the appeal. Parishioners will hear Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde’s brief recorded homily which reflects on the scripture readings of the day. Bishop Loverde’s audio message also will talk about how participation in the BLA can bring the true hope of Christ Jesus into the lives of those in need throughout our diocese.
Bob Mueller, director of the Diocesan Office of Development, said, “Each year Bishop Loverde develops the BLA theme. He chooses a message that he would like all parishioners to reflect upon during the Lenten season.”
As the area within the diocese continues to experience population growth, so has the need for diocesan programs and ministries that often provide help to parishes and parishioners throughout the diocese. The goal for the 2007 BLA has been set at $9 million in order to help address the needs of the growing diocesan Church.
This diocesan appeal relies heavily on parishioner participation to be successful. Last year, an average of 30 percent of parishioners contributed to the BLA, which represented a record 40,000 donors. Bishop Loverde explains that it is important that participation continues to grow, remarking, “I ask parishioners to take this opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings and respond by making a BLA pledge to support the programs and services of our diocesan Church. By partnering together, we are able to do great things in ‘Bringing Hope to Those in Need.’”