Bishop Offers Thanks, Encouragement as Bloc II Begins

By Mary McCarthy
Herald Staff Writer
(From the issue of 2/6/03)

MANASSAS — Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde welcomed the pastors from 35 parishes who are entering Bloc II of the "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope" campaign at a luncheon last week at Sacred Heart Church in Manassas.

Bishop Loverde said to the priests, "You’ve made a great gift of your time and involvement; those are gifts you can’t buy. I am both privileged and humble to serve here as your bishop."

The bishop was joined by John O’Gorman, executive director of Community Counseling Services, and Father Robert Cilinski, pastor of All Saints Parish in Manassas and chair of the Priests Advisory Committee. They attended the luncheon to share successes from the pilot campaign and Bloc I phase, and to encourage and energize the priests entering Bloc II.

Father Thomas Lehning, pastor of Sacred Heart in Manassas, welcomed the guests and encouraged the priests whose parishes are entering Bloc II. Sacred Heart Parish succeeded in Bloc I of the campaign and raised 125 percent of its goal. "It’s a lot of work, but I found it very fulfilling work," said Father Lehning.

Father Cilinski also offered words of encouragement to those beginning their campaigns. He quoted St. Thomas Aquinas, "One’s belief is only measured by one’s willingness to act."

Bob Mueller, diocesan director of Stewardship and Development, thanked the over 1,000 volunteers who have worked in the first 36 parishes assisting their priests. Mueller highlighted some of the success stories from Bloc 1.

In Winchester, Father Stanley Krempa, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, nicknamed their drive the Valley Campaign, after the famous Civil War campaign that occurred in the area. The parish succeeded in breaking its goal.

Holy Trinity Parish in Gainesville raised over $5 million in its combined campaign to not only help the diocese, but also raise money to build a church.

Kevin Childers, a parishioner at Holy Trinity, worked with his wife Betty in helping Father Francis Peffley, pastor, by visiting parish families in their homes to discuss the campaign with them. In their work with the parish, Kevin said, "We’re doing more than raising money; we are the catalyst with Fr. Peffley to bringing the parish closer together."

Bishop Loverde stressed the importance of these individual visits with parishioners. He urged the pastors and administrators to put emphasis on parish needs, as well as diocesan needs. Each parish is receiving at least 20 percent of the funds they raise.

In Bloc II, five parishes will be running combined campaigns, similar to Holy Trinity Parish, to raise more funds for the parishes.

Bishop Loverde explained the different diocesan programs that will benefit from the "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope" campaign. First, he spoke of the projects that will help children, the two new high schools and youth ministry. "I want to ensure that our people will be able to send their children to Catholic schools," he said. "Young people — they’re not only the future church; they’re also the present young church. That is why youth ministry is so important."

The bishop also explained the need for a retirement home for priests, so that they will have the opportunity to continue living as a community when they decide to retire from parish life.

Bishop Loverde described several of the programs supported by Catholic Charities and why they are in need of more funding.

The bishop also explained why a spirituality center is needed. "There’s something unique about this diocese, that is the great faith the people live," he said. Bishop Loverde illustrated how different groups could use this center, from youths and young adults to those on marriage encounter or engagement weekends.

Bishop Loverde included advice for the clergy who are now entering their campaign. "Look at the generosity thus far that you have generated," he said. "The victory is not for us, it’s for all the people who are committed to us now and in the future."

Bishop Loverde highlighted the two elements that he sees as key to this campaign. "I would not ask the priests to do anything I wouldn’t do; we’re partners, my brothers and I. This campaign should be win-win: as the diocese could win, the parishes can also win," he said.

In closing, Bishop Loverde added, "In every step of this campaign, I am with you."

Copyright ©2003 Arlington Catholic Herald.  All rights reserved.