Editor's Desk: Good News

By Michael F. Flach
Herald Editor
(From the issue of 1/16/03)

The Diocesan Capital Campaign "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope" continues on a rapid pace to exceed its $75 million goal. Congratulations should be extended to the following Bloc I parishes that have already exceeded their goals: Holy Trinity, Gainesville; St. Elizabeth, Colonial Beach; St. Anthony Mission, King George; St. John the Apostle, Leesburg; and Holy Martyrs of Vietnam, Arlington. The Bloc I parishes have a 68 percent participation rate and the average gift size is $10,416.

"I have been humbled by the faith of the people here at St. Elizabeth’s and St. Anthony’s," said Father Thomas VaderWoude, administrator. "It is humbling to see widows and married couples with very young children just starting out making substantial contributions to the campaign.

"It wasn’t me that made this campaign so successful," he said. "It is the faith of the people here. The people here are very generous."

Holy Trinity Parish, under the leadership of Father Francis Peffley, has reached an astounding 202 percent of its goal. The parish surpassed the $4 million mark before Christmas. Other parishes that were close to reaching their goals were: St. Mary in Alexandria ($2.9 million), Queen of Apostles in Alexandria ($1.2 million), Our Lady of Angels in Woodbridge ($1.1 million) and Sacred Heart of Jesus in Winchester ($1.3 million).

All Saints Parish in Manassas has received nearly $3 million in pledges, a terrific accomplishment considering its goal is $5 million.

Last week the HERALD detailed plans for two new diocesan high schools. In coming weeks, we will highlight other areas that will benefit from the Capital Campaign, including a priests’ retirement facility, spirituality center, family shelter, Christ House renovations and teacher endowments.

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The HERALD will publish two "double" editions during the month of February, which is traditionally known as Catholic Press Month. These two editions (Feb. 6 and 20) will reach every registered household in the Arlington Diocese — approximately 135,000 homes — more than twice our normal weekly press run of 60,000.

Msgr. James W. McMurtrie, pastor of St. Agnes Parish in Arlington and a member of the paper’s board of directors, suggested that we attempt this effort as a way of generating new readership. Enclosed in each issue will be a subscription envelope that can be used for new subscribers or to send a gift subscription.

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A diocesan calendar is now available on the HERALD’s Web site (www.catholicherald.com). Compiled by Bob Laird and his staff in the Family Life Office, the calendar lists all major diocesan events for the coming year, including ordinations, jubilee celebrations, workshops, conventions, golf tournaments and retreats. It will be updated on a monthly basis.

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The Arlington Catholic HERALD is once again seeking local photographs for its annual Catholic Marriage Issue, which will be published Feb. 13. We are looking for photgraphs from weddings that took place during the 2002 calendar year in Arlington Diocesan churches.

Please include the complete name of the couple, the photographer and the priest or deacon who officiated (see ad on page 25). If you want the photo returned, please send a self-addressed stamped envelope. Deadline for submissions is Thursday, Jan. 30. Sorry, but we can't guarantee publication. Send your photo to: Marriage Issue, c/o Arlington Catholic HERALD, 200 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 600, Arlington, Va. 22203. — M.F.F.

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