Editor's Desk: Charity at Home

By Michael F. Flach
Herald Editor
(From the issue of 3/18/04)

The theme of the 2004 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) is "Our Charity Is Our Strength." This annual effort is a vital component of what Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde will be able to accomplish in the months and years ahead through diocesan offices such as Vocations, Spanish Apostolate, Catholic Charities, Family Life, Youth Ministry, Construction Management, Catholic Schools and Catechetics.

The BLA accounts for nearly 40 percent of diocesan operational revenue each fiscal year. Response to the appeal dipped in 2003 due, in part, to an emphasis on the Capital Campaign "Rooted in Faith — Forward in Hope." That once-in-a-lifetime effort produced a tremendous response among diocesan Catholics and will help fund major projects such as two new diocesan high schools, a retirement home for priests, educational endowments for students and teachers, a diocesan retreat center and a multitude of parish needs.

The local parish remains the visible point of contact for most diocesan Catholics, but the diocese provides a network of services that often go unnoticed. A son or daughter keeps close to their faith while attending George Mason University or Mary Washington College through Catholic Campus Ministry. A friend or family member wounded by abortion finds spiritual comfort through counseling services provided by Project Rachel and the Gabriel Project. Your future pastor or parochial vicar is receiving priestly formation at St. Charles Borromeo or Mount St. Mary’s Seminary. Land for future parishes and school needs to be purchased now in order to serve Catholics through the next century.

In this week’s issue we highlight two activities connected to diocesan offices. A report on the Youth 2000 Eucharistic retreat, co-sponsored by the Youth Office, can be found on pages 12-13. Coverage of the semi-annual pro-life conference at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Clifton, sponsored by the Family Life Office, is found on page three.

Last week’s Eighth Grade Vocations Mass at Holy Spirit Church in Annandale was sponsored by the Vocations Office. That same office is sponsoring two upcoming trips for young men (March 27-28 to St. Charles Borromeo Seminary) and women (April 25 to local convents) contemplating a religious vocation. The diaconate ordination this year will be June 5, while priesthood ordination will be June 12.

We can assist Bishop Loverde in accomplishing his mission as shepherd of the Church in Arlington through a united BLA effort. Last weekend was Commitment Sunday at most diocesan parishes. Please respond generously when you are contacted by mail or call Robert Mueller at the Office of Stewardship and Development (703/841-2545) for additional information.

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The second collection this weekend (March 20-21) will benefit the American Bishops’ Overseas Appeal (ABOA). Contributions to this appeal are used to fund four agencies that build the international social ministry of the Catholic Church: Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Migration and Refugee Services, Social Development and World Peace and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund.

ABOA was established 60 years ago as the Bishops’ Welfare Emergency Relief Fund. This year’s theme is "Jesus in Disguise." Contributions to ABOA in 2003 totaled nearly $17.3 million, of which $13.4 million went to CRS, the U.S. bishops’ overseas relief agency. CRS continues to do tremendous work at the frontlines of troubled areas across the globe. It works in solidarity with the poor in more than 90 countries and territories. For more information, visit the U.S. bishops’ Website at: www.usccb.org/aboa.

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