The 2015 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal (BLA) was a tremendous
success. More than 44,000 households in the diocese responded
to the appeal, surpassing $17 million in pledges, thereby
exceeding the 2015 appeal goal.
“I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of generosity and
compassion shown by the faithful of our diocese who supported
the BLA,” said Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde. “The
ministries and services funded by this appeal are able to
help people experience God’s immense love for them through
His Son Jesus Christ. What a marvelous witness to our 2015
BLA theme, ‘Stewards of Christ sharing Gospel joy!'”
The BLA provides Catholics in the diocese the opportunity to
join together as one body in Christ. With support from the
BLA, thousands of people are coming to know Jesus, feeling
His grace and strengthening their relationship with Him.
The ministries, offices and programs funded by the BLA are
vital parts of a multi-faceted framework that serves
children, families, students, teachers, clergy and thousands
of people across the diocese. Youth ministers are being
trained, Catholic schools are flourishing, men are preparing
for the priesthood, expectant mothers are being supported and
encouraged, campus ministry is thriving at local colleges,
retired priests are being cared for and so much more.
Again this year, the diocese was the beneficiary of a
$500,000 challenge gift. The challenge gift was established
as a way to inspire parishioners to consider increasing their
BLA gift from their previous donation amount. The increased
amount is then matched to help build up the Catholic
Charities Endowment and the Diocesan Tuition Assistance
Endowment. These two endowment funds have grown in recent
years by this matching gift, which together, are now
assisting hundreds of needy families each year.
Next year, in recognition of the Jubilee Year of Mercy, the
2016 Bishop’s Lenten Appeal will feature the theme, “Go forth
as heralds of God’s mercy.” The 2016 BLA mailing will be sent
in mid-January, with Commitment Weekend taking place Feb.
6-7, providing an opportunity for all Catholics to join in
support of the appeal at parishes and missions in the
diocese.
