CATHOLIC CHARITIES 2018 IS NOW BEGINNING

                On January 10, 2018, Most Reverend Bishop Richard J. Malone, announced the opening of the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal with a goal of $11 million. Bishop Malone said this year’s ambitious $11 million goal, remains the same as the past two Appeals, “Recognizes the challenges associated with raising such a significant amount of money while also realizing the need for our programs and services is great.”

                The 2018 Appeal will run now through June 30th. Two important dates during this year’s Appeal are First Report Sunday on March 18th and the culmination of the Appeal week on Palm Sunday, March 25th.

                The theme for this year’s Appeal is: “Love Your Neighbor” and the patron saint is St. Clare of Assisi. St. Clare was selected as the Appeal patron saint because the way she lived her life fit perfectly into this year’s theme. St. Clare dedicated her life to caring and showing concern for the poor and marginalized in society. After leaving the comfortable life she knew for a life of piety and poverty, she essentially was a beggar. Her efforts were for those in need, always giving to others. St. Clare told us that we are to become the vessels of God’s compassionate love for others. This is the inspiration and motivation to carry out the 2018 Catholic Charities Appeal.

                Solicitations for donations are now going out in the mail. Thank you for supporting the good work of Catholic Charities in past years. We look forward to your support this year.