CATHOLIC CHARITIES 2017

                On January 18, 2017, Most Reverend Bishop Richard J. Malone, announced the opening of the 2017 Catholic Charities Appeal with a goal of $11 million dollars.

                This will be the 93rd annual appeal to benefit and support those who need assistance in Western New York. Because of the generosity of the people of Western New York, Catholic Charities has been able to expand its services to reach out to more people over the years.

                Last year partially with our support Catholic Charities was able to reach their goal. Once again this year, Catholic Charities is depending on our support along with the many other parishes in our Diocese to help Catholic Charities achieve their goal. Last year St. Louis parishioners contributed $129,000 toward the Catholic Charities Appeal. Catholic Charities is depending on us once again to reach this goal and God willing to surpass it. With all of us working together perhaps we can surpass our personal goal again this year.

                This year the appeal is under the patronage of Saint Marianne Cope who is a native of upstate New York (Utica). She was a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities of Syracuse perhaps better known to us as the Williamsville or Mill Street Franciscans. St. Sr. Marianne completed her ministry to the lepers in Molokai, Hawaii along with St. Damian of Molokai.

                The theme of this year’s Catholic Charities is “Finite Time—Infinite Good.” This year’s theme reminds us that we have only so much time to accomplish infinite good in the lives of other people who need our support.

                I believe requests for donations to the Catholic Charities Appeal 2017 have been sent out to our parishioners or will be arriving soon. Everyone knows the needs are great in Western New York. Many people in need depend on our generosity for assistance to help them live dignified lives so that they may face a brighter future.