“Catholic” is the Latin for universal or whole (derived from Greek kata completely + holos whole). We pride ourselves in being universal, but we must walk the talk. Examples of doing this are our responses to global disasters (e.g., Haiti earthquake, Pakistan flooding, Katrina). St. Paul exhorted the communities of Macedonia (Philippi and Thessalonika) to provide support beyond themselves. And they did with such fervor that they became, in Paul’s estimation, the exemplars of generosity:
We want you to know, brothers and sisters, of the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their profound poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For according to their means, I can testify, and beyond their means, spontaneously, they begged us insistently for the favor of taking part in the service to the holy ones… (2 Cor 8:1-4).
Catholic churches everywhere are called to grateful generosity. In the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, we express this in the “Christ Our Hope” annual appeal. This appeal financially supports ministries that are larger than any one parish, notably seminarian education, home missions, and retired priests. The missions of the archdiocese extend in every region of the archdiocese; Catholic Charities is the best example of this. No single parish could sustain the financial burden of this ministry. But together with other Catholic parishes, we support a crucial ministry.
There are changes happening to this annual appeal. (1) Most of our contributions will stay in this region for ministry. Thus, Bloomington deanery parishes support the Bloomington Catholic Charities. And we don’t sustain Indianapolis Catholic charities or schools; that is their job. (2) We can earmark certain focuses of our contributions: education or sacramental life or charities. In fact, next year we will be able to identify specific ministries to which our contribution will go. David Milroy, Director of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese, has instituted this practice of subsidiarity, the Catholic Social Teaching principle of local support for local needs. It is brilliant, and worthy of our support.
Christ Our Hope is separately incorporated in order to assure that any monies remains precisely for the purpose of these ministries. May Catholics “overflow in a wealth of generosity” for the needs of the Archdiocese and its mission to serve proclamation of the Word, celebration of the Sacraments, and acts of Charitable Support. Christ Our Hope will begin in mid-November for the 2011 Appeal year. Prayerfully consider your support. Thank you.
Click here for more information on Catholic Charities of Bloomington.
