News

Benefits of Bishop's Appeal discussed

By Tony Staley
Compass Correspondent

GREEN BAY -- Last month, after six young people in Crandon were murdered, and their assailant killed himself, staff from the Green Bay Diocese's Catholic Charities, Education and Communications Departments were there helping meet needs.

That outreach was possible because of the Bishop's Appeal, said Green Bay Auxiliary Bishop Robert Morneau.

He spoke Oct. 28 at the annual Fall Bishop's Appreciation Mass and Dinner for the Crozier Society, which includes everyone who gives $500 or more to the Bishop's Appeal. Aon Corporation and Catholic Mutual Insurance Group sponsored the dinner.

"Thank you so much for your generosity to the diocese and for your witness to a life of stewardship," Bishop Morneau said.

The appeal helps the diocese meet the physical, psychological and spiritual needs in the church and the larger world by providing numerous services to parishes, individuals and families, and helping make Jesus present to others, Bishop Morneau said.

We are called to live as stewards through prayer, service and sharing, Bishop Morneau said in his homily in the Mass at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, "because you and I are made to the image and likeness of God. Therefore, in doing what God does, we fulfill our human destiny ... and we are given two great gifts, joy and peace."

More than 21,000 donors, including 94 new Crozier Society members, gave $5,017,919 to the 2007 Bishop's Appeal, reported Josh Diedrich, director of the Bishop's Appeal and assistant director of the Catholic Foundation. The 2008 Bishop's Appeal, with a goal of $5.25 million, will kick off Feb. 2-3.

Diedrich told of a recent presentation at a rural parish where one parishioner was skeptical about whether the appeal helped his parish. In answer, other parishioners said it had through: the training their deacon had received; training of their director of religious education and ongoing advice; an adoption; and counseling services, all made possible through services funded in part by the Bishop's Appeal.

Bishop Morneau said that as pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez, he knows the staff calls the diocese every week with questions in various areas.

"You truly make a difference in the lives of many people," Diedrich said.

The diocese is moving proactively to serve needs, said Deacon Tim Reilly, director of administration for the diocese, including:

• developing plans to have accredited religious education programs with certified instructors in all parishes;
  
  
• planning for the long-term viability of Catholic schools;
  
  
• encouraging parishes to work together to prepare for the clergy shortage;
  
  
• enhancing the services of Catholic Charities in areas such as budget counseling, immigrant assistance and adoption.

Deacon Reilly also reported that Advancing the Mission has helped parish vitality by increasing the levels of prayer, service and generosity among Catholics in the diocese.

Advancing the Mission also will fund foundations to train lay leaders, evangelize, teach the faith and care for retired priests, said Deacon Reilly, who also is vice president of operations for the Catholic Foundation for the Diocese of Green Bay.