Appeal theme mirrors Catholic way of life

First in a series on Bishop's Appeal

	BISHOP'S APPEAL USE: The above pie chart shows how contributions to the 2003 Bishop's Appeal were divided among diocesan departments. (Larger version of chart)

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

"Offering a Helping Hand" is not only the theme for the 2004 Bishop's Appeal, but is what we are called to do as Catholics, said Ron Shaha, director of the Bishop's Appeal.

"For example, we can offer a helping hand by simply smiling at someone we pass on the street or by physically helping residents at a nursing home," he said. "We can also take that helping hand and join more than 40,000 other sets of hands by giving to the Bishop's Appeal to help those in need."

Some examples of diocesan ministries supported by the Bishop's Appeal, the diocese's annual fund-raising effort, include mental health services through Catholic Charities, Marriage Preparation, teacher training through Total Catholic Education, assistance for refugees and immigrants, support for a mission in the Dominican Republic, Disabilities Ministry, sacred music programs through Pastoral Services, Hispanic outreach, deacon formation, the weekly TV Mass and The Compass. (See adjacent chart showing how the Appeal funds are divided among diocesan departments.)

Bp. David Zubik said he hopes the people of the diocese are as generous to the Appeal as they have been to him since his installation as bishop on Dec. 12.

"As a newcomer in the diocese embarking on the first Bishop's Appeal following my becoming the bishop of the Green Bay Diocese, I am very much struck by the hospitality and generosity of the people," he said. "Everywhere I have visited, people have been very welcoming and inviting. I sincerely hope that hospitality and generosity will find the faithful of the diocese contributing to the Bishop's Appeal. In turn, as a church, it will help us to reach out to help even more people."   Full story ...

• Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal

	Mass Times 2003 Fall / Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 5 issue)

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David A. Zubik --
    Blockbuster action and beyond

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    February 8, 2004: God's love leads us to self-acceptance

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    February 8, 2004: Paul preached belief in the resurrection

 • Editorial -- Blunt truth
    Presidential candidate's statement tersely states the truth about U.S.
    abortion laws

 • Editorial -- Good step forward
    Mediation process shows church is serious

 • Eye on the Capitol --
    History shows difficulty in predicting Justices' behavior

 • Foundations of Faith --
    Sharing in community life, but living in world
    Secular third order members join in prayers, mission of religious communities

 • Saint of the Day --
    Living vocation of teaching
    Ecuadorian saint focused his fervor on teaching young people and writing

 • Praying with Sunday's Scriptures

 • Calendar of Events