Providing an escape
from financial quagmire

	IN BALANCE: Beth Snyder, Catholic Charities' budget counselor in Manitowoc, helps people get their financial house back in shape. (Dick Meyers photo)

Seventh in a series on Bishop's Appeal

By Linda DeVries
Compass Correspondent

Sharon never dreamed she would need help with her finances. She worked for more than 25 years for the Mirro Corp. in Manitowoc. When its manufacturing plant closed last September, Sharon and several hundred fellow employees lost their jobs.

"I guess I should have planned for something like this," said Sharon, "but I thought I'd always be working there."

At almost 50, Sharon (her name was changed for this story) began facing the realities of unemployment. Over the next few months she used up her savings. In February, she turned to Mirro's Employee Assistance Program, only to discover that their contract had expired. They referred her to Catholic Charities for free budget counseling.

"I called Catholic Charities and set up a meeting," Sharon said. "Beth [Snyder] helped me set up a budget and figure out how to pay my COBRA insurance. Then she developed a debt management plan for me."   Full story ...

	Mass Times 2003 Fall / Winter Mass Schedules (from Sept. 5 issue)
	Lenten Wish List (Feb. 27 issue)

Bishop's Appeal 2004 • Providing an escape from financial quagmire     Catholic Charities helps people pay off debts and stay out of bankruptcy   • Sidebar: Bishop's Appeal   • Sidebar: Nearing $3 million Previous articles ... from the Mar. 12, 2004 issue: • Parish finds help from diocese only a phone call away   • Sidebar: Appeal giving up from the Mar. 5, 2004 issue: • Consultant helps parishes tune up Sunday liturgies   • Sidebar: Appeal tops $2 million from the Feb. 27, 2004 issue: • Camp draws generations of diocesan youth   • Sidebar: Appeal at 30% from the Feb. 20, 2004 issue: • Befriending persons in need from the Feb. 13, 2004 issue: • Diocese helps engaged prepare for marriage from the Feb. 6, 2004 issue: • Appeal theme mirrors Catholic way of life   • Pie chart of Bishop's Appeal use • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David A. Zubik -- Blockbuster action and beyond

Lent
• Bridging the Gap by Bishop Zubik --     R.I.P. Uncle Chester, Brother Nick  • Reflection on the Readings     by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --    Our God is a God of gracious hospitality  • Explaining the Scripture     by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --     God is with Paul in his many trials • Tom Rinkoski --     Sacramental system of family spirituality		• Praying with Sunday's Scriptures   • Sidebar: Readings for the Week Lent articles from previous issues: • Mar. 12, 2004 issue • Mar. 5, 2004 issue • Feb. 27, 2004 issue • Feb. 20, 2004 issue 2004 Lenten Wish List Lenten Giving/Easter Joy Wish List (from Feb. 27, 2004 issue)

 • Bridging the Gap by Bishop David A. Zubik --
    R.I.P. Uncle Chester, Brother Nick (Lent)

 • Reflection on the Readings by Auxiliary Bishop Morneau --
    March 21, 2004: Our God is a God of gracious hospitality (Lent)

 • Explaining the Scripture by Fr. Richard Ver Bust --
    March 21, 2004: God is with Paul in his many trials (Lent)

 • Editorial -- Disperse or gather?
    Election by Episcopalian Diocese of active, gay bishop raises important
    questions

 • Foundations of Faith --
    St. Joseph offers a way of silent action prayer
    Without a word, Jesus' foster father teaches us another way to pray

 • Saint of the Day --
    The Word carried the force
    Netherlands' missionary didn't let Saxon invaders stop his work for God

 • Tom Rinkoski --
    Sacramental system of family spirituality (Lent)
    The Big Church has seven sacraments, but the family church is not so limited

 • Praying with Sunday's Scriptures (Lent)
    • Sidebar: Readings for the Week

 • Calendar of Events