Three Deanery meetings last week brought parish representatives from all over North Georgia for discussions on the Archdiocesan Charities and Development Fund Drive to take place on Sunday, March 9, 1969. The goals were set for each parish and the overall goal was set for the archdiocese. Each group returned to their respective parish ready to open preparations immediately.

It was agreed that a special gifts phase should begin on Sunday, February 9, when larger gifts would be requested of some. A special committee in each parish is being set up to take care of this phase.

In speaking to each group, Archbishop Donnellan stressed the needs which this vital program will accomplish in our archdiocese. “The emphasis”, he said, “has been on growth. Since 1956 our archdiocese has continued to grow. Almost each year, we have seen a new parish, a new facility, new people moving in. But these people must be served. Many need counseling and other service that only a good Catholic social service can give.

But growth, continued the archbishop, “should not hide the other problems of a southern diocese. We still have our poor in the cities and our mission parishes in rural areas. They must get our complete attention and dedicated service. Our close cooperation during this one-day drive will give us a beginning, a starting help in the great task we face together.”

During each meeting, Father Burtensaw, chancellor of the archdiocese, brought to the attention of all the archdiocesan budget for this fiscal year. This budget had been reviewed at the beginning of the year by all the priests of the archdiocese. But seeing it once more reminded all of the programs and projects which this drive on March 9 must fund.

Since these three meetings, the note from each parish has been one of optimism. The priests and people are seeing that the expenses of the drive will be kept at a minimum, giving the archdiocese an opportunity to use all donations to the fullest possible good.

Each week short explanations are being made at each Mass emphasizing the different programs that the drive will serve. The one-day fund drive asks a minimum gift of $25.00 from each wage earner on Sunday, March 9.