Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan has attended three meetings in connection with this year’s Charities Drive.

The meetings were held in St. Mary’s Parish in Rome, Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Atlanta and Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Hapeville. The pastors of these parishes are the deans of the archdiocese.

The archbishop and his committee on the drive spoke to representatives, both laity and priests, on the programs being initiated this year to make the drive a success.

Father Edward O’Connor, pastor of St. Mary’s Parish and dean of the Northwest Region, was host in Rome. Monsignor Michael J. Regan, dean of the Northeast Region was host in Immaculate Heart of Mary, and Father John J. O’Shea, dean of the South Region, welcomed all at St. John the Evangelist.

Father Noel C. Burtenshaw, chancellor, presented a report on last year’s drive and the program to be followed this year. Last year he said, the goal was $225,000 and $255,000 was obtained. This year’s goal is set at $250,000. Father Burtenshaw stated that the drive would be carried out in every parish in two phases, the special gift phase and the regular phase.

The special gift phase will begin on Sunday, Feb. 1, and continue for the month of February. In this phase those contacted will be requested to give a special amount to the drive. Last year this initial portion of the Charities Appeal was most successful.

The regular phase was also explained by Father Burtenshaw. This will take place in all parishes on Sunday, March 1. The people will be requested to stay at home on that Sunday when parish workers will call on them requesting a minimum gift of $25 from each wage earner.

J. Wallace Winborne, cochairman of the drive, attended all the meetings and urged the parish workers to continue the excellent work began last year.

Monsignor John D. Stapleton, a member of the drive committee, reminded the priests that the Drive depended for its success on a good result in the special gifts phase. He, therefore, urged that as far as possible they personally contact each giver.

Father Jerry E. Hardy, assistant chancellor and also a member of the committee, reminded those present that the charitable programs and projects of the archdiocese during this fiscal year depend on the success of the drive.

Archbishop Donnellan thanked the pastors and their parish chairmen for their enthusiasm and dedication. Their efforts assured us of success, he said.