The new year is a time for new beginnings and the archdiocesan Charities Drive program shifted into high gear with the conclusion of Archdiocesan-wide deanery meetings last week.

Attended by priests and parish chairmen from across the archdiocese, these meetings were set up to present the procedural details for conducting the Drive.

These meetings centered around the Drive program which was presented by Fathers Noel Burtenshaw and Jerry Hardy. Archbishop Thomas Donnellan addressed each deanery group, thanking them for their willingness to work on this important part of the archdiocesan financial program.

The Drive itself begins its first phase for special gifts on February 1. In this phase, a minimum gift of $100 is sought. The regular phase, seeking a minimum gift of $25, is held on Drive Sunday, March 7.

The 1971 Charities Drive is now a three-year-old project. In each of the first two years, the goal was reached or exceeded.

Much of this success is attributed to simple but efficient operation. The responsibility for this organizational effort is carried in large measure by the respective parish chairmen. A list of these chairmen is given below for each parish.

Church of Saint Anthony, Edgar E. Schukraft and David Cross, Dr. Harding Young; St. Jude's, John F. Revell; Saint John Vianney, Robert Sommers; Holy Cross, J. B. Green, Jr.

Also, Saints Peter and Paul, Russell Elliot; Saint Thomas More, Joseph J. Zqignagel; Saint John the Evangelist, Stanley J. Matuszewski; Saint Philip Benizi, Richard Garvey; Cathedral of Christ the King, Joseph F. DeHaye.

Also, Holy Spirit, J. Porter Warren and Mr. Harry L Cashin, Jr.; Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, Edward Gasperini; Immaculate Heart of Mary, Robert R. Jones; Most Blessed Sacrament, Donald Mairose; Our Lady of Lourdes, Tyrone E. Maddox.

Also, Our Lady of the Assumption, Vincent McMahon; Sacred Heart -- Atlanta, William Bates and Miss Angeles Franco; Saint Joseph's -- Marietta, Conrad Wynne; Saint Thomas the Apostle, Douglas L. Clevenger; Saint Patrick's -- Norcross, Matthew F. McDaniel.

Also, Saint Francis -- Cartersville, Harvey L. Cigainero; Saint Joseph's -- Athens, John K. Kimbel; Our Lady of Perpetual Help -- Carrollton, Jerry Bush; Saint Bernadette's -- Cedartown, Fred C. Woodall; Saint Mark's -- Clarkesville, John F. Thompson.

Also, Saint Luke's -- Dahlonega, James Cameron; Saint Joseph's -- Dalton, Robert Dodd; Saint Gerard's -- Fort Oglethorpe, Daniel Merriman; Saint Michael's -- Gainesville, William F. Hinderscheid, Jr.; Sacred Heart -- Griffin, John Quinn.

Also, Saint Peter's -- LaGrange, unnamed; Saint Mary's -- Rome, Richard L. Moody; Mother of Our Divine Savior -- Toccoa, William Knowles; Sacred Heart -- Milledgeville, Dr. Michael Sheppeck; Saint Joseph's -- Washington, George Rodrigues and Joe Flocker; Sharon, Bernard Darden; Thomson, Ed Blanko; and Elberton, Charles McGowan.