By Msgr. Noel C. Burtenshaw

The cry from Atlanta's Chancery Office is "More than fifty percent for 1982."

"What we mean by this," says Archdiocesan Comptroller Joseph Estafen, "is that while the success of the Charities Drive is proving to be stronger each year, the percentage of those giving is not going up. Our work is clear for this year's drive. Let us achieve a greater popular participation."

At the dinner, hosted by Archbishop Thomas A. Donnellan, for parish drive chairpersons, the mood was most optimistic. The goal for the on-day cash drive last year was $625,000. Over $680,000 was collected. This year's goal is $675,000. "We are confident," said Monsignor Jerry E. Hardy, chancellor of the archdiocese. "The needs are there, the pastors and their staffs are presenting them and the people are participating."

This one-day drive has become a tradition in North Georgia. It all began 14 years ago when the needs of the poor, of the mission parishes in North Georgia, the future priests for our parishes all needed support. The one-day cash donation became the answer.

Highlight of this year's dinner was an explanation of some of the many apostolates that are funded by this annual drive for money. Father Jacob Bollmer outlined the many areas of Catholic Social Services which benefit from the Charities Drive. "Social Services is expanding, we are the biggest department in our North Georgia Church," said Father Bollmer. "People in need are our constant business."

Father Richard Kieran described his work for Catholic education which he defined as an evangelization outreach to all the young and the old and the unchurched.

Father Richard Lopez, vocation director, spoke about the need to attract candidates for priesthood and the religious life. "As we attempt to find new leadership for the years ahead, we must prepare our applicants now both spiritually and academically."

Archbishop Donnellan outlined his feelings of gratitude to those present and to their fellow parishioners for the success they have achieved. "We are asking those who have to share," said the Archbishop. "That is always a Christian ministry."

Chairman for this year's drive is John P. Price. Mr. Price is a member of Corpus Christi parish in Stone Mountain. He is a graduate of Georgia Tech and the Harvard Business School. He is associated with the C & S Bank and is a member of the Archdiocesan Finance Council. He and his wife, Martha, live in Stone Mountain and have four daughters.

The motto for this year's Charities Drive is taken from the first Letter of St. Peter, "… put your gifts at the service of one another …"

"It's fitting," said Archbishop Donnellan, "that we remember that quote since this year's drive tells us to be compassionate. The compassion means 'to suffer with'. As we share with the less fortunate, by serving others, we are relating to their suffering."

The well-made plans, along with the enthusiastic opening spirit assure another successful Charities Drive.