The Georgia Bulletin recently asked three pastoral leaders to reflect on the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal and how it impacts them and the congregations they serve. Their thoughts are based on personal experience of the appeal in their years of parish service.

DISCIPLESHIP

By Sister Valentina Sheridan, RSM

It is difficult to speak of money when people are experiencing financial hardship: when budgets are tight, jobs have been lost and there is anxiety over the appearance of the next paycheck.

But I have found that giving is not reserved for the wealthy. It is a real expression of discipleship in Christ, an opportunity for us all to share in the work of the church family.

At my own parish, Sacred Heart, Atlanta where there is a wide range of income levels, I see people giving with a spirit of generosity that is an inspiration to me.

We have no space at Sacred Heart for a soup kitchen, a shelter or day care facility. However, our parishioners are involved in direct outreach at various locations and they share their financial resources so that the needs of these people are met.

One person, one parish cannot do it all, but we can work together and share our God-given talents. We are part of a family that is the church, helping each other in our Christian work. That is what discipleship means.

Jesus told the story of the poor widow who placed her “mite” in the church treasury along side the gifts of wealthier churchgoers. The widow, Jesus pointed out, gave more than all the others because they gave from their surplus, while she gave from her want.

Last year at Sacred Heart, a young boy gave two dollars toward the Archdiocesan Appeal. It was a small sum, he knew, but he had heard the call that everyone should give, even if it was just a little.

That kind of giving moves me to make my own financial commitment. Although ministry is my life, I know there are many needs to which I can’t personally respond. Giving from my own share of financial blessings lets me be a part of answering those needs.

I have served in the archdiocese of Atlanta since 1967. My pastoral and educational ministries have provided opportunities for me to witness the good work that is done throughout the diocese. I have been inspired by those who touch and are touched by the people in rural areas, among the Hispanic and other cultural communities. It is encouraging to know that as a family, each sharing his/her own gifts, we can respond more effectively to the needs of God’s people.

I am grateful for the way my parish family and the people in this archdiocese have challenged me to use my gifts in the service of the church in North Georgia. I see the Archdiocesan Appeal as one way I can empower others to use their gifts for the work of the church as well.

Sister Sheridan is the administrator of Sacred Heart Church in Atlanta.

RURAL LIFE SUPPORT

By Father James Adams

As the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal approaches, and, as the pastor of a small rural parish with two smaller missions, I would like to offer the following observations.

This will be my fifth appeal since I have been assigned here and all three of my local communities have consistently far surpassed our parish goals through the active participation of most of the members of these communities. Last year, for example, we had 80 percent participation at one of them, and 60 percent at each of the other two.

I truly believe that this response may be attributed to the strong sense of community and sense of Church that these Catholics experience.

The Church has a long and storied history in this area – Purification Church in Sharon was founded in the late 1700s – and the people have a tradition of supporting the Church, not only generously, but also sacrificially. They know if they don’t, it will die.

This knowledge not only applies to the local Church, but also to the broader Church (diocese, nation and world), as they consistently support the appeal as well as second collections.

Even though the archdiocesan Church might not die (as it would, quite literally, in small rural parishes), without the support of the people, its growth and outreach to those in need would certainly be adversely affected. I invite all of us to take a cue from my faith-filled and loving parishioners, and support the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal with all our hearts.

Father Adams is pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Washington, Ga. and its missions of St. Mary’s in Elberton and Purification in Sharon.

INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE

By Father James Miceli

When you live outside of metro Atlanta, it is sometimes difficult to appreciate how the Annual Appeal directly benefits your parish. But here at St. Mary’s in Rome, our parishioners have a new understanding of how important their contributions to the appeal are and the good work that is done through their generosity.

Since last summer, Father Don Kenny, our Vocation Director, has assigned seminarians to live and work in our parish. First we had Patrick Kingery for two months. Patrick is in third theology at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore and will be ordained a deacon this April.

Patrick taught an adult education course, organized the First Communion program for our Mexican community, visited the hospitals and the sick in their homes, took communion to the state penitentiary, helped with Sunday liturgies, and “ran the parish” while the pastor was away on vacation.

In September, Father Kenny assigned Greg Benassu to our parish for a pastoral year. Greg had just transferred to the archdiocese after two years of theology in Baltimore, and Father Kenny thought it would be a good idea for Greg to spend some time working in the archdiocese and getting to know the priests and people before continuing his studies.

As a former computer programmer, Greg has been a tremendous help to the staff in setting up and operating our computer system. He is the lead catechist in the RCIA program, prepares and assists all Sunday liturgies, does hospital and communion visits and cooks supper most nights when we are home.

I think both of these men have gotten a valuable and practical education by working in an active and enthusiastic parish. But I also think our parishioners have gotten a great deal as well. We see ourselves as being responsible for Patrick and Greg, for their training and formation, for the impressions they have of parish life and ministry, for developing the confidence they will need to be effective priests and pastoral leaders, and for providing the encouragement that is so important as they continue on the ordination.

I really feel that the people of St. Mary’s have a new appreciation of the fact that it is our job to call forth, nurture, support, and train those who will serve the Church for generations to come.

So what does this have to do with the Annual Appeal? Well, it costs over $500,000 a year to educate our 41 seminarians currently studying for the archdiocese. This money comes directly from the appeal.

We want Patrick, Greg and all the others to be good priests and competent pastors for our Church here in the archdiocese. This is money well spent, and a wise investment in the future by our Catholic people.

Father Miceli is pastor of St. Mary’s Church in Rome, Ga.