Letter to the Editor from Peachtree City, GA

Published: February 17, 2005

To the Editor:

I become so disappointed each time I receive The Georgia Bulletin and buried inside the paper are the results of the Archdiocesan Annual Appeal for 2005. As Catholics in the Atlanta Diocese, we are extremely blessed with quality programs to enhance our faith, successful outreach programs covering a multitude of social justice issues, a cadre of great priests, and growing parishes. The diocese desperately needs a greater response to the Annual Appeal to meet the demands placed on the Church and support its continued growth.

In our parish in Peachtree City, many Delta employees are taking pay cuts and others in the airline industry have lost their jobs. These are difficult times. Nonetheless, I was inspired a few weeks ago when a young married man, father of five and a Delta mechanic, gave a short talk to the parish on tithing to the Church. “Sean,” who received a large pay cut on Jan. 1, talked about the blessings he receives from regular tithing. Even in the face of pay cuts, Sean knows God expects him to sacrifice part of his pay in support of his parish and the diocese. Sean knows the benefits that are promised by God come back tenfold in return. This man inspired me to never miss a Sunday collection and increase my contribution to the Annual Appeal.

We have over 100,000 families [in the archdiocese], with close to 16,000 families responding to the Annual Appeal. Frankly, I am embarrassed by such numbers. With the abundance of fruit and blessings provided by the Atlanta Diocese ... the Church deserves better!  If the remaining 84,000 families gave between $30 and $35 for the entire year ... the Annual Appeal goal would be met. 

If it helps, reflect on the poor widow who put in two small coins into the offering. Christ responded, “I tell you truly, this poor widow put in more than all the rest; for those others have all made offerings from their surplus wealth, but she, from her poverty, has offered her whole livelihood” (Luke 21:3-4).

Let us all help out our new Bishop as he comes into his first year by responding with generous hearts to the Annual Appeal. The Church has provided so much to all the Catholic families in this diocese. May we all show our gratefulness through some kind of financial support, no matter how small.

Rick Walker, Peachtree City