‘United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope’ has goal of $5.7 million, will support three areas of ministry

By Sean Gallagher

Nov. 3-4 is intention weekend for the archdiocesan “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope.”

Catholics across central and southern Indiana will be invited at Masses celebrated in their parishes this weekend to prayerfully consider how they will contribute from their time, talent and treasure to the ministries of their parish and archdiocesan community.

The goal for the “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope” is $5.7 million.

Two days after he was introduced as the new shepherd of the Church in central and southern Indiana, Archbishop Joseph W. Tobin spoke with The Criterion about his support for the annual appeal.

“I’ve been very impressed with the generosity of the people of this archdiocese even during this sort of full immersion that I’ve had this week,” the new archbishop said. “In talking with Archbishop [Emeritus Daniel M.] Buechlein and Bishop [Christopher J.] Coyne and with others, it’s clear that there’s something very good here.

“I think what would be important then for the archdiocese is not to rest on its laurels, but to realize that the call to step forward is simply a call to act on our belief—a belief that all good things come from God and that we return to God to make an account of ourselves. And so we treat what we have in a very particular way because of our belief.”

Contributions to “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope” will support three areas of ministry essential to the Church in the 39 counties of the archdiocese—proclaiming the word of God, celebrating the sacraments and exercising the ministry of charity.

Supporting Catholic education and faith formation, providing for the formation of future priests and deacons, providing for the needs of retired priests, and reaching out to those in need by Catholic Charities agencies are the primary examples of ways that these vital ministries of the Church are carried out in the archdiocese.

Archbishop Tobin said supporting these ministries through participating in the appeal is a way to give hope to the broader community.

“What are Christians called to witness to in this world? I think one thing we’re called to witness to is hope,” Archbishop Tobin said. “… There’s enough despair or cynicism around. And the notion of a community that trusts each other and wants to work together and go forward is a really strong witness.”

Those participating in the “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope” may designate a specific ministry that they want to support through their contribution. If participants choose this option, they can direct their contributions specifically to support Catholic education and religious education programs, the formation of future priests and deacons, and the support of retired priests or the ministries of Catholic Charities agencies across the archdiocese.

Another option in “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope” is to designate contributions to support ministries that have the greatest need.

Krista Keith, principal of St. Susanna School in Plainfield, appreciates the assistance that she and the teachers in her school receive from the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Education staff members whose ministry is supported by the appeal.

“Anytime that I have a question, I pick up the phone and they’re always there,” Keith said. “They are always passing along materials and references, and helping to catechize the principals so that we can go out and help our teachers learn more, do more and be more in touch with their faith. Anytime that I want to plan a retreat before schools starts, I can contact them [for assistance].”

Deacon Patrick Bower ministers at St. Barnabas Parish in Indianapolis, and also served as a mentor for the class of 16 permanent deacons who were ordained last June.

After participating in the archdiocesan deacon formation program before his ordination in 2008 then accompanying the new deacons through their four years of formation, he knows how much it has affected him, and many other deacons, their wives and parishes across central and southern Indiana.

“I could never be the person I am today without the many components of the deacon formation program,” Deacon Bower said. “I am thankful for each and every person who supports the program with their hard earned dollars, but also with their prayers and encouraging words.

“Each time a deacon ministers in our archdiocese, the greater Church is served, and this is made possible by the contributions and support of the people.”

John Etling sees the faith of Catholics in action each Friday when Catholic Charities Terre Haute distributes bags filled with food to some 1,200 children and youths in need in west central Indiana.

Through the years, Etling, who is agency director of Catholic Charities Terre Haute, had heard one story after another of students falling asleep at their desks on Mondays or not having the energy to do their school work because they were hungry and there was no food at their home for them to eat.

“What else can be your response when you hear those types of things coming from a child?” Etling asked.

Three years ago, Catholic Charities Terre Haute, with support given through “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope,” began its backpack and food program.

“As children of God, we’re called to do God’s work. We’re created in his image. It’s only natural that we’d want to be partners in that effort,” said Etling of the appeal. “We have an opportunity to affect those around us that are going through a tough time.”
 

(For information about “United Catholic Appeal: Christ Our Hope,” log on to www.archindy.org/uca.) †