2002 Archives
Written by Catholic SUN   
HOPE Appeal 2002
April 25, 2002
HOPE Appeal 2002
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St. Francis of Assisi offered these words of wisdom while ministering to the poor: “It is in giving that we receive.”

The gifts of the people of God are freely given — through ministry, workshops, support groups, prayer, education and service to others. Those in need have been comforted and those wanting to help in the work of the church have been able to do so due to the generosity and support from people across the diocese who have consistently and faithfully supported the annual HOPE Appeal.

On May 5, the Syracuse Diocese begins its 24th HOPE Appeal campaign that supports the good works of the people of the seven counties in Central New York and the Southern Tier. This year’s goal is $4.2 million, the same as in 2001. Christopher [Kit] Parker, diocesan director of development and stewardship, said 2001 was a great year for the HOPE Appeal. Last year, the HOPE Appeal collected over $3.9 million toward its $4.2 million goal, up 25 percent from 2000. The average gift in 2001 was 16.5 percent higher, pledges were 25 percent greater than in 2000 and the number of donors increased by six and a half percent.

“We were so successful in 2001 that we hope we have the ability to do the same in 2002,” Parker said. “HOPE Appeal funds go to those things that can’t be funded by the individual parishes.” Kathy Mott, associate director for annual giving, stressed that the HOPE Appeal only provides monies for the ministries of the church outlined in the campaign.

“The HOPE Appeal is a campaign to raise money to help people. No money goes to anything but these services and programs,” Mott said. “The main focus is Catholic Charities, Catholic schools, religious education and vocations.” Father James Quinn, diocesan director of the Office of Vocation Promotion, said the HOPE Appeal is a necessary part of his office. Father Quinn explained, “We host programs that take potential candidates to weekend retreats, and we also host discernment nights and retreats. All that is made possible by the funding we receive.” Father Quinn said the Office of Vocation Promotion constantly prepares mailings and information to be sent to individuals across the diocese.

“We print brochures and posters, along with a 100-page manual to strength parish vocation committees. We communicate with every 10th grader in confirmation. We write to every young man and woman and ask them to consider the possibility that God could call them. We send out over 3,000 letters each year,” Father Quinn said. “And those who show greater interest, we send them a personal letter from the bishop and contact them throughout the year.” The number of seminarians is a testament to the support of parishioners throughout the years, Father Quinn explained.

“Five years ago, we had seven seminarians. Today, we have 22 seminarians,” Father Quinn said. “The Holy Father said everyone is a recruiter for vocations. There are two ways to encourage vocations — through prayer and personal invitation. Almost every candidate said it was someone in the parish that saw something in them. It’s very important to keep vocation awareness in front of parishioners. They know who would make a fine priest or religious.” Father Quinn said educating youth about vocations is another high priority for his office. “The gifts from the HOPE Appeal make it possible for us to go into schools and make presentations. Young people need to be educated about the treasures of the church, religious life and consecrated life,” he said.
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