Above: Bishop Lucia enjoys conversing with parishioners at the HOPE Appeal kickoff meeting. Photo credit | Deacon Greg Hrostowski
Vicariate VII kickoff includes Broome and Chenango counties
By Deacon Tom Picciano
Contributing writer
“I’m very blessed to witness every day the fruits of generous hearts,” said Beth Hoey, executive director of the Foundation of the Diocese of Syracuse.
Hoey was speaking to dozens of parishioners invited for the Hope Appeal kickoff on Aug. 21 in the Southern Tier. The event for Vicariate VII, which includes Broome and part of Chenango counties, was held at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church in Vestal.
“Everything you do has a ripple effect for many people that you will never get to meet and never get to see. But we see it every day throughout the Diocese. We’re so blessed to have your goodness and the goodness of others,” Hoey said.
Bishop Douglas J. Lucia introduced the Hope Appeal theme for the year, “Rooted in Faith, Growing in Hope.”
“What’s so significant for me is the tree itself. We see life in the tree,” Bishop Lucia said. “Actually, this center symbol of our faith is the tree of the cross.
“One of my favorite renditions of the cross is called the tree of life,” Bishop added, “you have its roots, but then it comes out into full foliage.”
Bishop Lucia introduced the Hope Appeal video that was shown in parishes the weekend of September 13-14. Afterwards, he offered a few comments on the programs and people supported by the Hope Appeal featured in the presentation.
“I also just would hope that you might share this message like the tree roots,” Bishop said, continuing, “like the tree roots that are sort of growing out from the tree. We pray that we could help now spread that good news, that good news of being rooted in faith and then growing in hope, and help others to grow in hope.”
He concluded with a prayer, which ended with the words: “Now bless our efforts to reach out in faith, hope, and love through the 2025 Hope Appeal. May all that we say and do bring honor and glory to your Holy Name and help others to draw closer to your love and grace.”
Bishop’s message and the Hope Appeal were well received by those who attended the meeting.
“More people and a greater need. I like what the bishop said,” said Diana Torta of St. John the Evangelist in Bainbridge. “The money is going for the different departments in helping everyone in the Diocese. I really like this bishop. He seems very grassroots,” she added.
Torta liked learning how the Hope Appeal supports a variety of programs — from services for immigrants and food assistance to vocational training. She was especially interested in the support for seminarians, including Deacon Cornelius Deep, who spent a year working with students at Seton Catholic Central in Binghamton.
“I enjoy seeing all the different activities at the Hope Appeal funds, especially for the youth of our parishes of the Diocese. To help us grow the church as we all get older, hopefully we have faithful leadership for the youth,” said Joseph Fluery of St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament.
“It’s important to me because I like to see everyone that’s being helped as a result of it,” said his wife, Tina Fleury. “Well, like Bishop said, it’s not about the money. It’s about service to God and that encompasses a lot more than just money.”
“It covers a lot of things that we’re asked to do by Christ,” said Eileen Pichura of Holy Trinity parish in Binghamton.
“Not everybody actually has the kind of time that they can actually do these different things. So, when you have the Appeal and people donate to that, it’s helping in a way that they can, so that you can still provide,” Pichura said.
“It helps across a wide range of people and different ministries. Ministries that exist only because of the HOPE Appeal,” said Linda Kacmar, also of Holy Trinity. “I’m more than happy to support the Hope Appeal,” she said.
“The Hope Appeal is important because it is one way to keep my faith alive and active and one of many ways, but in a critical way that reaches so many people,” said Mary Haust of St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament. “The money that we give serves a number of different organizations. It is being done well, and it will grow people’s lives. That’s our job … is to love one another.”
