Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens

Transcription

1 PocketFolderw-Pgs(2012)_BrooklynPocketBrochure 2/8/12 9:48 AM Page 2 Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn

2 We cannot keep to ourselves the words of eternal life given to us in our encounter with Jesus Christ: they are meant for everyone, for every man and woman. It is our responsibility to pass on what, by God's grace, we ourselves have received. POPE BENEDICT XVI

3 Like Jesus, the messengers of peace of His kingdom must begin a journey with the giving of self, with love carried to its extreme consequences. POPE BENEDICT XVI

4 2012 ANNUAL APPEAL PLANNED ALLOCATIONS Parish Assistance 6.25% Faith Formation 18.75% Care for Retired Priests 7.5% Vocations Support 20% Catholic Charities 15% Catholic Schools Scholarship Assistance 18.75% Catholic Migration Services 7.5% Chaplaincies 6.25% Your generous gift to the Annual Catholic Appeal will change lives forever by providing education for our children and future priests; by providing basic life needs for our neighbors, and by spreading the good news of the Gospel. As Catholics, we are called in Baptism to evangelize and to share the good news of the Gospel. By nourishing the ministries and mission of the Diocese a community of faith that reaches beyond the boundaries of any one parish we share our faith with others. By bringing the Gospel to those who have not heard the word of God; by welcoming home those who no longer participate in the Sacraments; and by providing programs to give hope and assistance to those in need, we are part of the mission of evangelization. The joy of living the Gospel and spreading good news to our brothers and sisters is a priceless gift. That is why we pray that the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal is a successful endeavor Annual Catholic Appeal Prayer Father in Heaven, we are humbled by Your presence and celebrate the blessings You have bestowed upon us. In Your loving kindness bless our Annual Catholic Appeal. Help us to respond generously to Your goodness by returning a portion of what You have given to us. Give us the confidence to walk in Your footsteps and the insight to recognize the real needs around us. Give us the strength and compassion to meet the needs of those less fortunate so we can participate in Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens May this Appeal reflect our commitment to the challenge of our Catholic calling. May it advance the mission of Your Church and strengthen our resolve in returning the Lord s Goodness. We ask You this through Christ our Lord. AMEN

5 Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens The Diocese of Brooklyn, which includes 187 parishes in Brooklyn and Queens, provides support, training, services, guidance and coordination for parishes, schools and agencies. Like any institution, the Ministries of the Diocese require funding to do its work. The major funding necessary to provide these centralized ministries comes from the generosity and stewardship commitment of parishioners throughout the Diocese. Without the funding provided annually through the Annual Catholic Appeal, the responsibility to provide these educational and enrichment ministries would return to the local parish level. Through Baptism, we become members of the Body of Christ. As one unified body of Christ, we have been responsive to the needs of the wider community and have adapted to meet the needs of an ever-challenged society. As members of the Body, we also take on the responsibility of our local and Diocesan Church. Individual people, parishes or Dioceses are not self-sufficient; we depend upon each other to be Church. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and the leadership of the Diocese of Brooklyn ask you to consider the theme we have selected for this year s Annual Catholic Appeal: Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens. Participation in the Annual Catholic Appeal is a common way for the Catholics of Brooklyn and Queens to follow a calling to be living examples of the Gospel by sharing of their time, talent and treasure. The Annual Catholic Appeal is a critical funding source for everything we do in the Diocese, including supporting our parishes, taking care of the Catholic schools in our communities and providing countless outreach ministries for those who are in need. Your prayerful gift makes a significant impact on our financial base. It enhances the ministries we offer to the many families and individuals in our neighborhoods. Your contribution will be a statement of your commitment to serve. Why Give? Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40. We each have a Christian responsibility to share our blessings with others. We serve God when we respond with an open mind and a desire to share our gifts. Individual parishes would not be able to meet all of the vital needs detailed in this brochure. Together, as a family, we can meet the funding goals of the 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal. The Annual Catholic Appeal is the largest individual funding source for the pastoral and charitable ministries of the Diocese of Brooklyn. The Annual Appeal makes it possible for the Diocese to serve people in many different areas. These include: Vocations Support Faith Formation Catholic Schools Scholarship Assistance Catholic Charities Catholic Migration Services Care for Retired Priests Chaplaincies Parish Assistance Your gift to Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens will have a profound influence on how the local Church continues this mission. That s why we hope you will consider our invitation prayerfully. God entrusts us with the gifts we receive on this Earth. Your response to the Annual Catholic Appeal will be one way you can answer His call to share thoughtfully, grow your blessings and receive many gifts in return.

6 The challenges and changes before us are many. Some may be tempted to believe that the renewal of our Church may never come. Some are even tired and discouraged. However, I ask you to heed the call of Jesus Christ in the scene of the commissioning of the apostles when they are asked to put out into the deep and lower their nets again for a catch. We must never tire of fishing again and again. It is at the Lord s command that we put our nets to the other side. We will, indeed, reap a catch of fish which are the souls in need of our care. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, from his Pastoral Letter: Be Not Afraid The 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal Your pledge/gift will provide us with the means to show that we are Sharing Our Gifts to Build God s Kingdom in Brooklyn and Queens Feed and clothe the needy Comfort the sick and dying Protect the dignity of all life Teach the children about Christ Your Son Educate seminarians endeavoring to become priests Support social outreach programs at the parish level Challenge young people through youth programming to be involved in Church Bring the presence of Christ to hospitals, colleges and prisons Provide the basic necessities for our retired priests Through your support, the Diocese of Brooklyn can reach out in Brooklyn and Queens to address these needs year in and year out. Vocations Support $1,600,000 A significant allocation from the Annual Catholic Appeal helps educate and train future priests to serve our Diocesan Church. More than 63 Seminarians are currently studying in college and in major seminaries. This spring, 5 Seminarians will be ordained. Gifts to the Annual Catholic Appeal will support the following areas: Seminarian Scholarships Cathedral Seminary Residence Vocation Office Cathedral Preparatory Seminary John Paul II House of Discernment Theological Studies Faith Formation $1,500,000 The 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal helps fund the following areas of Faith Formation and Pastoral Life in the Diocese: Adolescent Faith Formation Catechist Training and Support Catholic Youth Organization Childhood Faith Formation Diaconal Formation Evangelization Communication Family Support and Formation Lay Leadership Formation Liturgy and Worship Marriage Preparation and Pre-Cana Pastoral Planning Respect Life Education Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) Thank You!

7 Catholic Schools Scholarship Assistance $1,500,000 Catholic education in the Diocese of Brooklyn is a significant ministry of the local Church. Nearly 45,000 students are enrolled in 117 Catholic elementary and high schools in Brooklyn and Queens. Our approach to faith-based education for all children no matter their background or income levels is a gift we celebrate with a variety of families. But the happy problem we face every day is simply funding a quality education for thousands of students. That s why a significant portion of our resources are allocated every year for needs based scholarships. Additionally, funds help support our Catholic schools through a multitude of services including Futures in Education. Needs Based Scholarships Catholic Charities $1,200,000 Catholic Charities is a multi-service agency that serves nearly 100,000 people in our Diocese every year. The 2012 Annual Catholic Appeal will provide funding for seven critical areas of Catholic Charities, including: Addiction Services Center for Pregnant Women Child Care Services Parish and Community Services Prison Ministries Services for the Elderly Catholic Migration Services $600,000 The Diocese of Brooklyn s Catholic Migration Office was established in 1971 and is notable as the world s first such Diocesan initiative. In Brooklyn and Queens, the office s work on behalf of migrants to our Diocese is renowned. The Catholic Migration Office has roots in assisting newcomers regardless of their religious affiliations. Today, thanks in part to funding from the Annual Catholic Appeal, the office continues to serve recent migrants to the Diocese with: Educational Services Legal Services Pastoral Services Care for Retired Priests $600,000 The Annual Catholic Appeal is a principal funding source for the Bishop Mugavero Residence for Retired Priests. Chaplaincies $500,000 Hospital Chaplains Pastoral Care of the Sick Secondary and Higher Education Parish Assistance $500,000 Countless challenges face our parishes financially, often in the form of budget shortfalls, deferred maintenance, local ministry needs and other areas. The Annual Catholic Appeal helps us strengthen our 187 parishes so they remain healthy elements of our Diocesan Church. Emergency Repairs Programs

8 310 Prospect Park West Brooklyn, NY (718) (718) (fax) To donate online go to