The Bishop’s Appeal 2019—Commitment Weekend—as a parish, we are very grateful to all who participated in the 2018 Bishop’s Appeal. The weekend of May 4th and 5th is the 2019 Bishop’s Appeal Commitment Weekend! Through this important Appeal, we follow the example of Christ to serve our brothers and sisters here in the Diocese of Albany. This is our opportunity to unite together as one Catholic Family, to answer the challenge given to us by Jesus Christ to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, comfort the afflicted, and to promote justice for every person. This Appeal supports all of the vital ministries and programs throughout the Diocese of Albany. It is our one opportunity during the year to reach out in support of all the people of God beyond the boundary of our own Parish St. Augustine’s. During the week, please take the time to prayerfully reflect on the gifts that you have been given by God and respond to the Bishop’s Appeal as generously as you possibly can.
If you never participated or are considering what to offer, may we urge you to stand with St. Augustine’s this year. You may use your offertory envelope marked The Bishop’s Appeal and drop it in the basket at one of the Masses. Our fair share goal is $51,050 dollars and we hope to make that goal.
Other options to donate include the myparish app for your smartphone. Just download the app (for instructions for downloading the Myparish app) then log in to St. Augustine’s Church and then choose the giving option or Donate to Bishops Appeal Online and choose St. Augustine’s Parish so you can be added to the other donations made in our parish’s name.
Update First Report – 84 gifts were received at the Masses last weekend totaling $13, 825. We are well on our way to our goal! Thank you!
Update Second Report – An additional 22 gifts were received at Masses last weekend, May 12th and 13th, bringing our total to $18, 981 which is 37% of our fair share goal of $51,050. At this time last year, we were at 45% of our fair share goal. Please help us push to reach our mark!
Update Third Report – So far, 115 pledges have been received amounting to $21, 826 which is 43% of our fair share goal of $51, 050. We were a bit more ahead at this time last year, reporting 53% of our fair share goal. Thank you to all who have already participated and let’s keep moving toward our goal!
Update Fourth Report – Out of the 122 pledges received have brought us to $22,296 but we are only halfway there! Please keep striving toward that fair share goal! Thank you to all who have already participated and let’s keep moving toward our goal!
Update Fifth Report – 125 pledges received have brought us to $22,901. We need to keep striving toward our Goal.
Update Sixth Report – 132 pledges received have brought us to $38,486 and to 76% of our Fair Share Goal. Please keep striving forward and work towards our fair share goal!
Update Seventh Report – We now have 137 pledges that total $38,916. We are a behind on our fair share goal this year. This time last year we were at 92%. Please remember that 50% of any overage of our assessment comes back to the parish. We thank everyone who have helped us reach this goal so far. Please help us meet our fair share goal.
“The Bishop’s Appeal of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany was envisioned 65 years ago by the Most Reverend William A. Scully, Bishop of Albany to financially support the growing services and ministries of the Church.
Ever since thousands of people across the fourteen counties of our diocese have come together each year to generously empower their parish’s contribution to support the work of the Church to help those in need and to keep our Catholic faith alive and flourishing in our homes, schools, and communities.
Today while the main mission of the Bishop’s Appeal remains the same, the need is greater than ever, to financially empower the Church to serve all the people of God, regardless of belief.
Among those who benefit from your gifts to the Bishop’s Appeal include:
- People who are poor, homeless, living at the margins of society
- Senior citizens needing care, companionship, love and dignity
- Young people in Catholic schools and religious education programs
- Families wracked by poverty, domestic violence, and substance abuse
- Young single mothers who need help raising their children and finding a job
- Men and women called to a vocation to the priesthood or consecrated life
- Those seeking to serve in the diaconate or as lay ministers
The Bishop’s Appeal also serves your local parish by providing services such as technical support, financial guidance, and training for parish ministry.
A parish may keep 50% of any amount raised above and beyond its appeal goal.
A dollar back in 1955 is worth $8.46 today. The cost of building the Kingdom of God has grown proportionately over the decades. Every gift to the Bishop’s Appeal no matter the amount makes a difference in the lives of others.”
This excerpt is taken from the Bishop’s Appeal website.
For more information go to the website thebishopsappeal.org
St. Augustine's Catholic Church 