by Bill Maloney
Have you ever heard someone say, “It’s the same people that are always doing the work or leading the committee?”
We have all heard this from time to time, and it is probably true sometimes. And, that is a good thing; folks who are committed, loyal and dependable.
Those in church leadership must recognize and thank these committed, loyal and dependable people. They help our parishes, schools and ministries thrive. We are blessed with many such donors to the Archbishop’s Call to Share.
Our database has records dating back 26 years. This week, I sent notes to a few donors who have made gifts to Call to Share for all 26 years. And, not to my surprise, these donors also participated in our capital campaigns and other fund drives. I am grateful for their unwavering support.
What impresses me most about these loyal Catholics is that their willingness to give does not waver. Think about it: The church has been through a lot over the last 26 years.
I am sure there have been times when these donors agreed with the archbishop and times when they may not have approved. I am sure there were times when they were disappointed or saddened by some of the news about our church.
But, they still said “yes” and made a gift. They made their gift out of their love for the Lord and thanksgiving for their blessings.
In this week’s Leaven, you can see our current results for the Archbishop’s Call to Share. Our parishes were all challenged with increased targets this year, and as you can see, many have surpassed their goal. We are very close to reaching our target for this year — thanks to not only our longtime loyal parishioners but to 398 new donors. I hope this is the first gift of many for these first-time givers.
Your gifts are making an impact on people’s lives: They help college students deepen their faith at our Catholic campus centers; fund the education of our next generation of priests; grant tuition to young families so they can afford a Catholic education for their children; and assist women who are experiencing the personal struggle of an unplanned pregnancy. Your gift is making a difference.
On behalf of Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, thank you for your support. Thank you to those who have been so loyal and for those who have made their first gift.
If you have not yet made your gift, please join the 13,000 already committed this year, and help make this the most successful year in Call to Share history.
You can make a one-time gift or a recurring gift by visiting the website at: archkck.org/donate.
