Faithful helping ministries carry the message
By ETC staff
Volunteers stewarded some of their time April 15 to make sure that diocesan ministries can continue their good work.
The volunteers spent the day stuffing statements to send to all those who have made pledges to the 2009 Bishop’s Faith Appeal. The Appeal helps provide funding for 18 diocesan ministries and Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas.
Letty Lanza, director of Stewardship and Communications, is optimistic about this year’s BFA.
“Despite the struggling economy, evacuations and hurricanes we are basically showing very little difference diocese wide in the pledges. In fact, four of our parishes have already reached their goal not only in pledges, but in monies received,” Lanza said.
“We know that some people will have a more difficult time this year supporting ministries because of their own challenges. But, their brothers and sisters are apparently trying to do what they cannot. They’re making up the difference,” she said.
“I am both humbled and encouraged by the generosity and commitment of our people. But I am not surprised by these figures,” said Bishop Curtis Guillory, SVD.
“The Catholics of Southeast Texas are an extremely loving and generous people who understand that Christ is always calling us to share our gifts. Because of their stewardship our ministries are able to continue their good works,” he said.
The ministries that BFA supports continue to grow and reach out to the community and provide services for parishes.
The Apostleship of the Sea remains an advocate for the rights of seafarers who come to Southeast Texas. Last year a Chinese sailor who was burned was cared for at Christus Hospital-St. Mary, Port Arthur, through the work of AOS and its continuing mission.
Campus Ministry at Lamar University is growing. Under the direction of Father Shane Baxter, it has added activities and Mass attendance is increasing.
The Office of Worship has big plans for this May that will aid parishes and missions. The Ministry is hosting a liturgical conference at St. Jude Thaddeus Family Life Center, Beaumont, May 29 -30. The event will bring in many speakers and presenters to assist parishes with their liturgy.
The Ministry also continues to train altar servers for Masses celebrated by the Bishop, to help with the formation of extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist, as well as a myriad of other programs.
“Our ministries are so very grateful to both those who support the BFA with their financial gifts and those who give of their time in preparing the statements,” Lanza said.
“We can always use more help on both fronts. You can still make a gift to the appeal online, and if you would like to volunteer to help with statements, just call us,” she said.
For more information on the BFA, or to make payments online, please visit www.dioceseofbmt.org. If you have made a pledge to the appeal and did not receive a statement this April, please call (409) 924-4302. Anyone interested in volunteering can call that same number.
A pledge form also appears on Page 17 of this issue.
