Once again, the Cardinal's Appeal is upon us.
Many of us have received he mailing. And, we have probably heard the message read from the pulpit or altar re The Appeal. In my parish, you could tell that it was only a half-hearted attempt at sounding excited about asking parishioners, in this economy, to give over and above the weekly collection.
This year, the Archdiocese has touted that in 2013, more money was pledged, than every before. And they are correct. Not only that, but they actually took in more in 2013, than ever before. So, you have to congratulate them on that.
Nevertheless, even with these increases in pledges and actual donations, you will notice on thing: There are fewer people giving.
Since 2008, there are almost 4,000 fewer (3994 to be exact) people giving to the Cardinals Appeal than ever before.
This is not good. You really need to increase you base because at some point, the well will run dry. And the Dreamer's, which the Archdiocese has so heavily counted on, will not be there.
Once again, I will not give. If I decide to give, and I will, I will donate directly to my nearby Catholic school, so that they can purchase paper, supplies, etc. without the Archdiocese deciding.
I urge you not to contribute, esp. after the Cardinal and the Archdiocese "threw Fr. Marcel under the bus." It is the only message the Cardinal will understand.
Many of us have received he mailing. And, we have probably heard the message read from the pulpit or altar re The Appeal. In my parish, you could tell that it was only a half-hearted attempt at sounding excited about asking parishioners, in this economy, to give over and above the weekly collection.
This year, the Archdiocese has touted that in 2013, more money was pledged, than every before. And they are correct. Not only that, but they actually took in more in 2013, than ever before. So, you have to congratulate them on that.
Nevertheless, even with these increases in pledges and actual donations, you will notice on thing: There are fewer people giving.
Since 2008, there are almost 4,000 fewer (3994 to be exact) people giving to the Cardinals Appeal than ever before.
This is not good. You really need to increase you base because at some point, the well will run dry. And the Dreamer's, which the Archdiocese has so heavily counted on, will not be there.
Once again, I will not give. If I decide to give, and I will, I will donate directly to my nearby Catholic school, so that they can purchase paper, supplies, etc. without the Archdiocese deciding.
I urge you not to contribute, esp. after the Cardinal and the Archdiocese "threw Fr. Marcel under the bus." It is the only message the Cardinal will understand.
