| COVER STORY • Bishop Gregory deplores decision on sodomy laws COVER STORY Disciples in Mission is a journey into the future for the Diocese By Pam Flynn FEATURE ARTICLE FEATURE ARTICLE FEATURE ARTICLE FEATURE ARTICLE FEATURE ARTICLE
$300,000 needed to reach goal 2003 Bishop's Appeal surpasses $2 million mark More than $2 million has already been contributed in gifts and pledges to the 2003 Bishop's Appeal, marking the fifth time this milestone has been reached in the history of the Diocese of Memphis. "Having reached the $2 million mark in pledges and contributions indicates the tremendous sacrifices of many throughout West Tennessee," said Father Richard Mickey, chairman of the 2003 Bishop's Appeal. "We are humbled by their generosity." According to the Diocesan Department of Development and Communications, as of July 3, 7,590 families have committed a total of $2,001,921 to this year's Appeal. Both the number of families who have contributed and the dollar amount of pledges have already exceeded the totals from last year. This represents more than 87 percent of the $2.3 million goal of the 2003 Bishop's Appeal. The families represent 37 percent of the registered families in the Diocese of Memphis. Traditionally, nationwide, the Diocese of Memphis has been one of the most generous in the nation. The average gift thus far is $264, well above the national average of giving in dioceses across the country. "Much of our success is due to the fact that more than half our parishes have exceeded their monetary goals already," said Father Mickey. "We are confident that many more will continue to work toward the goal of significantly increasing our diocesan level of participation. Their participation in this Appeal is vital to our sharing the mission of our diocesan church. So, let's all do our part and let's all participate!" The Bishop's Appeal funds various ministries across the diocese. One of the main aspects of funding is for seminarian education. The diocese is doubling the number of seminarians this year and the cost of their education is approximately $25,000 per year. "I need each and every family to participate in the Bishop's Appeal," said Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. "This is the one time that we come together as one diocesan Church - serving those who need our help - to do together, what no single parish can do on its own." "It's not my Appeal, or your Appeal, but it's everyone's Appeal," he said. "And I now appeal to you to participate. Help me to kick it up a notch!" As The West Tennessee Catholic went to press, 23 of the parishes and missions in the diocese are recorded as having exceeded their parish financial goals, thus far. Also, 25 of the parishes and missions in the diocese are recorded as having exceeded at least 40 percent in participation. Commitment cards are available at each parish or by calling the diocesan Department of Development and Communications at 373-1209. Families can pledge over a 12-month period and can also make a gift or pledge in memory of or in honor of loved one. |
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Citizens pray after Supreme Court renders decisions. See cover story. |
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