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Catholic Charities kicks off Appeal 2020
Catholic Charities announced the launch of Appeal 2020 with a goal of $10 million on Jan. 14. Using the theme “Think of Me,” Catholic Charities hopes people think of their neighbors when donating. “Essentially, the person Christ commands us to love,” said Rick Cronin, this year’s appeal chair.
The annual appeal funds 51 programs and services administered by Catholic Charities, which helped 160,000 people in 2019. This year’s appeal will be the first for Deacon Steven Schumer, who was recently named president and CEO of the social service organization, and Bishop Edward Scharfenberger, who began serving as apostolic administrator of the Buffalo Diocese in December. Since arriving in Buffalo, Bishop Scharfenberger, who remains bishop of Albany, has considered himself a grandfather who came down the street to help his family. “I like to think of everything we do as family helping family,” he said at the appeal kickoff. “That’s what Catholic Charities is all about. It’s people helping people.”
This year’s $10 million is 1 million less than last year’s goal. The decrease recognizes the challenges associated with raising a significant amount of money, while also realizing the ongoing need for the critical programs Catholic Charities provides. This is not the first time the goal has been lowered. As with last year, donors can designate their appeal gift choosing from three options. Option one is giving to the appeal as in the past. These donations benefit Catholic Charities and "Fund for the Faith". Option two is to give 100 percent of their gift to Catholic Charities. Option three is to give 100 percent of their gift to "Fund for the Faith". The "Fund for the Faith" helps to continue the mission of diocesan ministries.
The patron saint of Appeal 2020 is St. Joseph, patron of the Buffalo Diocese. “He knew well the threats of persecution, poverty and uncertainty. But, St. Joseph trusted God, he persevered and he succeeded,” Bishop Scharfenberger said.
To make a donation to Appeal 2020 contact Catholic Charities at 716-218-1400 or visit ccwny.org.
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"Think of Me"
Think of all the people you can help.
Think of the young student struggling in school because of challenges at home or with peers. Think of the single parent burdened by poverty. Think of the college student needing a space to be and to grow in faith. Think of those who are sick or in nursing homes lacking spiritual care.
Catholic Charities’ many services help those most in need and vulnerable, and "Fund for the Faith" ministries help meet the spiritual needs of Western New York Catholics. Last year, Catholic Charities impacted the lives of more than 160,000 individuals. For nearly a century, your generosity has supported our neighbors in all eight counties. Please continue that legacy of hope this year.
Think of all the people you can help and the lives you can change.
Please support Appeal 2020.
Donate by Phone: 716-218-1400
Donate Online: ccwny.org
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“Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them;
for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you,
as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets,
so that they may be praised by others.
Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.
But when you give alms,
do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
so that your alms may be done in secret;
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
— Matthew 6:1-4
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4 Reasons for Almsgiving
Fr. Mike Schmitz encourages us to be charitable this Lent, emphasizing how almsgiving is a foundational part of living the Faith. In being joyful givers, we imitate Christ, who became poor for our sake and we show our gratitude for God’s grace. These are just a few of the reasons Fr. Mike offers in this video as to why we should exercise almsgiving according to our means.
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