THE GOOD NEWS
ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

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September 14, 2008

The Good News...

. . . Catholic Charities
– The Ministry of Jesus

Catholic Charities is Good News because Catholic Charities is an extension of the ministry of Jesus.

Jesus came to serve and not to be served.  All who are baptized in Christ receive that great commission to share in this ministry of love and of service.  To accomplish these works of charity, much more can be done if we do so as a prayerful people. Therefore, first and foremost, I sincerely ask for your prayers. Pray that our efforts to help people in need will be effectively and successfully accomplished. Pray that those in need will be blessed and benefit from our efforts.

Catholic Charities is the practical and united effort of the Catholics of the Church.  Here in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, works of charities are provided throughout   central and western Oklahoma and the Pan-handle.  On any given day, this is what happens.

Hundreds of people wake up to a new day after sleeping in a clean, safe environment at Trinity Gardens and Villa Isenbart in Oklahoma City, at Villanova in Lawton, at Holy Family Home in Midwest City, at the Elizabeth House, Seton Home, Marian Manor and various other residences provided by Catholic Charities throughout the Archdiocese.

On any given day, counseling services and referrals will be provided to a variety of people in Clinton, Enid, Lawton and Oklahoma City.  These will include children who have been abandoned or abused, rebellious disturbed teenagers, people suffering trauma, divorce, the death of a loved one, anger and confusion.

On any given day, a number of immigrant people will legally come to our country sponsored by Catholic Charities. Undocumented people will be guided by a case worker toward a resolution of their status. Families and individuals will be assisted with food or clothing, medical assistance, rent and utilities.

These and many other direct services will be given not just on any day but on every day.  Catholic Charities has operated on a daily basis for more than 100 years now.  To continue this service to assist people in need, we conduct an annual campaign appeal for the funds necessary. Some of you may have already received a letter from me.  Others will receive a letter later.  All of you, however, will hear the plea next weekend. I have asked our pastors to play the Catholic Charities Appeal tape at all Masses next weekend.

The goal for this year’s appeal is $2.4 million. This is the amount of money needed to provide the above-mentioned services and to expand in other necessary areas. For example, after several years of preparation and extensive work, we are hopeful that our day shelter for the homeless will become a reality this year.  Likewise, we are evaluating other new locations for our services.

It is true that many of you are experiencing economic difficulties because of inflation, food expenses, gasoline prices and medical expenses.  However, we also realize that there are many people much worse off than we are. These are the people we are obliged to help through our Catholic Charities.  Therefore, I ask you to make a pledge of financial support for these works of charity.  I ask you to make a pledge which can be paid on a monthly basis during the coming year. Please contribute in a spirit of faith and generosity and be assured of my gratitude and my prayers.