THE GOOD NEWS
ARCHBISHOP BELTRAN

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September 13, 2009

The Good News...

           ...Our Catholic Charities

Between now and next Sunday, Sept. 20, hundreds and hundreds  of people will be blessed by our Archdiocesan Catholic Charities organization. These include the residents at Villanova Apartments in Lawton, the mothers and babies at Holy Family Home in Midwest City, the senior citizens living at Trinity Gardens and Villa Isenbart in Oklahoma City, the people receiving counseling in Enid, Lawton, Oklahoma City and Clinton, the women coming to the Sanctuary for Women, along with many homeless and the many other poor people who will obtain food or clothing or help with rent, utilities or medicine.  Yes, every day and every night, our Catholic Charities staff and  volunteers are assisting men, women and children throughout Oklahoma. God blesses all these people through the Catholic Charities services which you provide by your prayers, work and contributions.

Next Sunday, Sept. 20 is the  annual Catholic Charities appeal in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City. A request for financial support for the works and mission of Catholic Charities will be made at every Mass in every church throughout our Arch-diocese. A recorded message is also available to be played during the Masses.

I hope that everyone will realize that financial support of Catholic Charities is much more than simply giving money. Catholic Charities is at the heart of our Catholic faith. Catholic Charities is the united effort of the Catholic community of this Archdiocese in addressing the situations of those who are in need. Catholic Charities endeavors to assist the poor, the homeless, the distraught.

In recent months, due to the economic downturn and increasing unemployment, there is a greater need for the services which Catholic Charities  provides.  Consequently, there is a need for increased funding to assure the continuance of these services. Our dedicated staff and volunteers renew their own commitment to be responsible stewards of  the funds and contributions made to Catholic Charities.

Also, our Catholic Charities board of directors, having only recently begun the successful Sanctuary for Women, is exploring ways to extend our services. There is much to be done and while we cannot do everything, we will try to do as much as we can to help our brothers and sisters in need.

Our goal for this year’s Catholic Charities appeal is $2.4 million. If we can successfully reach our goal in this campaign, we will be able to maintain a balanced budget for the coming year. Moreover, we will be able to continue our programs and services. Therefore, I am sincerely requesting that every Catholic person of this Archdiocese join me in financially supporting the current Catholic Charities appeal.

If you have already made a financial commitment to this year’s Catholic Charities appeal, I thank you now in word and with an assurance of continuing prayer. If you have not yet responded to the current Catholic Charities appeal, I earnestly ask you to do so next Sunday at Mass. Whether you make a one-time gift for this year or a pledged commitment of monthly support, either would be gratefully received and responsibly used.

Catholic Charities is the combined work of all of us in this Archdiocese, reaching out to help others in need. This work or ministry is based on the great commandment of love. Jesus said to love God first and foremost  and your neighbor as yourself. We  joyfully and effectively fulfill this  commandment through our personal and financial support of Catholic Charities.

Please, Catholic people of Oklahoma, hear the plea of your brothers and sisters who seek your help through the various ministries and services of our Catholic Charities. Please join me in a commitment of prayer and support of our Catholic Charities. Please make a financial pledge today of $25 or $50 or $100 each month over the next year. Please be assured that you are gratefully remembered in my prayers and especially at daily Mass. May God bless you most abundantly.