Generous Support from Private Sector Makes the Difference
Catholic Charities Hits Goal Before End of 2004

By Tim O’Connor
The response to this year’s Catholic Charities appeal has been exceptional and we have reached our goal of $1.7 million on December 31. On behalf of all who are served, we express our deep appreciation to all 7,000 individuals and families who support Catholic Charities.

In November, Catholic Charities of Oklahoma City was one of ten dioceses in the US selected to participate in a leadership training sponsored by Catholic Charities USA and donated by the Mendoza School of Business at the University of Notre Dame. Robert Dolan, our incoming Chairman, Julia Reed, Assistant Director and I participated in 3 days of intensive training. Notre Dame faculty stressed the importance of Catholic identity as a part of mission, and how Catholic Social Teaching is the foundation for all that we do, and all that we are about.

Nationally, Catholic Charities is the largest private provider of social services to children and families. Most Catholic Charities organizations depend on public government funds for the programs they offer.  Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City is somewhat unique. The primary support of our work is voluntary private gifts that are made through our annual appeal and endowments left by our benefactors. Other private support comes through United Way of Central Oklahoma, primarily through designated gifts. With strong local support, the works of Catholic Charities are indeed the works of all persons in our archdiocese. This support enables Catholic Charities to remain flexible to respond to needs that go unmet or unnoticed in our community and state. It also means that people can be personally connected with the works of justice and charity, knowing that someone in Oklahoma directly receives help from their personal sacrifice.

At the same time, following the tsunami disaster in Asia and Africa, many of our donors called to get information about the USCC Catholic Relief Service collection, and immediately dropped off checks to provide humanitarian relief to the thousands of victims of this holiday tragedy. This response gives evidence that our love for others goes far beyond the boundaries of our state and nation in helping others who suffer and grieve.

In March, our leadership team will return to Notre Dame for the second phase of training, and Shirley Cox, Director of Social Action will join us. This session will emphasize organizational leadership. We are using this training opportunity to develop a strategic plan that will grow the works of Catholic Charities in our archdiocese. It is extremely important that we find new opportunities to engage all people in our mission of service, especially youth and young women and men. Calling on young leaders committed to live their faith in service to others will preserve and grow our Catholic faith.

We are very humbled by the trust that our clergy and donors place in Catholic Charities to serve.  Thank you for your prayers and faithful support that will lift up the human spirit.