Your Diocese

JOLIET, IL — Jesus never couched in polite terms the biblical directive to serve others; he didn’t soften his answer to the rich man’s question about how to reach the kingdom of God; he faltered not when it came to emphasizing responsibility to the poor, the need to evangelize and one’s duty to raise children in the tenets of faith.

The campaign to support the more than 140 ministries that serve a variety of needs throughout the seven-county Joliet Diocese is slated to begin April 14-15. According to the plan, the initial presentation will be followed up by an opportunity for donors to sign-up at their parishes after Mass on the weekend of April 21-22.

Bishop J. Peter Sartain expressed his reliance first and foremost on prayer, faith and trust to motivate the 186,000 families in the diocese to provide funding enough to preserve the dignity of those seeking assistance through participation in numerous ministries, such as peace and social justice initiatives that make every effort to ensure that refugees are offered assistance assimilating to the culture, that the isolated are uplifted and the oppressed protected.

Doug Delaney, executive assistant to Bishop Sartain, explained that the appeal process is a 21st century response to Jesus’ directives to assist others. The formal appeal process was begun in the Diocese of Joliet in 1986, and it has finally come of age. After 21 years of raising the level of awareness among parishioners about the benefits of reaching out to a population counting on social service programs for housing, food, protection and guidance to name a few, Delaney added that today’s society also cries out for programs that provide spiritual nourishment in the face of negative cultural deterrents. For example, a strong Catholic school presence stands as a “critical” alternative to public education. At the same time, a robust system of religious education is available to supplement family faith opportunities within the parish and around the community.

Having reached the age of maturity, the campaign highlights the characteristic marks of adulthood, stressing responsibility for stepping out in faith. In a statement prepared to launch this year’s appeal, the bishop reiterated Jesus’ proclamation of hope, salvation and mercy.

“The peace of Christ is the gift of salvation; it is fullness of life, the re-creation of all things, the new beginning in Jesus.”

This year, the campaign celebrates a fresh approach aimed at achieving the peace that Jesus offered the faithful. Called the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal, the program is designed in a way that assists the diocese in collecting its $6.4 million goal—the goal remains unchanged from last year. Donors have an opportunity to respond immediately at the parish level. And in consideration of the decision-making process as it relates to a family’s financial circumstances and the impact of personal prayer, the diocese intends to distribute appeal request forms by mail.

What’s new about this year’s appeal campaign is the chance for parishes to specify which ministries they particularly like to support. For some parishes, a solid base exists in matters of social justice, Catholic schools, food distribution or housing alternatives. Therefore, individuals from that parish can specify that their funds go specifically to fund their favorite ministries, according to Delaney.

“It gives parishes a chance to identify their greatest priorities,” he added.

Still, many parishioners support a broad approach, ensuring that their dollars are distributed equitably and responsibly to advance the needs of ministries that touch the lives of people beyond their purview, Delaney said. Along with participation at church, a commitment to the appeal “is part of our responsibility as faithful members of the church to share some of our gifts. Everything we have is a gift from God.”

Meanwhile, the bishop has highlighted a desire to fund education for future priests, as they are key to the church’s essence.

Bishop Sartain stated, “The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal is one way to recognize the good we do together in Christ, to strengthen our commitment to the work of the church, and to generously share our blessings with all. Words cannot express my deep gratitude to you for your response in faith and the witness you give to our hope in the risen Lord.”

One outspoken supporter of the annual appeal, Tom McClain of St. Joseph Parish in Manteno, described his reason for donating generously over the years. The father of 10, the youngest of whom intends in the fall to follow in the steps of his siblings by attending Bishop McNamara High School in Kankakee, said, “We’re all part of the same diocese. … It’s pretty simple to me; we’re supposed to take care of others.

“We’re just a blessed diocese and we’ve grown so big in the last several years,” he added, citing the fact that growth means both more wealth and more needy people. “I wish I’d win the lottery. I’d give all the money to the diocese,” said McClain.

According to Delaney, the donations establish a partnership between the diocese, the parish and the individual. This one decision not only satisfies Jesus’ Gospel message, it also works to accomplish the goals established by large ministries with a substantial number of clients to serve.