PROVIDENCE — The Diocese of Providence this week began its 90th annual Catholic Charity Appeal with an initial mailing to 70,000 individuals seeking generous contributions to the campaign, which provides crucial support for the numerous programs and ministries that allow the diocese to do God’s work in communities across the state.
From providing a warm place to sleep for the homeless on a cold winter’s night at its Emmanuel House Homeless Shelter, to serving the needs of the poor, elderly, handicapped, homebound and minorities in the inner city through programs like the Saint Martin de Porres Center, the diocese relies heavily on the generosity of the faithful to help support its community outreach efforts.
The Appeal also helps to provide scholarships to students attending Catholic schools across the diocese, and funds education for seminarians studying to become priests.
The traditional in-pew solicitation for contributions to the Appeal will begin at the end of February.
In a letter sent out in the initial mailing, Bishop Thomas J. Tobin reminds donors of Jesus’ call to show love and compassion as he invites his flock to reach out and help those in need.
“The needs are great, but so is our potential for doing good,” Bishop Tobin said. “You help us reach out to the poor and vulnerable, the sick and the elderly, children and families as well as people with disabilities. From food, shelter and home heating assistance, to Catholic education, healthcare, counseling and so much more, your gift makes a tremendous difference!”
On the world stage, Pope Francis also has been a strong advocate of “faith working through love,” the principle of putting one’s faith into action by helping those in need in any way one can.
“Works of love directed to one’s neighbor are the most perfect external manifestation of the interior grace of the Spirit: ‘The foundation of the New Law is in the grace of the Holy Spirit, who is manifested in the faith which works through love,’” Pope Francis said.
“You pray for the hungry, then you feed them. This is how prayer works,” the pontiff said.
The Catholic Charity Appeal also provides funding and logistical support for diocesan and parish food pantries, which have a critical role in helping to feed the hungry.
Last year, the diocese had the most successful campaign in the history of the Appeal, raising nearly $8 million, more than 99 percent of its goal.
This year, the diocese has once again set a goal of raising $8 million to help support its vital ministries.
“We came very, very close to reaching our goal last year,” said Robert J. Corcoran, director of the diocesan Office of Stewardship and Development, which oversees the Appeal.
“We’re so very grateful for the generosity of Rhode Islanders everywhere. They respond to great need when asked, and this year, more than ever, the need is high. We need their help.”
Corcoran said that all of the programs offered through the diocese’s Office of Catholic Charities and Social Ministry are funded solely through the annual Catholic Charity Appeal.
“There’s no other resource for funding these programs,” he said.
“It’s completely dependent upon their generosity,” he said of the free will offering made by donors through the campaign. “For so many years, it’s worked wonderfully, because people are generous and caring.”
