The Diocese of Rochester is expected to hold a press conference tomorrow where they will announce the public phase of a fundraising campaign entitled “Our Legacy, Our Future, Our Hope.” This campaign was initiated two years ago by Bishop emeritus Matthew Clark as a way to raise money for the retired priest pension fund, and to sponsor the formation of an increasing number of seminarians.
To date, the diocese has raised close to $11 million toward the $14 million campaign goal. $1.2 million came from our priests, $1.4 million came from the Diocesan Stewardship Council, and the balance was donated by various wealthy individuals in the area – God bless them all.
It is now up to us lay members of the Diocese of Rochester to reach the campaign goal and close the roughly $3 million gap that remains. Granted, you might have concerns such as: why didn’t the diocese address this through the CMA all these years or, why did we spend so much wrecking the Cathedral instead of this, or will the Rev. Charles Curran be a recipient of my money? All good questions that I hope someone from the diocese could answer. Still, I’m sure many will agree with me that this is a very important cause. First, this is a terrific opportunity to show appreciation for all the good and holy priests we have known throughout our lives. Don’t let the poor ones hinder your desire to assist the good ones. Second, providing assistance to our seminarians is an wonderful way to promote the future vibrancy of the Catholic priesthood in our area. We have several good, solid, orthodox seminarians in formation who could use your financial help.
Below is an excellent video posted today to the diocesan Youtube page which features our Apostolic Administrator, retired priests, and several Rochester seminarians. Please watch the entire clip, pray over the matter, and make a decision whether or not you wish to participate in the fundraising campaign. Bp. Cunningham will soon mail out letters promoting this initiative.
Update 1/30/13: Catholic Courier story about the fundraiser
Tags: News and Media, Orthodoxy at Work, Vocations
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I would be delighted to put my donation dollars toward faithful seminarians and retired priests, Dr. K., but first I need to see what this diocese has been doing with all our dollars thus far, like with the funds collected in the annual appeal. I think it a shame that such information is not published each year… we have a right to know where the money goes. Until then, I’ll keep sending my dollars to other than another ROC diocese fund. Is there a chance the fiscal information might be published, as other non-profits publish such information? Or am I completely wet on this subject. I’d like some direction if I’m headed wrongly on it. Thank you. +JMJ