Thank YOU to Those Who Gave! …And Some Good News for Those Considering a Gift.

I first wish to thank those who have given to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Your generosity and support makes the Archdiocese of Hartford the most generous giving organization to those in need in Connecticut. You also are part of a faith-based organization that provides assistance to anyone in need— Catholic/Christian, Jew, Muslin and non-believers alike. If a human being is in need, God—through your generosity—responds to them in real, practical ways. Thank you!

I especially thank-you in these difficult times, with ever-increasing inflation and gas, food and every other necessity going sky high. Thank you!

What is also really important to acknowledge here is that I am not asking those who have given to give more, but those who have not given to consider making a gift. It doesn’t matter the size of the donation, but rather as St. Teresa of Calcutta once said, “It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” Thank you!

Each year, every parish is given a goal to meet. In this way, the archdiocese can then be available to help all across the three counties of our Province—Hartford, New Haven and Litchfield. In 2022, St. Catherine’s goal is $100,000 and neighboring parishes also have goals. St. Mary is $190,000, St. Ann in Avon is $175,000, St. Teresa in Granby is $120,000, and St. Patrick in Farmington is $150,000. Goals are based on a percentage of a parish’s annual collection totals.

And while we have surpassed our goal of $100,000 by some $4,000 to date, the need especially this year due to inflation and other issues in our nation and state is so great, especially for the working poor. I ask that if you have not yet given or normally do not give, please consider it at this time and know that all monies raised go to help those in need. Whether you give $25 or $500, your love says “I can help you,” and that is God “s Joy.

You can make a donation directly to the AAA or to this parish, and we will transmit to the AAA for you. This can be done by:

• Making a donation through the AAA envelopes, check or credit card, found in the entrances of our Church and placing it in out collection baskets.
• Making a donation through the AAA’s website, at appeal.archdiocesepfhartford.org or call the AAA Office at 800 781 2550, and under current law, you may give a selected amount directly from your IRA, if you are 70 ½ years of age, without having to pay income tax on that donation.

Whatever you decide to do, please remember to note that you are a parishioner at St. Catherine of Siena Parish. The AAA’s fund allocation is as follows:

• 28% goes to Catholic Charities
• 10% goes to Catholic Education & Faith Formation
• 10% goes to Catholic Education Grants
• 10% goes to the Vicariate Outreach, which are to non-Catholic charities that carry out the mission of the Catholic Church, i.e., Avon’s Gifts of Love;
• 12% goes to Seminarian and Deaconate Programs
• 8% goes to Pastoral Ministries
• 10% goes to Retired Priest’s Care
• 12% goes to Communications.

This is a timely reminder as this past Friday, 25 June, the Church celebrated the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. His heart we are told in the daily entrance antiphon for Mass that day: “The designs of His heart are from age to age. To rescue their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine.” This describes the love of God for each of us and how we—you and I—are called to be part of the Love of His beating heart. Remember the painting of the Sacred Heart of Jesus? It is, after all, our lived-faith experience that makes us who He Created us to be.

I ask that you please pray about giving something to the AAA and see more clearly just how active our faith and Church is in the world around us. God Bless You