Still time to contribute to Annual Catholic Appeal

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Abby Satori, a student at Cor Jesu Academy, talked with Virginia Peck last year at the “First Sweethart Dance” at Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. Residents from Mary Queen and Mother Center and Mother of Perpetual Help mingled with students from Cor Jesu, Bishop DuBourg and DeSmet Jesuit high schools on the eve of St. Valentine’s Day. Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, as a Catholic Charities agency, relies on help from the Annual Catholic Appeal.

There's still time to contribute to this year's Annual Catholic Appeal, which is winding down after volunteers have spent the last few months coordinating the Appeal in parishes and contacting fellow parishioners who may have been missed.

This year's Appeal cites "A Call to Generosity" and highlights a day in the life of the archdiocese — showing how so many varied ministries funded by the Appeal have a major impact on the lives of people — Catholics and non-Catholics — throughout each day. Programs funded by the Appeal include marriage preparation classes, Respect Life events for teens, tuition assistance for children at a Catholic school, education for seminarians, retirement for priests, assistance for people in need who seek help at a food pantry, programs helping to put homeless people back on their feet and much more.

People in all 11 counties that make up the archdiocese are impacted by gifts to the Appeal.

The Appeal will commit a grant of $1.1 million to Catholic Charities if it meets its goal this year. Cardinal Ritter Senior Services, as an example of one of the many Catholic Charities agencies, provides services to elderly people in St. Louis city and St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin and Warren counties. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, its purpose is to improve the quality of life for older people through comprehensive social, health and senior services.

Cardinal Ritter helps people to remain in their homes, but also provides assisted living, skilled nursing care, affordable low-income and mid-income housing and more. Its programs provide volunteer opportunities, care for children who need help from a grandparent-aged adult through the Foster Grandparent Program, adult day programs, a homemaker program and more.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is the lifeblood of the Office of Laity and Family Life, noted George Kerry, director of the agency. "With this year's grant, we plan to do even more than we have in the past," he said in a note about the Appeal, adding that the final amount of the grant is contingent upon the Appeal reaching its goal of $12 million.

Funding from the ACA provides Catholic marriage preparation to hundreds of engaged couples each year. Numerous previously married couples prepare for Catholic marriage following an annulment or spousal death. Married couples are served through marriage enrichment programs and are honored at the annual Golden and Silver Wedding Jubilee Mass.

Workshops are offered for parishes forming or renewing their parish councils. Parish ministers are trained to assist fellow parishioners during times of grief and loss. Another workshop gives caregivers the tools they need to care for themselves and their loved ones.

"I hope all Catholics will join me in the feeling of joyful pride as we witness the generosity of the people of our great archdiocese," Kerry said.

If you have yet to contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal, contact your parish, visit archstl.org/aca or send a contribution to Annual Catholic Appeal, 20 Archbishop May Drive, St. Louis, MO 63119. For information call (314) 792-7680.