Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
June 12, 2002
Letters
In gratitude
Thank you for your archdiocesan check for $214,653.53, which has been deposited in the Retirement Fund for Religious account. This brings your total archdiocesan contributions for all of the years of the collection to $2,857,234.81. The money has been recorded as part of Appeal XIV for 2001.
We are especially grateful to the Catholics of your archdiocese for being so generous in this time of economic downturn and uncertainty of the impact of the war against terrorism. Unfortunately, this economic downturn has been particularly difficult for religious institutes, who are experiencing with other investors the decrease in value of their retirement investments. Since the need for liquidity in retirement investments is great because of the current needs of our senior religious, the situation is particularly critical. Religious, however, remain steadfast in their faith and hope in God, and their commitment to the care of their members. I am very impressed with this faith and the willingness of religious institutes to creatively plan for the care of their aged members.
Your support and the support of your Retirement Fund for Religious coordinator, pastors, parish priests and deacons are essential to the fund's continued success. We are most grateful for all you do. You can be sure of the prayers of the increasing number of senior religious in gratitude for your generous support.
Sister Andreé Fries
CPPS executive director
Washington, D.C.
Thank you
The Black and Indian Mission Office, supporting evangelization throughout the United States where there are members of the black and Native American communities, was pleased to receive the gift of $61,357.43 from the 2002 collection in your parishes. As director of the office, I thank you, Archbishop Chaput, your pastors and the faithful for being a part of the Church's ministry to these communities.
When the collection was instituted by the Church in 1884, the Native Americans in need were in the Midwest and West, and the black parishes were in the South of our country. Today, after decades of people moving around, the Church is ministering to them in all areas all over the United States. Wonderful evangelization programs are in progress and are being monitored by our office. Many would cease if it were not for the collection. Please, don't let that happen.
We are pleased with the way the collection funds are used and are pleased also to pass on the good fact that $.985, yes, almost 99 cents of every dollar received in the 2001 collection was returned to archdioceses and dioceses for evangelization programs.
Thank you again, and be assured of the gratitude of the Black and Indian Mission Office. Know that you and those entrusted to your care are remembered in prayer.
Msgr. Paul A. Lenz
BIMO executive director
Washington, D.C.
Pope radiates Christ
Cyril Jones-Kellett in his May 22 article "The blessing of a disabled pope" likened our pope to the elderly in nursing homes, to the disabled, retarded and mentally ill. When I look at our pope, I don't see a tired, decrepit, bloated old man. Though bowed, his face is radiant with the love of Christ. Though bent, his steps are the steps of Christ, carrying the load of the cross — of the world.
When I look at our pope I see the most beautiful sight of all: the image of the crucified Christ. His life has been a continuous crucifixion, a fine, dignified, courageous, heart-aching crucifixion.
Aimee Milburn
Boulder
Support the Church
Responding to Rochelle Obechina's letter in the May 15 Register: I wonder how people can use the scandals in the Church as a reason to pass up the collection plate? To hold back at a time when the Church really needs our support?
Judy Morgan
Brighton
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