By TARA CONNOLLY Staff writer
“This is really where all good works begin – at the altar,” said Bishop of Allentown Alfred Schlert April 1 at the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) kickoff in Northampton County. “For Jesus, his work was not about collecting honor, or he wouldn’t have chosen the path to the cross. He chose the path bringing salvation to people. It reminds us of our baptism call as Catholics, and that is to do things not for honor – but for salvation.”
Bishop Schlert kicked off the appeal with an estimated 250 faithful by celebrating Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Bethlehem before a light reception with remarks from trust advisors for BAA.
He told the faithful that this year’s BAA, “Because We Are Catholic,” is an ideal way to reach out to the community and serve others on the peripheries and those who are marginalized.
“As Catholics, we are called to be witnesses in our community and to show others what our Catholic faith is about and to do the work of Christ day in and day out. You are cooperating in the work of Christ,” said Bishop Schlert.
At the reception, Paul Acampora, secretary of the Diocesan Secretariat for Stewardship and Development, introduced the advisors and emphasized that people continue to donate to the appeal.
“Gifts are continuing to come in. I see people like you every day engaged in the work of the appeal and offering their time and prayers,” he said.
Sabina Olenchok, one of 12 trust advisors appointed by the bishop, assists in carrying out the purposes of the trust, by reviewing the gifts received and assuring the proper allocation of gifts to the specified and restricted uses and purposes of the trust.
In her remarks, she explained the purpose of the legally binding BAA trust and where the funds are allocated.
While reviewing the trust, she told the faithful that the trust has a limited purpose, gives the protection of trust assets from diocesan creditors and requires segregated assets.
“Basically, the funds stay in our Diocese,” said Olenchok.
“The trust document makes it clear that BAA trust assets, or donations, may only be used for the tax-exempt charities that are public ministries within the Diocese,” she said.
In addition, the trust also provides for oversight to ensure that the funds are used for their intended purpose.
“These funds are protected and cannot be part of a payment or a settlement. The BAA funds can only be used for the charitable purpose,” said Olenchok.
As for the segregation of trust assets, she told the faithful that trust assets are not, and never can be assets of the Diocese.
“So despite the name of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, these are not assets of the Bishop or of the Diocese. They are assets of the appeal fund,” stressed Olenchok.
Another trust advisor, Evelyn Carfagno, outlined the specific areas where donor gifts, that totaled $4.8 million last year, are being used to serve others.
“We are called to help provide for the physical, educational and spiritual needs of thousands of families every year,” said Carfagno. “Almost half of the funds are geared toward health and human services.
“Last year 48 percent or about $2.2 million were granted to services such as Catholic Charities, Catholic Senior Housing and Health Care Services, and retired and infirm priests. Catholic Charities is the largest recipient of the Health and Human Services segment of the appeal.”
Through services and programs provided by Catholic Charities, the Diocese feeds the hungry; assists homeless and near-homeless; and counsels those dealing with grief, anger, mental illness and many forms of trauma.
“Catholic Charities also provides support to soup kitchens, veterans, to pregnant women, and parents of children from birth to 18 years of age, as well as compassionate listening, assistance and case management to older adults,” said Carfagno.
“In Northampton County alone, over 100 households received counseling, case management, pregnancy support and older adult care.”
Another important aspect of BAA, according to Carfagno, is applying funds to education like centers for special learning, the Aquinas program and Kolbe Academy, Bethlehem for teens in recovery that is slated to open in August.
“In addition, 49 local Catholic school students in Northampton County benefited from the Bishop’s Catholic Scholarship Program,” she added.
According to Carfagno, 13 percent of the funds are directed toward parish life, including Family Life Ministries, Office of Hispanic Affairs, Ministries with Persons with Disabilities, Youth/Young Adult and Campus Ministry, and Adult Formation.
“Ten percent of the funding goes to the education and formation of seminarians, priests and deacons. The seminarians are the future of our Church,” she said.
An important thing to keep in mind, according to Carfagno, is that if a parish surpasses the predetermined goal, 50 percent of the money raised beyond the goal is returned to the parish. If the goal is not reached, but the parish raises more than the previous year, 15 percent of the funds collected above the previous year’s total are returned to the parish.
Finally, she said 6 percent of BAA funds are targeted for the administrative costs associated with running BAA.
“Thousands of people have benefitted from the programs I have mentioned today. Besides focusing on the structure of the appeal and the dollars raised, let’s pause and reflect on the individuals and families who need support from the program; the real reason we give is to help those in need,” said Carfagno.
Aside from supporting programs and ministries funded by BAA, Melissa Starace, parishioner of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, Easton, said she engages in the work of the appeal because of her parents.
“My parents have always been fixtures in our parish – as volunteers, retreats, handing in the weekly envelopes and by supporting the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. As I’ve grown in my adult faith (and career) I see supporting my parish and the Diocese as a responsibility of being part of this community,” she said.
To learn more or make a gift to BAA, click here.
