This year’s Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA) dinner meeting was held Feb. 23 at the St. Andrew Church hall in Colchester. Before the ACA begins each year, the pastors, secretaries, parishioner volunteers and ACA chairs come together to prepare for the new campaign. This meeting always provides a nice opportunity to thank the people who work so hard each year to help the ACA reach its goal and continue to assist the ACA-supported ministries do the work of Christ each day.
Bishop Cote greeted everyone and expressed his great gratitude to all those present and those who attended via Zoom.
“I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all the work each of you has done this year to support our ACA,” the bishop said. “The fact that we have surpassed our goal for the second year in a row is a true testament to your efforts and leadership. Thank you very much.”
Bishop Cote continued, “We are also very grateful to the Rossi Foundation and the Padre Pio Foundation of America, who provided us with a very generous matching opportunity in the last quarter of our campaign. Because of the new gifts that this match generated, these two foundations combined to make a $100,000 gift for which we are very appreciative.”
Mary Ellen Mahoney, director of the Annual Catholic Appeal, also thanked the audience.
“Each of you are the heart and soul of the ACA,” she said. “Without your continued efforts we would never be able to help our ACA supported ministries and programs carry out their missions, being the hands, feet and heart of Jesus.”
While parishes do a good deal of their own charitable work in their communities, Mahoney emphasized, the ACA-supported programs help people on a much broader scale. For example, the Office of Faith Events; St. Vincent de Paul Place, Norwich; St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown; Catholic Charities; Office for Safe Environments; Schools Office; Office of Vocations; and the Four County Catholic Magazine, just to name a few, are all uniquely diocesan-wide initiatives.
The new magazine format of the Four County Catholic is an excellent showcase of all the good works of the ACA-supported ministries. The magazine receives funding from the ACA as well.
After Mahoney made her PowerPoint presentation and the ACA video was shown, the guests enjoyed a delicious dinner in the hall. Mahoney expressed her appreciation to Father Masnicki and Father Breton, who offered their church hall for the event. Father Breton’s computer skills were much appreciated, as he aptly dealt with a few technological challenges.
Bishop Cote and Mahoney were happy to be able to visit with many of the parishioners who work so tirelessly to bring the Annual Catholic Appeal to their churches.
“Throughout many years, I have been pleased to participate in the Annual Catholic Appeal,” volunteer Carol Cieslukowski, a parishioner at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Norwich, said. “Many ministries benefit from the services that are provided to the youth, elderly, poor and disadvantaged throughout the Diocese of Norwich. I feel that through the commitment of time and financial support from all of us that the ACA can reach its 2023 campaign goal and continue to do God’s work with our help. I urge everyone to participate in this appeal with a spirit of faith, peace and love.”
For the last three years, Steve Autieri has served as the ACA chairperson for St. Luke's Parish in Ellington.
“In my role, I take great pride in leading an initiative that supports essential ministries to the diocese,” he said. “Whether it is providing meals to the needy or supporting the seminarians called to serve their faith, the annual campaign ensures that these programs become reality."
“Ralph and I have financially supported the ACA for many years,” St. Sebastian Church, Middletown parishioner Joanne Coligan said. “I have also served as chairman of the ACA at St. Sebastian’s Church for several years. We believe that there is no better way to serve God than by demonstrating a spirit of generosity, compassion and love for those who benefit from the various programs and ministries supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal.”
Donations to the Annual Catholic Appeal may be made online at www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org; by mailing a check to Annual Catholic Appeal, 197 Broadway, Norwich, CT 06360; or by calling Heather Harris, ACA campaign manager, at 860-.886.1928, ext. 111.
Thank you for your prayers and support.
By Mary Ellen Mahoney