DIOCESE—“There are those who suffer daily from hunger, violence and atrocities from war,” says Bishop David Malloy in his message for the annual International Appeal coming to parishes the weekend of March 14-15.
“We have an opportunity to help them by participating” in this appeal, he adds, noting that “we can personally help Pope Francis’ ministry through Peter’s Pence,” one of the individual collections included in this combined appeal.
Causes aided by International Appeal
The Peter’s Pence Collection provides the pope with the funds he needs to carry out his charitable works for victims of war, oppression and disasters around the world. Last year, this Diocese gave $167,909 to this appeal. |
Three combined collections each year replace what otherwise would be about a dozen special collections in parishes. The National Appeal was held in January and the Mission Appeal is held in fall.
This March 14-15 International Appeal will benefit the several efforts, including Peter’s Pence, Catholic Relief Services and Aid to the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe. (See box at left)
This combined collection also provides funds to be distributed by Bishop David Malloy in response to some of the numerous petitions for assistance from his brother bishops who serve in areas experiencing natural disasters or other significant needs. This Worldwide and U.S. Disaster Relief Fund-Rockford Diocese Response allowed the bishop to donate $10,000 on behalf of the people of the diocese last year.
Two other collections are represented in this combined collection: the Catholic Elementary School Financial Support for the Diocese of Rockford and the Rockford Diocesan Priests’ Pension Plan. These two appeals assist struggling Catholic schools and retired priests, many of whom continue to assist parishes in celebrating the sacraments.
“By giving to this Appeal,” Bishop Malloy concludes, “we can help to make visible the fact of Christ around the globe …”