In a compelling reflection on about the COVID Pandemic, Pope Francis spoke of how we are all affected by, and united in, responding to the crisis. Our Holy Father wrote: “We realize that we are all in the same boat, all of us fragile and disoriented…[But] we are invited to step out of ourselves for love of God and neighbor as an opportunity for sharing, service and intercessory prayer.”
Indeed, the crisis has occasioned many opportunities for “sharing and service,” and in the Diocese of Providence, one of the ways in which we have responded to that invitation is through the outstanding work of Catholic Charities. During this time, along with other initiatives, Catholic Charities has; provided food cards to thousands of households through the Diocese; enabled Emanuel House shelter for the homeless to remain open; provided personal assistance to senior citizens at the St. Martin de Porres Center; and supplied diapers, formula, clothing, and cribs to expectant and new moms.
This good work wouldn’t be possible, though, without the funding provided by the annual Catholic Charity Appeal. We are deeply grateful for the $4.3 million already received from more than 14,000 donors, and if you have already given to this year’s appeal, thank you very much! But this ministry, too, has been severely affected by the pandemic restrictions, and we are far short of this year's goal of $7.3 million. For that reason, we are turning to you to please for your assistance. We need you, your financial support of the Church is to maintain its charitable mission at this unprecedented time of crisis.
Our annual in-pew weekend appeal for the Catholic Charity Appeal is scheduled for September 12th—13th. If you haven't yet donated, the in-pew appeal will give you a very convenient way to do so. There are other ways as well: you can return the enclosed pledge card, or make a secure gift online at www.givecentral.org/2020CCA. Pope Francis has reminded us that whenever we navigate stormy seas, it’s important that we all “row together, each of us in need, comforting one another.” The Catholic Charity Appeal gives us a very tangible and effective way to “tow together.” Thank you very much for your assistance, and God bless you! Sincerely, yours, Thomas J. Tobin Bishop of Providence