Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller begins the 2015 Archbishop’s Appeal answering Pope Francis’ call to

Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller begins the 2015 Archbishop’s Appeal answering Pope Francis’ call to serve the poor

Parishes throughout the archdiocese kicked off the 2015 Archbishop’s Appeal annual campaign the weekend of Feb. 21-22 as it answers Pope Francis’ call to serve the poor.The appeal raises money to support the archdiocese’s ministries and various social service ministries which help people of all faiths who are in need.

In his remarks at the kickoff news conference on Feb. 16, Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, MSpS, said, “I am asking all those who can, to prayerfully consider how much they can give in order to help the most vulnerable, giving hope to the poor, the elderly, the incarcerated,abandoned and neglected children, and the unborn.”

Last year, the appeal exceeded expectations by raising $4.9 million. This year, all Catholics and people of goodwill being asked to help set a new precedent in the history of the campaign. Father Martin Leopold, moderator of the Curia, unveiled the 2015 theme of “Transforming the Future.”

“The Appeal funds ministries that no one particular parish can afford to have on their own,” he said. “It also funds youth ministry and education of seminarians and vocations. Our young adult ministry and family life ministry help families become stronger. The appeal enriches lives socially, spiritually and educationally.”

The 2015 Appeal will help to fund 37 ministries in seven categories. Some 27 percent of the funds will support Social Service Ministries like Catholic Charities and the archdiocesan Criminal Justice Ministry that brings the message of hope to those whose past choices have caused pain to themselves and their families, helping them to have a new beginning.

The $1.2 Million in the Social Service Ministry category makes it the largest segment of the appeal.In addition the Archbishop’s Appeal helps to fund Pastoral Ministries, Evangelization and Outreach, Priestly Ministries, Education, Seminarian support, and Parish Stewardship and Grant Acquisition.

As an example of the impact made by ministries funded by the Archbishop’s Appeal, Catholic Charities’ Money Management Program reported the story of an elderly woman who was sick and depressed. Her fixed income had been misused by persons claiming to help her. This abuse caused her to default on her rent and utilities, ultimately being threatened with eviction. She was unable to buy food or pay for medications. Catholic Charities helped her out of the crisis situation so that she could receive medical assistance and financial education.

Archbishop Gustavo made a plea for support of the Appeal. “I am asking all those who can, to prayerfully consider how much they can give in order to impact the lives of the most vulnerable among us and to assist in our effort to reach our ministry goals. I assure the faithful that 100 percent of the funds raised are used to help fund the ministries we serve.”

Those who want to help these important ministries can mail in their donation to the Archbishop’s Appeal at 2718 West Woodlawn Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78228, or they can donate online at www.archsaappeal.org.

To conclude the press conference a symbolic presentation of the 2014 award check was presented to appeal recipients including Allison Baez, coordinator for Adult Faith Formation and the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults in the Office of New Evangelization; Joan Martinez, director of the Office of Youth Ministry, Julie Seguin, director of Hope for the Future, and representatives from Catholic Charities, among others.