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| January 6, 2009 |
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Preschools, parents benefit from annual pledges
Toddlers play outside at Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center. The preschool opened four years ago and serves children age 3 months to 4 years old and their families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. PALM BEACH GARDENS | Testimonies tell the story. Last year’s Diocesan Services Appeal fund is benefiting many, strengthening and growing the faith community and changing lives. The Florida Catholic talked with Ana Fundora, executive director of Holy Cross Catholic Preschool and Center in West Palm Beach, to get one of many examples of how parishioners’ donations to the appeal are being put to work. “I love what I do,” she said. “We are changing lives. We could not do it without the help of the diocese. We would not be able to give an educational opportunity to the children with us.” The preschool opened four years ago and serves children age 3 months to 4 years old and their families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Fundora, who has been there for the past three years, said 50 percent of the students enrolled at Holy Cross receive tuition assistance because of the annual appeal, which kicks off each February. The facility also serves adults — Catholics and non-Catholics alike. The center offers citizenship classes, computer training, job placement and English lessons on mornings, evenings and weekends with the help of staff and volunteers.  LINDA REEVES | FC “Without the funding, we could not offer our classes,” said Fundora. “The center and school are helping make a difference in people’s lives.” Glendy Naovarrio attends English classes at the center during the day. Most days, her son, Samuel, 2, joins her. The well-behaved child sits on her lap or quietly plays or naps. “It is necessary that we take English,” said Naovarrio on behalf of her three fellow classmates, all mothers with Hispanic roots and few English skills. “We have children. We need to help them with their homework. We want to get jobs. ” The appeal is the main funding source for the operation of the Diocese of Palm Beach and its missions, ministries and outreach across the five-county faith community of 53 parishes and missions. This month, Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito announces the 2008 campaign, titled “United in Faith, Sharing in Love,” in a letter to households and registered parishioners. “The letter will go out at the end of this month,” said Lauren Linn, an associate of the diocesan development office. “Enclosed in the letter is a personalized pledge card and return envelope. This is the preferred method to make a pledge.” A video presentation will be shown in parishes at specific Masses next month, depending upon the pastor and parish. Suggested weekends are Feb. 16-17 or Feb. 23-24. At this time, unregistered parishioners are encouraged to make a contribution to the appeal during collections. Bishop Barbarito is featured on the nine-minute video that took more than two months to produce. “In creating this year’s video, we aimed to reinforce how the sacramental life of the church strengthens us for our mission to love and serve one another,” said Alexis Walkenstein, diocesan communications director, who directed the production. “This year, it was also important to demonstrate the specific ways financial contributions support the life of the church for the poor, for evangelization and for the future, as well as enable these ministries not only to continue, but to flourish.” Bishop Barbarito starts the video by thanking contributors to last year’s campaign that raised $7.3 million on a goal of $6.6 million. “I want to personally thank you for responding so many times in the past to the needs served by the Diocesan Services Appeal,” says the bishop. “Last year, the outpouring of generosity from you — the family of faith — was overwhelming, and I ask you again to help us with the many needs of this vast and diverse diocese.” According to Denis Hamel, chief financial officer for the diocese, the goal for the 2008 campaign is $7 million. The money collected will once again give support to schools, religious education and faith formation, Catholic Charities, vocations, family life programs, campus ministries and many other significant initiatives. “Our churches and ministries are expanding as more and more families take up residence in southern Florida and in our 53 parishes and missions,” says Bishop Barbarito in the video. “The need to support the life of the Catholic Church now and for the future is so very important: to witness to God’s love for his people. “Our foundation is the sacramental life of the church and the fruit of this foundation is service. We are called to live a life of service in love of God and our neighbor — united in faith and sharing in love for the building of the kingdom of God.” Call your parish office to find out when the Diocesan Service Appeal video will be shown in your parish. Computer users can watch the video by going to the Diocese of Palm Beach Web site after the showing in the parishes. For information about the campaign, call 561-775-9519 or go to www.diocesepb.org.
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