News from the diocese of rochester

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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF ROCHESTER

Media Contacts: David Kelly, CMA Coordinator, or Doug Mandelaro 585-328-3210 | communications@

Bishop asks Catholics to have an "Attitude of Gratitude" in the 2014-15 Catholic Ministries Appeal

Rochester, New York (Sept. 24, 2014) ? The Most Reverend Salvatore R. Matano, Bishop of Rochester, today asked all

Catholics in the 12-county Diocese to generously support the 2014/15 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), which has the theme Attitude of Gratitude.

"This theme is not only a recognition of the awesome spirit of generosity among our parishioners, but also serves as a reminder that each of us must wake up every day and be thankful for all the blessings our Heavenly Father has bestowed upon us," Bishop Matano said. "We hope these words also serve to remind people of the responsibility we have as disciples of Jesus Christ, as a community of faith that spans 12 counties, to be the Light of Christ for others, and to do so with generous and grateful hearts."

"I ask that every Catholic household participate if they are able, knowing they are helping their parish, neighbors and especially those most in need. Every gift, large or small, helps us to fulfill our mission of building up the Kingdom of God."

The Catholic Ministries Appeal helps fund ministries for more than 300,000 Catholics and others in need in the counties of Monroe, Wayne, Ontario, Cayuga, Livingston, Steuben, Tioga, Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Tompkins and Yates.

This year's goal is $5.99 million.

The 2014/15 CMA follows the most successful campaign since the appeal began in the early 1980s. The amount raised was $5.57 million ? $150,000 more than the previous year, and the 4th consecutive record-breaking year. The average gift climbed to $190 from $183 the previous campaign.

WHAT THE CMA SUPPORTS

? Educating our children and teens in the Catholic faith

? Preparing engaged couples for the Sacrament of Marriage

? Serving people in need through Catholic Charities

? Supporting Catholic Schools ? Ministering to young Catholics on

college campuses ? Ministering to the aged and infirm

through chaplaincies ? Bringing the Gospel message to

the incarcerated ? Supporting and celebrating the

work of our priests ? Supporting Pope Francis'

ministries to people worldwide and U.S .Bishops' ministries ? Providing our parishes with professional services vital to their daily operation ? Spreading the Gospel message through modern media ? Promoting Catholic values on the sanctity of life from conception to death. ? Developing positive relationships with people of other faiths through inter-religious dialogue ? Preparing people who wish to

become Roman Catholic

through the RCIA program

? Promoting vocations to the Priesthood and Diaconate

Those who wish to donate to the CMA may give through their parish campaign or securely online at the Diocese of Rochester website: . Pledges can be fulfilled through May 31, 2015.