Sept. 14, 2016

By Valerie Mathews
Bishop’s Fund director

“Thank you Bishop LaValley and the people of the Diocese who donate to the Bishop’s Fund Appeal, your gift is greatly appreciated.” –
Michael of Mooers

When Michael was diagnosed with myelodysplasia, a form of blood cancer, he decided to put his faith in God and let God handle all the worries and stress.  After a bone marrow transplant, Michael developed a condition called graft-versus-host disease.  The condition became very aggressive leading to treatments which requires Michael to travel to Boston on a weekly basis.  As a result, travel expenses such as gas, meals and hotel stays, have put a strain on Michael and his family’s finances. 

Michael’s pastor requested a grant from the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund on Michael’s behalf.  After receiving the grant, Michael expressed his gratitude to the donors of the Bishop’s Fund Appeal. “I thank God every day for the grant I received from the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund,” he said. “There is no way I can thank you enough for the help I have received.  After years of volunteering with my parish and the Knights of Columbus, it is very humbling to be on the receiving end of charity.”

The Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund is just one of the many ministries and programs of the Bishop’s Fund Appeal which allow us all to be Mercy In Motion to our sisters and brothers in Christ.  It is through the support of Catholics across the Diocese who donate to the Bishop’s Fund Appeal that we are able to bring the Mercy of God to thousands of lives each year. 

The 2015 Bishop’s Fund Appeal experienced another recording setting year.  As a result, special grants were made available to food pantries located throughout the Diocese which helped ease the burden of many who struggle each day to put food on the table.

The 2016 Bishop’s Fund Appeal goal has been set at $1,280,000 with any funds raised over the goal to be used to further supplement the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund.

This year, the Bishop’s Fund Appeal will kick-off in parishes across the Diocese the weekend of September 17 and 18.  Please take a moment to prayerfully consider a gift to the 2016 Bishop’s Fund Appeal.

Every gift, no matter the size is important to the many people we serve.  Donations can be mailed to:  The Bishop’s Fund Appeal, PO Box 150, Ogdensburg, New York 13669 or made online at www.rcdony.org/bishop-s-fund-appeal. To learn more about the Appeal and to view the 2016 Bishop’s Fund Video, please visit our website at www.rcdony.org/bfavideo.