Staff Writer
Catholics in the Albany Diocese have an opportunity to support evangelization among Blacks, Native Americans and Latin Americans through a special collection Feb. 20-21, the first Sunday of Lent.
The annual collection is on behalf of the Black and Native American Missions, and the Committee for the Church in Latin America.
Last year, almost $7.3 million was raised through the collection and supported 130 dioceses in the U.S. and Latin America. The Albany Diocese contributed more than $100,000 to the Black and Native American Missions, and $10,000 to the Committee for the Church in Latin America. In return, the Diocese received a $36,000 grant, bringing its total to more than $691,000 in grants since 1980.
"These figures clearly show both the generous support that the Albany Diocese and many others have given to the work of evangelization, and the national recognition accorded such exemplary effort," said Bishop Howard J. Hubbard in a letter to all parishes.
Expressing his gratitude for the support that Catholics have given during the annual collection in the past, the Bishop asked for their continued assistance.
"I am well aware of and thankful for your ongoing generosity," he said. "I urge your support of this appeal in your spirit of generosity and of steadfast concern for others. Your contribution will help to advance the pastoral mission of the Church to our Black, Native American, and Latin American sisters and brothers."