Staff Writer
On Feb. 16-17, the Black, Native American and Latin American collection will be taken up in churches in the Albany Diocese.
The annual collection, established by the U.S. Church in 1885, advances evangelization among and compassionate response to the plight of some of the neediest people in the U.S. and Latin America.
One purpose of the appeal is to assist U.S. dioceses unable to support missionaries to Afro-American and Native American people who live where economic hardship and deprivation prevail.
In a pulpit letter read at Masses last weekend, Bishop Howard J. Hubbard said that in 2001, Catholics of the Albany Diocese contributed nearly $120,000 to Black and Native American missions, and $10,000 to the Committee for the Church in Latin America.
In return, the Diocese received a grant of $60,000 for its efforts in aiding Blacks and Native Americans. The Diocese has received a total of $809,000 in grants since 1980.
"These figures strongly reflect the generous support of the work of evangelization that [Albany diocesan Catholics] and many others have given, as well as the national recognition of such sterling support," the Bishop wrote. "I well know and appreciate your ongoing generosity. I also value your earnest consideration of what, in your present circumstances, you are able to contribute to this collection."
The collection also supports pastoral ministry in Latin America, funding numerous programs and leadership training for the building of strong faith communities. Some of the programs include the education of priests, religious and lay pastoral leaders; the training of catechists and youth ministers; and assistance to the poor.
Funds were also used for ongoing hurricane disaster relief in Central America, to purchase of Creole-language bibles and educational materials in Haiti, for the formation and preparation of Catholic school teachers in Nicaragua, for pastoral work among abused women in Colombia, and for training missionaries in the Amazon region of Brazil.
"Your support will help to advance the pastoral ministry of the Church to our Black, Native American and Latin American sisters and brothers," the Bishop said. "May our gracious God abundantly bless you, your loved ones, and your Lenten journey of growth in the Spirit."