April 25, 2018

Ogdensburg - Bishop Terry R. LaValley has announced that the 2017-2018 Bishop’s Fund Appeal has reached its goal of $1,300,000. 

As of April 17, the Bishop’s Fund had collected $1,319,493.07 in contributions from more than 9,100 households.  At this time, an additional $49,401.25 remains to be collected in pledges promised.

Any funds received over this year’s goal will be designated to the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund.

The Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund is a ministry of the Bishop’s Fund Appeal which provides grants to individuals and families that are facing unexpected emergencies such as medical and prescription expenses, heating and utility costs and loss of homes to fires and flooding. 

The Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund also provides assistance to food pantries so that they may continue to help families in need.

Bishop LaValley said, “I am deeply grateful to the many parishioners who have supported this year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal.  On behalf of the individuals and families of our North Country who have benefited from such generosity, thank you!  It is through God’s blessings and your faithfulness and generosity that we are One Bread, One Body, One Family.

“I also wish to extend my deep appreciation to our pastors whose strong leadership and personal sacrifice supports this critical appeal each year,” he said. “Our Bishop’s Fund and Development Office, led by Val Mathews, Scott Lalone and Renee Grizzuto continue to provide an invaluable service to the Diocese with their competent and compassionate ministry.”

The Bishop’s Fund Appeal through the generosity of so many faithful Catholics, continues to provide the following vital programs and ministries of the Diocese of Ogdensburg:  Education of Seminarians, Family Life Office, Natural Family Planning Office, Respect Life Ministry, Formation for Ministry Program, Office of the New Evangelization, Continuing Education and Formation of Priests, Priests’ Graduate Studies, Vocation Office, Permanent Deacons, Deacon Formation, Tuition Assistance Program, Campus Ministry Program, Matching Gifts to Catholic Schools, Department of Faith Formation, Diocesan Center of Youth Ministry, Young Adult Ministry, Guggenheim Center, Department of Worship. and the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund.

“If you have made a pledge to this year’s appeal, we encourage you to complete your pledge before June 15, 2018,” said Mrs. Matthews. “If you have not made a gift or wish to make an additional gift, donations can be mailed to: Bishop’s Fund Appeal, PO Box 150, Ogdensburg, NY  13669 or made online  at www.rcdony.org/development.”