Sept. 16, 2020

OGDENSBURG – “Four more years and I’ll be able to bring the sacraments to the people of God. I hope to become a good and holy priest so that I can inspire others to follow in the footsteps of Christ and His Church to grow holy and to do God’s will,” excitedly shared Nick Olley, seminarian for the Diocese of Ogdensburg. “I am so grateful for all your donations [to the Bishop’s Fund Appeal] that you have given throughout the years. Every little bit helps.”

Tom Semeraro, Director of Youth Ministry affirmed “The youth program and the youth ministers that serve our youth are the hands and feet of Christ. They are there to walk with young people as they grow in mind, body, and spirit. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support of your Diocesan Youth Ministry Program through the Bishop’s Fund Appeal.”

The theme of this year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal, United in Faith – Continuing Christ’s Mission speaks to the Diocese of Ogdensburg’s strong commitment of providing ministries and programs that assist our Catholic family along their journey of faith.

The Bishop’s Fund Appeal began in 1959 under the leadership of Bishop James Navagh. Now in 2020, even in the midst of a pandemic, the work of the Church continues under the leadership of Bishop Terry R. LaValley. We continue to minister to our North Country neighbors through the following ministries and programs, which are supported by your gifts to the Appeal: Education of Seminarians, Family Life Office, Natural Family Planning Office, Respect Life Ministry, Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund, 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, and Department of Worship.

The 2020 Bishop’s Fund Appeal will begin in all parishes across the Diocese the weekend of September 19 and 20. In this year’s appeal, it is our hope to reach a goal of $1.3 million, with any additional funds raised going to further assist families and individuals in need through the Bishop’s Good Samaritan Fund.

“The Good Samaritan Fund has always been a source of hope for many people. I can’t tell you the number of times that we’ve turned to the Bishop’s Fund and always gotten a positive response from them. We are very grateful for the Bishop’s Fund Good Samaritan Program even before the pandemic, during the pandemic and I’m sure after the pandemic as well,” reflected Father Scott Seymour, Pastor of St. James Church, Cadyville; St. Joseph's Church, Dannemora; The Roman Catholic Community of St. Alexander and St. Joseph, Morrisonville and Church of the Assumption, Redford.

Please prayerfully consider a gift to this year’s Bishop’s Fund Appeal. Every gift makes a difference in the lives of those we serve throughout the Diocese. Donations can be mailed to: The Bishop’s Fund Appeal, PO Box 150, Ogdensburg, NY 13669 or made online at: https://www.rcdony.org/bfa.html #donate.

To learn more about the Appeal and to view the 2020 Bishop’s Fund video, please visit our website at www.rcdony.org/bfa.