St. Joseph-CS, OLG parishioners step up

Times are tough economy-wise, but that didn't stop members of St. Joseph Parish in the Southgate neighborhood of Colorado Springs from stepping up to address some major needs for the church. A couple of weekends ago, parishioners were told of the need for a new roof and new water heater for the church -- projects that would total close to $40,000. After pleading the case, Father Gregory Golyzniak held a special second collection the following weekend. This past Sunday, he announced that the church was able to put in the new roof and heater.

Another great story, which is not yet posted online but is in the Oct. 17 Heraid, is what is happening at Our Lady of Guadalupe. During one homily a while back, Father Alfredo Garcia divulged his vision for a renovated church campus that would encourage more community gathering. His parishioners listened and donated time, talent and treasure to beautify the grounds, including the building of a plaza. One item that wasn't mentioned in the story because we learned it late in the production cycle -- marble was recently donated for a new church floor.

If anyone else would like to share good news going on at his/her parish, we'd love to hear it.

Giving is up in the diocese

Vincentian Father Mark Pranaitis, diocesan director of stewardship and development, gives a nice response to a recent Gazette article that says charitable giving to religious organizations is down. Here's Father Mark's letter:

The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs has a different experience to report than the general decline in giving to religious organizations presented in The Gazette’s Feb. 23 report, “Where has all the giving gone?” From 2000 to the present, weekly offertory (in all 44 parishes and mission churches of the diocese) has increased from $15.8 million to more than $19.6 million. At the same time, the annual appeal, begun in 2004, has generated more than $8 million.

Additionally, Catholic Charities, a legally separate organization, reported being surprised by the overwhelming generosity of its donors in the past year. While individual parishioners come and go, choose to give to other charities, and national and local economies can rise and fall, the overall outlook for Catholic parishes, the diocese, and other Catholic organizations seems quite good — thank God.

Contrary to the article’s comments about stewardship, I find that when it is presented as a way of life, not merely a fundraising gimmick, parishioners respond to the call to be thankful, responsible, generous and accountable.

Rev. Mark Pranaitis
Director of Stewardship and Development
Diocese of Colorado Springs