BAA 2009 exceeds goal: $1,241,394 in pledges reported at final meeting with parish representatives
November 20, 2009 -
BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL — Representatives gathered from across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon Nov. 18, 2009 to report on parish results for this year’s Bishop’s Annual Appeal, which for 26 years has supported ministries and helped various groups in the diocese.
Once again, response to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal (BAA) has exceeded expectations, with representatives from parishes across the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon reporting $1,241,394 in pledges at a gathering Nov. 18, 2009. This year’s goal was $1,158,000. During a windup meeting with parish representatives at Holy Spirit parish in Saskatoon, BAA administrator Charlene Nijhawan expressed appreciation for the response. “This has been a challenging year, for a number of reasons,” she said. “The faithfulness and generosity of the people of our diocese is overwhelming. Clearly, they understand the needs address by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, and they have once again responded as disciples of Jesus, serving and ministering to our brothers and sisters in Christ.” The BAA supports 28 different ministries, organizations and groups within the diocese, enriching faith education, youth ministry, marriage and family life, vocations, communications, hospital chaplaincy and ministry development. Outreach efforts by organizations such as Catholic Family Services, Friendship Inn, L’Arche Saskatoon, Teen-Aid and groups working in support of life are also assisted by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. The BAA supports the education of seminarians journeying toward the priesthood, as well as the priests’ pension fund. Diocesan administrator Rev. Ron Beechinor noted that for 26 years the Bishop’s Annual Appeal has always been about people and about responding to needs. “We are blessed in this diocese with a great deal of support for the diocesan church,” said Beechinor, crediting the dedication and generosity of volunteers for the success of the BAA. Nijhawan offered a special word of thanks to the volunteer leadership in every parish. “Your enthusiasm and dedication to the work of the BAA is inspiring and humbling,” she told the parish representatives. “On behalf of all those who benefit from your efforts, let me say, ‘Thank you.’” Even though the BAA has already surpassed its goal for 2009, a number of parishes have not yet reached their guideline, noted Nijhawan. Anyone who wishes to contribute can put their donation into an envelope marked BAA and can drop it into any parish collection on Sunday. Donations can also be mailed to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, 100-5th Ave. N., Saskatoon, S7K 2N7. Any donations received before Dec. 31 will qualify for a 2009 tax receipt.
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