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News & Notes: Bishop Urges Appeal DonationsBy Larry Kratka - April 25, 2008
Berkshire News Network
Pittsfield Catholics Hesitant to Contribute
LENOX — Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell of the Diocese of Springfield made it clear at a press conference Thursday at St. Ann's Church in Lenox, that the Annual Catholic Appeal needs the help of each and every Catholic in the diocese.
Many Catholics in Pittsfield who belong to one of the six churches being closed this summer have said they're not too willing to donate to the Appeal this year because of the closings. Last year, the 10 parishes easily exceeded their goal of $223,659 for charity drive.
The diocese is shuttering the churches because of a decline in parishioners and rise in costs. Pittsfield's lost a quarter of its population over the past two decades as major employers like GE have closed or moved away.
It's a story being repeated across the state — including in North Adams — as parishes struggling with finances, falling numbers, aging faithful and fewer priests.
McDonnell said he would ask people what not giving does. The bishop said their not giving hurts their neighbor and means there will be less funding available and, therefore, less people helped.
As a Catholic community, he said, we don't want to do that. The bishop emphasized that despite the closings of the Pittsfield churches, the needs of the community still exist.
Provided by iBerkshires media partners WNAW and WUPE. |
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