Catholic Archdiocese of Montreal : Annual Collection

Annual Collection, Sixteenth Edition

A Family to Support

The Annual Collection of the Catholic Church of Montreal is already under way with Help Support Our Family as its banner theme. For the sixteenth consecutive year, our Church is calling once again on the general public for its so greatly needed generous donations.

All of us are concerned with this mission: Those among us who dedicate our abilities and our time to the service of our Christian community; those who support our Church through our prayers and our donations, in spite of age or illness; those who are guided by Christian values in our personal and professional lives. Indeed, all of us can Help Support Our Family.

Our Objectives

Half the funds raised will serve to support the efforts of Christian communities committed to Faith Education. In this way, donors will support the development of relevant catechetical programs, share in a common financial endeavour, and enable an equitable implementation of our wide-ranging diocesan venture.

The financial support of parishes serving in less privileged areas has been a motivating factor of the Annual Collection over the years. Again in 2004, one third of the funds from the Collection will go to support and develop a Church presence among the most needy of our diocese.

Finally, part of the funds raised this year will be directed to the improvement of amenities for our retired clergy, such as health-care services, lodging and material sustenance.

“ Like Mary of the Visitation, I invite you to embark on this journey, with a profound missionary spirit and in apostolic solidarity. ”

With these words, Cardinal Jean-Claude Turcotte introduced the Diocesan Faith Education Programme,

His invitation encourages all of us to

Dedicate our skills and our time to serving our Christian community,
Support our Church by our prayers and our contributions, regardless of age or illness,
Let Christian values guide our lives in the home and in the workplace,
Deepen our understanding of the Church’s mission and its relevance in present-day society.
Because we have a family to support, the Church of Montreal calls us to demonstrate our solidarity during the 2004 Annual Collection.

A Bold Undertaking

From earliest childhood until death, we need to be stimulated, nourished and encouraged in our faith. Although the first buds of faith appear in the family, the support of the Church is required for our faith to grow.

From the Synod, a heartfelt cry: Undertaking our mission here, at home!

The Diocesan Faith Education Programme stands as part of our response to the calling of the Spirit. Indeed, we are called to support the efforts of Christian communities in many ways:

By implementing catechetical journeys tailored to the needs of each community,
By preparing qualified staff to guide them along the way,
By sharing in this campaign — a financial endeavour that enables an equitable and harmonious implementation of our wide ranging diocesan venture.

Fifty per cent of the contributions raised during our 2004 collection will be invested in Faith Education. Will you be counted in?

Strongly Committed Parishes

Through its network of parishes, the Church is an active presence on the Montreal scene. A good number of parishes can count on the participation of their faithful to ensure adequate resources are available in the pursuit of their mission.

However, in less privileged areas of the diocese, many parishes lack the necessary resources to respond to local needs, and must often struggle to survive on their own.

Ensuring that the Church remains present and grows among the disadvantaged of our diocese will require an investment of at least 35% of the contributions raised during our 2004 collection.

Well-deserved Acknowledgment

Without the generosity of hundreds of priests who dedicate their lives to the service of the men and women of our times, the Church of Montreal could never completely fulfill its mission.

Although aging, numerous priests still carry on their ministry within Christian communities — accompanying the sick, helping the poor and comforting the distressed. Yet, many others must now count on our support after a life so fully lived.
Our Diocesan Church is committed to improve the health-care, lodging and sustenance of its retired clergy. Can you be counted on to support them?

One Great All-embracing Family

The extensive family of the Diocese of Montreal is made up of 1.5 million Catholics speaking nearly thirty different languages, representing 75 % of the total population.
The diocese consists of 250 parishes spread out over the Islands of Montreal and Laval, as well as six municipalities East of Montreal.

Over 600 priests, 100 deacons, 5000 members of Consecrated Life, 300 parish pastoral facilitators, as well as thousands of volunteers are ministering in parishes, schools, hospitals and various diocesan associations.

Worldwide, there are 1.6 billion Catholics, representing 17.3% of the total population.
The Annual Collection of the Catholic Church of Montreal

2000 Sherbrooke Street West
Montreal QC H3H 1G4
Telephone: 514 931 7311
Fax: 514 925 4346
E-mail: collecteannuelle@diocesemontreal.org