NEWSFEED: Spring 2021

CASA PUSHES THE ENVELOPE

IN A YEAR OF GREATER NEED THAN EVER, the Cardinal’s Annual Stewardship Appeal for 2020 – “Teach, Serve, Sanctify” – was forced to operate without its most familiar fundraising tools: the envelopes in the pews and the sign at the front of the church showing the parish’s progress toward its goal. Thanks to the generosity of New York Catholics, that didn’t stop the appeal from raising almost $20 million.

This largesse enabled CASA to address needs made more urgent by the pandemic, supporting Catholic Charities in the distribution of 1.6 million meals in the most financially vulnerable areas of the archdiocese; aiding parishes transitioning to digital ministry; providing $12 million in scholarships to 11,000 Catholic school students and Chromebooks for 5,700 students and 1,200 teachers; delivering financial support for 33 parishes in need and funding for parish ministries supporting the homebound elderly; and more.

Given the great need, this year’s CASA fundraising target is $21 million, earmarked for:

• Assistance for financially vulnerable parishes
• Formation of new parish priests
• Evangelization and Catholic education
• Care for retired parish priests
• Charitable outreach
• Covid-19 relief

At this time, the appeal is on track to meet or exceed its goal. You can contribute at www.cardinalsappeal.org/donate. Those who donate online can still designate their parish on the digital form so that their community gets credit for the contribution. Think of it as a virtual envelope.
 

MUSICAL KNOWLEDGE

Parish musicians who want to immerse themselves in the beauty and holiness of the Church’s sacred music can enroll in classes offered by St. Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers. The intensive courses are designed to help students grow both spiritually and as musicians. This year’s classes will be conducted remotely. 
Courses include Principles of Sacred Music, Principles of Chant, Teaching Gregorian Chant to Children, Introduction to Liturgy, and Advanced Seminar in Gregorian Chant. For information, go to dunwoodie.edu and click on “Dunwoodie Music.”
 

THE NATURE OF WRITING

Many writers are isolationists by disposition: They may reach out to others in researching their work, but at the moment of creation they usually seek silence and solitude to usher their words into the light of day.

Writer’s retreats offer a chance for these lone creators to find solace in the company of others engaged in the same pursuit. After more than a year of social distancing, the Center at Mariandale, a sponsored ministry of the Dominican Sisters of Hope in Ossining, is offering “The Light of Inspiration Awaits,” a weekend writing retreat, June 18–21. Led by writer and artist Magie Dominic, the event offers morning workshops, healthful food, and lodgings at Mariandale, with gorgeous sunsets over the Hudson River and 61 acres of bucolic grounds to wander for spiritual sustenance.