Shared Insights ... by Arthur Peters, Executive Director

A Challenge Worth Taking...

(February 22, 2010) In 1913, Father Patrick Bench was appointed as the first Superintendent of Catholic Charities in the Archdiocese of Toronto. When asked how he would obtain funds to assist others, his answer was that he would ask for donations in his weekly column in the Catholic Register, and the response would bear the promise of Christ “Ask and Ye Shall Receive.”

The recent disaster in Haiti has demonstrated that Father Bench’s response remains true. The Catholic community in the Archdiocese of Toronto contributed over $3.7 million dollars toward this relief effort, and contributions are still arriving at our office.

It is inspiring to hear many stories of how parishes and schools have come together to respond to this crisis. On the humanitarian relief page of our website, we’ll post some of the stories and pictures from this effort.

The Catholic community has always responded generously to the needs of others. I have seen this happen many times during my six years with the Archdiocese, and it is an honor to be a part of our outreach.

Now, we need to turn our attention to the needs of our own Archdiocese – the agencies, families and individuals served through our ShareLife campaign.

The work our agencies do to serve the poor and marginalized in our community on a daily basis is an important part of the social service network in the Archdiocese of Toronto. We see the results all around us: the family who have rebuilt their life through counselling from a Catholic Family Service agency; an individual who has beaten his additions through the DARE program at the Good Shepherd Centre; the refugee family starting a new life in Canada through our newly formed Office for Refugees. Also, the parish in our Archdiocese whose Pastor was educated at St. Augustine Seminary; the Sisters whose programs in the third world who are supported by our efforts; and the young lady who was supported during her pregnancy at one of our Rose programs. 

Without our support, these vital programs and services, rooted in Catholic values, would not be available. Maybe it’s someone in your parish, a friend, a neighbour, or even a family member who requires our help. Through ShareLife, we put Gospel values into action, here in our communities and around the world.

This year, we have an opportunity to make an even bigger impact through the ShareLife Community Challenge. All new and increased gifts, up to a total of $500,000 will be matched by a generous parishioner in the Archdiocese of Toronto. Help us meet this challenge by making your donation today – click here to do so!

Father Bench indicated just under one hundred years ago that he would ask the Catholic community to respond to the call for help, and that his request would be met generously. Today, we ask the same. Help us to make an impact on the lives of those who need our help the most by support the 2010 ShareLife campaign!

Arthur Peters
Executive Director