There is much to be proud of as Catholics in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles move into their 15th year of supporting Together in Mission.

Most significantly, more than $188 million has been collected from the archdiocesan annual appeal to subsidize financially disadvantaged parishes and schools in each of the five regions throughout the archdiocese.

Joseph Hindley, director of the annual appeal, credits the "tremendous amount of cooperation and full support and education on the part of the pastors. More of our people are becoming more aware of the absolute necessity of this program. Otherwise the parishes and schools [receiving subsidies] would be in very serious financial problems. We'd be closing them or close to it."

Msgr. Joseph Hernandez, vice chancellor for the archdiocese and a member of the Together in Mission board, also observed that laity has been critical in running Together in Mission at each parish.

"There's an amazing amount of lay involvement in this program," he said. "From the most comfortable to the most humble of parishes, the large numbers of people who participate in this is wonderful." He summarized the effort as "parish helping parish --- these parishes here helping these parishes there."

Hindley noted that the archdiocese can boast of another unique feature. "Ours is the only annual appeal in the entire nation that is used exclusively and restricted exclusively for the use of subsidized parishes and schools," he said.

Also, the administrative costs --- which are 11 percent --- are among the lowest of nonprofit fundraising programs nationally.

This year's Together in Mission theme is, "See the Bounty of the Lord. Share the Bounty of the Lord." Commitment Weekend will take place in each of the parishes Jan. 26-27 during which parishioners will be asked to reflect on the Lord's generosity in their own lives and to share a part of their blessings with those in need.

Last year 110,232 parishioners participated in Together in Mission. The goal this year is to have more parishioners from each parish participating. Whatever amount one can afford to give toward the 2008 goal of $15 million is good, said Hindley. Participation is the key. "Generosity," he added, "is measured by action."

During Commitment Weekend, parishes will play a pre-recorded segment by Cardinal Roger Mahony thanking parishioners for their generosity and encouraging the faithful to continue giving.

"Subsidized parishes and schools located in our inner city are 'sanctuaries' in the true sense of the word, holy places of refuge and hope, beacons of light in what can be dark places of violence and poverty," says Cardinal Mahony. "Though saddled with the indignity of poverty, the Catholic communities in our subsidized parishes also know the blessings of close family ties and a deep devotion to our Catholic Church. Masses are full and alive with prayer and music. Parish life offers many ministries and educational opportunities."

Subsidized parishes are populated with "working poor" families who toil for minimum wage or below living wages and could not keep their churches and schools open were it not for Together in Mission, notes the cardinal. At the same time, these families are quick to volunteer their time at their parishes painting, cleaning or preparing food for fundraisers to help offset costs, he adds.

Funds raised for Together in Mission fund operational costs and the maintenance, repair and improvements to parish and school buildings, many of which are approaching 100 years old. These "nuts and bolts" needs --- roof replacement, plumbing repairs, or a new school fire alarm system --- will continue to be addressed by Together in Mission.

Every year, parishes seeking assistance apply through their regional bishop. Parish and school finances are examined and the bishop makes recommendations to a task force which makes the final decisions. In 2008, subsidies are planned for 35 parishes and 48 schools in all five pastoral regions which have had specific needs identified.

The 2007 financial summary and 2008 parish goals for Together in Mission were presented in an insert in the Jan. 11 issue of The Tidings. Additional copies of those inserts are scheduled to be made available at parishes this weekend. For additional information, call (213) 637-7673.