Letter from VOTF President
Voice of Compassion - Boston Fund
Dear Friends:
I am writing to you regarding an important initiative of VOTF that is
in great need of your immediate financial support, the Voice of Compassion
(TM)-Boston Fund.
To respond to the steep decline in donations to the Cardinal's Appeal
in the Archdiocese of Boston, VOTF has launched Voice of Compassion-Boston
Fund. We are hearing reports that certain worthwhile programs have had
their funding cut by about 40% due to the decline in contributions to
the Cardinal's Appeal. This has severely limited the ability of these
programs to carry out their important work.
The Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund is intended to provide an additional
way of supporting these programs. We feel that it is crucial that the
drop-off in donations not create a new set of victims - those who depend
on Archdiocesan programs. However, since a major reason people aren't
giving to the Cardinal's Appeal is concern about how the money will actually
be used, distributions from the Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund are targeted
for the direct costs of the programs, and not the overhead and other costs
of the Archdiocese.
In some dioceses, there has been a concern about financial accountability
and transparency. For example, many feel that the Boston Archdiocese does
not make adequate disclosure to the laity about how it uses the money
it collects. We believe that the financial situation of the Archdiocese
is of great interest to area Catholics who are, after all, the source
of the money that keeps the Archdiocese functioning. The Voice of Compassion-Boston
Fund aims to take a different approach by providing detailed and accessible
information regarding the use of your donations. We believe that if the
Archdiocese did the same, by shining light on their finances via an independent
lay oversight board, there would no longer be secret financial settlements,
trust in financial management would be restored, and contributions to
the Archdiocese would actually increase.
More information about the Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund is available
here. as well as a form
that you can use for sending in YOUR donation. As a show of support for
the important ministries of the Archdiocese, please forward a donation
(checks, please) to the Fund. THESE PROGRAMS NEED YOUR HELP NOW!! Also,
please share information about the Voice of Compassion-Boston Fund with
your neighbors and friends.
Remember, too, that parish donations have suffered. Your parish needs
your support now more than ever. Please continue to make your weekly contribution
to your parish, and consider taking this opportunity to increase it. Also,
tell your parish priests how much you appreciate the dedication they demonstrate
every day.
There is much that we have all accomplished toward our goals, but much
that still needs to be done. Your generous donation to Voice of Compassion-Boston
Fund will demonstrate your compassion while bringing us closer to our
goals.
Thank you for your help, your support, and your prayers.
Jim Post
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