Even in difficult economic times, the unending generosity of Catholic parishioners in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is expected to enable "Together in Mission," the archdiocesan annual appeal, to reach its 2009 goal of $15.2 million.

"We know the economic realities that our people face," said Msgr. Joseph Hernandez, vice chancellor. "But we also know that the generosity of our people offers us reason to hope that they will come through as they always have in supporting the parishes and schools in need."

"The people of this archdiocese have generous hearts," added Joe Hindley, annual appeal director. "They give more when they know others are hurting, not only because the Gospel tells us it's the right thing to do, but because people care."

Since its inception in 1993, the annual appeal has raised more than $200 million to help support the basic needs of parishes and schools of the archdiocese --- such as building repairs and maintenance --- that would otherwise cease to function. In fiscal year 2008, subsidies and disbursements totaling nearly $14.2 million were made from the appeal.

Each parish of the archdiocese is assessed a goal based on 10 percent of its offertory income for the previous fiscal year, and the large majority of parishes --- "rich" and "poor" alike --- have regularly met or exceeded their goals. Those who exceed are eligible to receive rebates to use as desired in their own parishes.

More than $19 million in rebates have been distributed to parishes since the program began. "And what we often find," said Hindley, "is that parishes will take their rebate money and distribute it to other parishes in need."

For 2009, 35 parishes and 49 schools are on the list to receive funds from Together in Mission, compared with 35 and 48 in 2008 (two parishes that dropped off last year's list have been replaced by two new parishes this year). All five pastoral regions of the archdiocese are represented in the list of recipients.

"It is important to note," said Msgr. Hernandez, "that our administrative costs are very minimal. We make sure that the funds that come in to be spent by the recipients are in fact used for that purpose."

The weekend of Feb. 7-8 has been designated as Announcement Weekend, followed by Commitment Weekend on Feb. 14-15, at which time parishioners will be invited to make a pledge amount. Just over 100,000 donors participated in last year's annual appeal, compared with 40,000 in the first year.

"This year," said Hindley, "we are emphasizing increased participation, realizing that some may not be able to give as much as they have in the past, and encouraging others to join the effort --- to say, 'Now, it's my turn.' Many small gifts --- $5 or $10 --- can add up just as well as a few large donations."

This year's theme, "I turn to you, Lord," is taken from Psalm 32, the responsorial Psalm of Feb. 15.

"In these difficult times," said Cardinal Roger Mahony in his Together in Mission letter to Catholics, "the sacrifice one makes to help and to offer hope to those in need is a tremendous example of our love of God and neighbor."

For information on Together in Mission, call (213) 637-7672.