San Diego Diocese in need of a financial miracle

San Diego, Calif., Oct 17, 2007 / 08:04 am

The financial situation in the Diocese of San Diego is looking grim in the wake of the $198 million sexual abuse settlement. Hoping to prevent the sale of the diocesan headquarters and seminary, Bishop Robert Brom has launched a fundraising campaign called “Embracing Our Mission.”

“I need your help to cover the expense we incurred recently through compassionate outreach to our brothers and sisters who suffered sexual abuse within the family of the church,” Bishop Brom wrote in a letter that will be sent to every member of the diocese.

If the “Embracing Our Mission” campaign is not successful, Brom said the diocese has only two other properties that could be sold – its headquarters in Bay Park and St. Francis Seminary in Linda Vista.

The appeal is not limited to just the laity. Priests are being asked to contribute the equivalent of one of their monthly salary or $1,535 to help reach the $25 million needed.

The idea for priests to contribute actually came from the clergy of the diocese. Fr. Charles Fuld, pastor of Ascension Church in San Diego, said he wrote a “very enthusiastic” letter urging people to contribute.

This past Sunday, Fr. Fuld also preached about donating. After preaching about the healing of the ten lepers, he said: 'Our bishop is asking for a miracle now, too. He'd like to save these final remaining properties because they are so vital for doing the work of the diocese.' ”

Fuld added: “My point is, of course, we are all one church. We need to be there for each other. We need to help each other, in good times and bad.”