Campaign funds will not support those who ‘betrayed’ the Church: Bishop McDonnell

Springfield, Ill., Apr 28, 2004 / 22:00 pm

At the launch of Springfield’s annual diocesan campaign yesterday, Bishop Timothy McDonnell assured the faithful that funds raised would in no way be used to support those who “betrayed” the Church.

Bishop McDonnell launched the diocese’s 45^th annual Catholic Appeal at a Catholic Youth Center in Pittsfield. The campaign goal is $3 million.

The diocese is in the midst of dealing with some allegations of sexual abuse, and the bishop recognized that, as a result, some Catholics might not feel moved to give this year. But he assured the faithful that, "None of these funds are or will be used, in any way, for those in the ranks of the Church who have betrayed our trust.

“I can understand the feeling,” he said, “but to withhold funds would be to impact innocent people."

The funds raised through the annual appeal help support 41 agencies, ministries and programs in the Diocese of Springfield. It also includes tuition assistance for Catholic schools.