by the Rev. John Pitzer, CMA Chair

Community Mission Appeal is a program where churches with specific ministries who are in need of financial assistance, go through the process of making application to the diocese. Once all the applications have been submitted, a committee gathers to determine what ministries will be awarded financial help, and the amount to be given to each.  This years committee consisted of Donna Hurley from St. Mark’s, Harvey, Renne Cervantes from Christ Church, Covington and Fr. John Pitzer from St. James, Baton Rouge. Like last year, every ministry that made application received a grant. The amount given this year totaled $27,300. The 2017 recipients of this year’s Community Mission Appeal are as follows.

Christ Church Cathedral’s, Jericho Road program.  In addition to being a housing initiative which has built over 50 homes in the New Orleans post-Katrina era, they work to improve the quality of life for low-income neighborhood residents.  Jericho Road was awarded $2,000

St. Anna’s New Orleans, Anna’s Place. They provide various youth programs to promote healing and wholeness of body, mind, and spirit. They serve the youth of the Treme’, 7th Ward and Greater New Orleans community.  This is done through arts, holistic healthcare, and education. Anna’s Place was awarded $3,000

St. George’s, New Orleans, Dragon Cafe.  A program that serves 70 to 100 breakfast meals every Sunday.  This includes our homeless brothers and sisters, the working poor, and persons suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.  Dragon Cafe was awarded $3,500

Christ Church, Covington’s, CEEP program.  A four-week summer enrichment program serving children at risk, and living in poverty.  CEEP was awarded $4,250.

St. Mark’s, Harvey, MOPS program. This program offers women a place of community, affirmation and mentor-supported learning from the time of their first pregnancy through their youngest child graduating from kindergarten.  MOPS was awarded $4,500

St. Margaret’s, Baton Rouge, Laundry Love. They partner with individuals, groups and local laundromats to help wash the clothes and bedding of individuals and families living in poverty.  Laundry Love was awarded $5,000

St. Andrew’s New Orleans, Camp Able. A week-long summer camp specifically for persons with special needs.  Camp Able was also awarded $5,000

We have some incredible ministries taking place in our diocese……. and we should all be very proud. The generosity of many of you and your parishioners help to make all this possible.  Thank you.