Annual Drive remains level with last year's progress

SALT LAKE CITY— The Diocesan Development Drive (DDD) for 2009 is keeping level with progress from last year, said Shannon Lee, director of the Diocesan Development Drive.

"Those who are Catholic in Utah have a very strong faith, and they understand the importance of the Diocesan Development Drive," Lee said.

The Diocesan Development Drive supports the ministries of the Most Reverend John C. Wester and helps to carry out the mission of the Catholic Church in Utah.

Lee said there was some concern before the kick-off of the drive in January.

"People were uneasy about the new administration and whether it could put the country back on track, but there doesn’t seem to be a concern now," she said. "People have responded to the 2009 drive very generously.

"We are still receiving the $5,000 and $10,000 gifts," Lee said. "But we are also receiving the $4 and $5 gifts each month."

People are still living out their lives as Catholics in Utah, Lee said.

Funds garnered from the Diocesan Development Drive support 23 programs, ministries, and services in Utah, she said. "As Catholics one of the most important programs we support is our vocations program. Once a man is accepted into the seminary program by our diocese, the DDD funds help to pay for his tuition, room and board, and once they are ordained they serve in our diocese."

The youth and young adult ministry office seeks to draw youth and young adults into the life, mission, and work of the Catholic Church, Lee said. "The office provides opportunities for social gatherings, leadership development, liturgical celebrations, service, and catechetical training."

The DDD also supports the Diocesan Office of Hispanic Ministry, which serves as a resource to the Spanish Speaking Cultures of our diocese, said Lee. "The office provides parishes and missions with current materials as well as training and opportunities to better serve their parishioners."

Lee said there are some 59 volunteer DDD chairpeople throughout the diocese. "They assist their pastors with the DDD in the parishes and missions.

"Each parish and mission is asked to participate in the Diocesan Development Drive," Lee said. "As Catholics we are called to serve each other. By participating in the DDD we fulfill these responsibilities.

"Bishop Wester thanks everyone who has participated in the 2009 Diocesan Development Drive," Lee said. "There is still time for those who have not yet made a pledge or a gift. They can contact the DDD office at 801-328-8641 ext. 328 or visit the DDD web site at www.dioslcddd.org.