By Msgr. Noel Burtenshaw

The goal was $625,000. Reported in on the evening of the Charities Drive was a whopping $556,042 or 90 percent of the total. Another successful effort in the history of the Charities Drive.

“We were especially delighted with the results from our rural parishes,” said Father James Miceli Assistant Chancellor. “The level of participation really reflects the outstanding job done in all the rural areas.”

Monsignor Jerry hardy, Chancellor, commented with great delight on the results. “Although the goal was raised, the people came through most generously. Led by our priests, who know the need in a growing Archdiocese, the work was carefully and successfully completed.”

Reports were still coming in to the financial office in the Catholic Center as the Georgia Bulletin went to press. There was little doubt in anyone’s mind that the total goal would be surpassed by next weekend.

The Charities Drive, begun twelve years ago, is an annual cash drive for funds to assist the different projects of charity and expansion in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Every department of outreach, service and education gets some benefit and support from this once-a-year collection taken up in every parish in north Georgia.

A committee of priests and laity plans the Charities Drive each year and then analyzes the results. Chairman for this year’s Drive was Bill Crawford, a member of the Cathedral of Christ the King.