The Archbishop’s Circle began in the spring of 2016 and now consists of nearly 50 households representing about 75 individuals. The Circle is comprised of individuals who donate funds to special projects and initiatives identified by Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. (image from Catholic San Francisco)
In the current fiscal year, this includes sending seminarians to Lourdes on a pilgrimage, implementing stewardship in various parishes, beginning a Hispanic School of Leadership and supporting the Rosary Rally, the Walk for Life and a marriage and family life program.
Members of the Archbishop’s Circle range in age from their 20s to over 90 and come from a diversity of backgrounds and professions, including programmers, attorneys, insurance people, a judge, bankers and retirees. The Circle members have contributed annual amounts ranging from the minimum threshold for membership of $3,000 up to $50,000.
Circle members gather a few times each year for spiritual enrichment and social interaction. In 2017, they spent a day at St. Patrick’s Seminary and enjoyed Advent and Lenten retreats. “The exciting part of participating in the Archbishop’s Circle comes not only from the sense of belonging to the greater purpose of the church’s mission, but also from the fellowship and camaraderie fostered by the many social and spiritual activities that allow us to grow in charity and serve our brothers and sisters in communion,” commented Circle members Jorge and Alicia Marra of St. Patrick Parish, Larkspur.
Archbishop Cordileone introduced the Circle projects for FY 2018-2019 at the conclusion of the recent Advent Retreat. The focus on seminarians, marriage and family life, the Walk for Life and Rosary Rally remain, and new projects include a Deacon’s Assistance Fund, support for a program at Most Holy Redeemer Parish in San Francisco that feeds the needy, marketing for Catholic schools, seed funds for a health clinic providing family care in accordance with Catholic teaching, and several others.
Full story at Catholic San Francisco.
Is the good Archbishop running for an elective office? This is a strategy often used by politicians: pay for access. Why not allow anyone who wants to contribute to the Archbishop’s initiatives to do so? This approach is a bit disconcerting!
Wait till Nancy P hears what “her” AB is up to. She will NOT appreciate the competition.
Almost sounds like selling spiritual benefits. Didn’t someone start a reformation about a possibly similar practice about 500 years ago?
He’s not selling the Sacraments, as they did back then. I’m sure Archbishop Cordileone would be horrified by that notion as much as any of us. I’m also sure that he’d agree that an hour before the Blessed Sacrament is time better spent than an hour at his lunch table.
Elitism at its worst. Sadly, Archbishop Cordileone has proved once again to be an abject disappointment.
Oh come on folks, the man is responsible for fundraising. That’s what he’s doing, good on him, hope he is successful. The San Francisco diocese has lots of needs and expenses, don’t slam the guy who brings in the donors.
Archbishop is giving anyone opportunity to be a part of this circle of faithful who answer the call to support their Archdiocese and its great works of mercy. Who benefits from this? Donors for their generosity, and seminarians and parishes throughout our Archdiocese. Can any person of good will have anything against this? God bless our wonderful faithful Archbishop.
As the article explains, the Archbishop’s Circle funds initiatives that are above and beyond what is covered in the archdiocesan budget. Through this group the archbishop is able to connect individuals to activities and programs that may lack funding otherwise, such as a Deacon’s Assistance Fund, an Hispanic School of Leadership, and support for future vocations. The Development Director is happy to explain the program further or answer questions, as noted at the end of the Catholic San Francisco article.