THE BISHOP'S APPEAL 2006 APPROACHES ITS GOAL

With envelopes still coming in, the Bishop's Appeal 2006 is nearer to its goal of $425,000 in support of Catholic Charities and the four Catholic schools in the territory. As of April 24, $333,000 had been donated or pledged by 870 benefactors.

"The good news is that we are $25,000 ahead of where we were at this time in last year's campaign. This is due to the generosity of our parishioners and friends as well as the dedication of our lay volunteers and clergy" Charles Shain, Diocesan Director of Development and Marketing, told The Catholic Islander. "I am optimistic that we will reach our goal, even though it is higher than last year's. The goal was increased this year to reflect the greater needs in the community, as more and more people seek help from Catholic Charities. The goal also affirms our commit­ ment to the importance of maintaining a solid Gospel­ based school system. Our early success in this campaign demonstrates that we heed St. Paul's message that 'we are God's co-workers. '"

CHRISM MASS

Fr. Troy Schuster is shown preparing the oils for the Most Rev. George V. Murry, SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands, to bless at the Chrism Mass at St. Joseph Church on St. Croix on April 11. The oils were then distributed to the parishes for baptisms, confirmations, holy orders and the anointing of the sick.

GOOD FRIDAY PROCESSION

Fr. Slavek Romanowski, CSsR, Parochial Vicar of Holy Cross Church on St. Croix, led the Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday carrying a cross along King Street. The Spanish-speaking community annually sponsors the pilgrimage from Sacred Heart Chapel to Holy Cross Church.