Major ad campaign urging prayer, support for priests
now appearing in national newspapers, magazines
The Knights of Columbus is launching a major ad campaign calling for support, faith and prayers for priests who serve the Catholic Church with generosity, dignity and honor. It is a message for understanding from people of all faiths, but especially for Catholics.
The campaign begins Sunday, May 5, with full-page ads in newspapers in New York City and Boston, and will be followed with full-page ads highlighting the same message in national magazines.
The message reads: "Every vocation will face challenges. Now is such a moment for the priesthood. At a time when betrayal by a few has inflicted deep suffering with little solace, our compassion goes to victims and their families. And we stand with the vast majority of priests who serve with generosity, dignity and honor. To those who have remained faithful, we say —— You still have our faith."
"It is important, especially during times like these, to recognize that there are many good people who are called to serve something greater than themselves," said Knights of Columbus Supreme Knight Carl A. Anderson. "As such, we believe it is an important time to encourage the many good priests who serve with great virtue and humility."
Knights are known for their respect for the priesthood. In addition to the ads, the organization promotes vocations to the priesthood and religious life through scholarships, donations and other forms of assistance.
The Knights of Columbus is the world's largest Catholic service organization, with more than 1.6 million members in nearly 12,000 local councils. It provides members and their families with volunteer opportunities in service to the Catholic Church, the community, families and young people. In 2000, the last year for which figures are available, Knights of Columbus at all levels of the organization raised and distributed a record $110 million to charitable causes and Volunteered 56 million hours of service.
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