Walk with Christ.

That is the theme of the 2014 Bishop's Annual Appeal, as told recently to members of the Sacred Heart Parish in Palmerton.The Rev. William T. Campion, priest of the church, opened the mass."The month of May is being dedicated to Our Blessed Lady, Mary," Campion said. "This month and October are dedicated to Mary."Michele Mullikin, Director of Stewardship and Annual Giving, Allentown, is a parishioner at Sacred Heart Parish, as well as the director of the Bishop's Annual Appeal.She and her husband joined the parish several weeks ago.Mullikin said that Father Campion asked her to speak with the congregation about some of her thoughts about what the appeal is really all about."With the generosity of our parishioners, we were able to reach the parish goal," Mullikin said. "Thank you for your generosity."Mullikin added, "Most of us can truthfully say that we have been blessed by God with many wonderful gifts. Our families, our homes, our work and the many things we enjoy," she said. "And while most of us are not wealthy, we have been graced with many blessings. The problem is that some of us struggle a bit more to see these blessings."She said that each day in the diocese, people in need turn to the church for help and support. Some are hungry, some are homeless, and others sick."Jesus said, "the poor will always be with you," and he certainly was right."Bishop's Annual AppealMullikin said Campion specifically asked her to speak with the congregation about how the Bishop's Annual Appeal helps those in need in the Carbon County community.Catholic Charities has an office in Lansford, noted Mullikin, who said they assisted about 300 families with pregnancy and parent support counseling, as well as provided case management services to those in need."Father Campion has shared with me that he personally reached out to that office for families in crisis and they were very accommodating and helpful in assisting the families," she said.Last year, Mullikin said that The Bishop's Annual Appeal gave 11 scholarships to Carbon County students to attend high school.Bishop John Barres has recognized that economic conditions and demographic shifts have resulted in budget struggles for some Catholic elementary schools in Carbon and Schuylkill counties, she said.Mullikin said that as of this year, new state funding in the amount of $150,000 will be provided to help Catholic elementary schools in Carbon and Schuylkill counties."This assistance from the Bishop's Annual Appeal will help the schools make ends meet, and will supplement the income that the schools already receive from tuition payments and parish assistance," said Mullikin, who noted that the Bishop's Annual Appeal also supports the Seminarians in the Diocese. "We are fortunate to have a fellow parishioner and Seminarian in our parish."Mullikin said the man was asked by Bishop Barres to study and attend some finance courses at Villanova University courtesy of funding from the Bishop's Annual Appeal."As a family of faith, we can help bring a little light and hope to thousands of people each year by supporting the appeal," she said. "As you consider your gift, take a moment to thank God for all He has done for you, and be as generous as you can be."Mullikin added, "When praying on what your gift will be, please know that no gift is too small.""Whatever you can do, you will be doing it for those who really need our help," she said. "That's why my husband and I hope you will too."