April 15, 2011

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

The Second Easter Walkathon is about to happen: May 4, 2011 at 3:30 PM at Mater Dei High School Football Field.1615 Mater Dei Drive, Chula Vista CA 91913. Walkers can be Priests, Deacons, Religious, Teacher and Students

You are cordially invited to this Easter Walk - to make awareness and raise money for our Catholic Elementary and Secondary High Schools in an unique way. Walking around an Athletic Field with each other to raise money for our Catholic Schools and for Scholarships for those attending them.

Most of us working in our ministries do not know many of our other co-workers in the Vineyard. This would be a good way to get to know each other. This would be a time of working together to help others and also to show that our Vocation to Serve Jesus Christ is alive and well. It will also get us outside and do some walking. We can even bring a cheering section for ourselves - banners and posters.

The purpose of the walkathon is to support Catholic education and those who help with scholarships. Our present economy in the United States has hurt raising fund for Catholic Education, this walkathon helps by spreading out the base of inquiry for funds. We do Make a Difference!

Last Year 44 Walkers raised just over $24,000.00 for Schools in the Diocese of San Diego. Our Goal this year is $300,000.00

Each Walker is responsible to obtain pledges from Donors for the walking. The Walker can choose which school or Organization that is to receive funds raised. All money is turned in at Registration at 3:00 PM - You can make you own pledge form by indicating your name and the schools or Higher Values For Youth or The Bishops Scholarship is to benefit. Make sure your name and phone number is on your form when you turn it in.

Higher Values For Youth needs funds to help school in the Cathedral Deanery of the Diocese of San Diego. The students in this deanery are in need of help as the area is service oriented and high paying jobs are just not available for families. However the Students are in need a superior education which the Catholic Schools can give.

Should you wish to participate - be prepared to walk, carry a flag of your choice - school or banner indicating your charity. Make it a festive time.

If you accept the invitation to be a Participant these are the rules:

1.       Get Donors to pledge or pay a determined payment  amount for each lap you walk around the track or just one fixed donation no matter how many laps you walk.

2.       Send or bring the Registration Form to Holy Spirit Church, 2725 55th Street, San Diego, CA 92105 or Bring it to the Registration Table on the day of the Easter Walk. The money once accepted will be sent to the various schools to use for their needs by Higher Values For Youth  Scholarship Program.

3.       Maximum laps will be 20 times around the track - which makes 5 miles - or however many you decide.

4.       Clothing: You should have good walking shoes -or (photo op here) clerical attire - cassocks included - religious habits - old and new - symbols or banners representing your call in life. Or, just walking attire that is comfortable with you. Volunteers will have water and things that are needed.

5.       Be prepared to do something exciting and for the Glory of God.

You can make copies of the Registration Form to get more sponsors. You can decide which of these three you wish your donation to go: CATHOLIC SCHOOL OF YOUR CHOICE - HIGHER VALUES FOR YOUTH - SECONDARY EDUCATION INITIATIVE. 100% of money raised goes to where you say it goes.

Plan to be ready to walk by start time of 3:30 PM - Register first - go to middle of the football field.
Non-participants can be seated in the bleachers. Bring your own cheering section - Bring signs, etc.

Thank You!

Respectfully Yours,

Msgr. Roger A. Lechner