The beginning of a new year is a great time to think about hopes, dreams, and goals – for us, our families, and our community. I am writing today from the archdiocesan perspective and would like to ask for your help.
Simply put, I encourage all of us to participate, as best we can, in this year’s Annual Catholic Services Appeal. The appeal has slipped rather dramatically in recent years for various reasons. We have lost some of our mojo, and we need to get it back to make sure we meet the needs of our local Church and continue serving our neighbors in need.
As I mentioned in a previous column, Cardinal McElroy, with great skill and under difficult circumstances, helped balance our budget and give us a foundation from which to move forward again. As one of two pillars of financial support for the archdiocese, the Annual Appeal is critical to that effort.
The first pillar is our parishes, which provide financial support for the Pastoral Center’s work and for the many diocesan ministries. Parishes offer important ministries of their own, but many others are carried out at the diocesan level – hospital and prison ministries, CYO and youth ministry, campus ministries, vocations, and so much more.
Monthly gifts from the diocese’s 140 parishes – made possible by your generosity – ensure that those programs continue and flourish.
The other pillar is the Annual Catholic Services Appeal, which begins again this month. We need to get that appeal back on track, which is why I am asking everyone to look at their own situation and consider what they can do to support those ministries and our neighbors in need.
I would add one other important consideration. This year’s appeal takes place amid unusual circumstances in our own community, as many of our neighbors have lost jobs because of the government shutdown and cutbacks in federal programs and services.
This is where family steps up. When a child, sibling, or parent needs help because of illness or an unexpected setback, we don’t hesitate. We respond. The Annual Appeal gives us, as a diocesan family, the opportunity to do the same.
Together, we can ensure that essential services remain available to those who need them.
You will be hearing more about the appeal soon. When information arrives in the mail, or the appeal is discussed at church, I hope you will feel called to participate – and to assist the cardinal in making sure we can meet the basic needs of our diocese.
Wouldn’t it say so much about us if everyone participated in some way? I’m not asking for a particular amount. I’m simply asking you to prayerfully consider what you can do. If you’re a regular contributor, you might consider increasing your gift a little. If you haven’t given in recent years, perhaps this is your time to help once again.
God gives us many gifts, along with the freedom to use them as we choose. I believe God is pleased when we use those gifts in service to God and our neighbor – especially our time, talent, and treasure. A new year offers us a fresh opportunity to be good stewards of all God’s blessings.
We would do well to consider how we might become more involved in parish life, how we can share our God-given abilities, and how our financial support can make sure our diocese continues to grow and do great things for the Lord.
I am volunteering for this year’s appeal. While I remain semi-retired, I believe deeply in our parishes and in our archdiocese. Together, we can make a real difference. Let’s make this appeal the strongest it’s been in years and help build God’s kingdom right here in our own community.
