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Dear Friends in Christ, Once again we Catholics are entering into another Lenten season in preparation for the joy of Easter. This year our movement from death to resurrection in union with Christ takes on special significance. These past few years of bankruptcy litigation have brought shadows of death to our experience of Church. It’s now time to rise. It’s time to build. Our joint efforts to refurbish the vitality of our local faith communities will continue for several years. Recalling the wisdom of the psalmist, “Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it” – our efforts must be anchored in prayer. I sincerely ask you, therefore, to pray often this year for spiritual renewal – your own, your family’s, that of your parish as well as that of the Church. As chief shepherd of our Diocese, I also ask that you do your part to foster the mission of Christ among God’s people. Build we must. Specifically, in addition to my appeal that you pray for spiritual renewal, I also ask you to financially support the needs of our Diocese through your participation in the 2008 Annual Catholic Appeal. This Appeal is critically important for the vitality of our local Church. Your contribution is applied to a variety of ministerial and administrative needs – forming our children and youth in the light of the Gospel; caring for our retired priests; educating future priests; and meeting our business needs. Although it represents only a small percentage of the total diocesan expenses, this year’s budget must include payment against loans the Diocese has had to arrange to satisfy bankruptcy obligations. Although the next several years will confront us with serious financial pressure, I know your faith to be as strong as ever – and so, too, is your faithfulness to the mission of the Church. I remain most grateful that your faithfulness and sacrifice have enabled us to meet the major goals of the Diocese’s bankruptcy case. Bankruptcy has ended and we must return with eagerness to the fundamental mission of collaborating with the building of God’s Kingdom among us. On behalf of all those who benefit from your commitment to the mission of our local Church (including your neighbor parishioners) I earnestly ask that you give generously to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. The materials from your parish provide important background for making your contribution. Please read through these items carefully and prayerfully – and then make your contribution and pledge on ACA Pledge Weekend, February 9-10. May your sensitivity to the needs of our Diocese at this critical time motivate your generous and sacrificial gift. It’s time to build!
God’s blessings always,
+ William S. Skylstad |
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