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Dear Friends in Christ, Dear Parishioner: When Pope John Paul II handed on to me in April 1990 the responsibility of shepherding the Diocese of Spokane, my life took an amazing turn! Now, I find myself nineteen years later, preparing for Pope Benedict XVI to pass on that responsibility to a sixth bishop of this Diocese. I am most grateful for the multiple ways in which you and so many others over these past years have demonstrated a strong commitment to our Catholic way of life. This is a rich time of grace for our Diocese. Together, we are eye-witnesses to the unfolding of an awesome tradition: the very succession of the Apostles. The mission of the Church continues! The Catholic Faith which you have nurtured so devotedly, likewise, will continue to flourish as you welcome my successor. I am confident that your dedication and commitment will remain manifest in the way you share of yourself as well as your resources in support of the preaching, teaching, and sanctifying ministries of the Church. As we prepare for a new Shepherd, the work of the Church must move forward - and so I once again ask you to exercise your responsibility for fostering our Catholic Faith by making a generous contribution to the Annual Catholic Appeal. Your participation is needed as much this year as it was the last – perhaps even more so. The Diocese continues to operate on a bare-bones budget. Bolstering the Catholic Tradition in this part of Washington State, therefore, remains directly related to the success of our collective effort. I sincerely call on you to be Faithful to Our Tradition, as the theme for the 2010 ACA champions. Last year the response of our diocesan Catholic family to the ACA was encouraging. That response has helped provide a measure of financial stability in uniquely challenging times. Your participation in the 2010 Annual Catholic Appeal is very much needed. The success of every parish in reaching its goal assures the vitality of our larger Catholic community and its responsibility to continue the Tradition of handing on the Gospel. Your contribution provides funding for a variety of ministries – forming our children and youth in the light of the Gospel; caring for our retired priests; educating future priests and deacons; publishing the Inland Register and meeting our business needs. Those needs include the payment on loans to satisfy bankruptcy obligations. Ever so grateful for all the good you do, I ask God to bless you and this Diocese always. Sincerely yours in Christ, The Most Reverend William S. Skylstad |
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