Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The Eucharist is a sacrament of communion — uniting us with God and with each other. It sends us on mission to become what we receive: the Body of Christ offering the gift of ourself, and our good works, to others.
The ministries supported by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal are at the heart of this mission. They provide assistance, education and pastoral care to people throughout our diocese. This year’s appeal theme is rooted in the Eucharist: “Transformed by faith, sent in service to all.”
We are a Church today that faces many challenges, and I pledge to continue efforts that foster accountability and safe environments for everyone. These challenges, however, don’t lessen the good work being done by these ministries. In fact, they make the work of these ministries — now and in the future — more necessary than ever.
This includes vocations, Catholic education, faith formation, marriage preparation, family life, pastoral planning, multicultural ministries, ministry to the divorced and the TV Mass for the homebound. You can read more about some of these efforts on pages 10-15 of this edition of the magazine.
Many of you have contributed to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal in the past, and I’m very grateful for every gift we receive. We couldn’t do this without you.
Please prayerfully discern a gift to the Appeal and join others around the diocese in support of this important work. The need is great and your support — no matter the amount — makes a difference in the lives of so many others. Your gift will go directly to these diocesan ministries and will not be used for any other purpose.
You will be hearing more about the appeal in your parish during announcement weekend, Feb. 15-16, and commitment weekend, Feb. 22-23.
Thank you, and may God bless you and your loved ones.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
+ Donald J. Kettler
Bishop Donald J. Kettler is the ninth bishop of the Diocese of St. Cloud, Minnesota.