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MADISON— “Beauty: Ever Ancient, Ever New” the theme for the 2013 Annual Catholic Appeal, brings forth an opportunity for all Catholics in our diocese to find the beauty God has provided in their lives. As we explore the Year of Faith and learn more about being Catholic, it invites us to look at our own lives and determine how we can enhance our faith and in turn share it.
As we approach the opening weeks of this year’s Appeal, we are drawn to reflect on our personal participation in this Year of Faith with a heightened sense of our role as a Catholic in our families and communities. The ACA supports that role and its measurable impact. Some of the important ministries we support include Evangelization and Catechesis, Catholic Charities, Seminarian Education, and Catholic education. Please visit www.madisondiocese.org to read more about the benefits of the ACA and the vital support it provides.
The $3 million goal for the upcoming year fuels ministry reaching out to all areas and walks of life in our diocese. Here are just a few examples of why your gift is so important to the ACA.
- Evangelization and Catechesis: Provides retreats, classes, lectures, educational materials for young adults, engaged couples seeking the sacrament of marriage, catechists and educators, married couples learning natural family planning methods, as well as anyone looking to learn more about their Catholic faith.
- Catholic Charities: Catholic Charities has been entrusted with conducting the Corporal Works of Mercy for the Diocese of Madison. Their work includes more than 35 programs serving the aging, children, individuals, families, persons with developmental disabilities, and those addicted to alcohol and drugs. It provides financial assistance to the Catholic Multicultural Center offering help to the underprivileged in Madison and beyond.
- Seminarian Education: Supports our 35 seminarians throughout their formation toward the priesthood. The support received includes tuition, room and board, health insurance, living allowance, and travel expenses allowing these young men to focus on their education and spiritual growth. God has granted us with the opportunity to educate these men to be his shepherds in the future.
- Catholic Education: Support for our Catholic schools and religious education programs are paramount to the future of the Church. With over 7,000 Catholic school students and approximately 17,000 religious education students the coordination of educators, catechists, and students is growing. Assisting parishes with future plans and development opportunities to help fund tuition assistance and student enrollment is ever increasing.
What difference can you make in the lives of people throughout the diocese? What is God calling you to do? By supporting the Annual Catholic Appeal, you reach many ministries and thousands of people with your gift. Please prayerfully consider the support you are able to provide. Next week you should receive an envelope in the mail with a letter and pledge form from Bishop Morlino. Please take time to read the letter, review the brochure that shares information on this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, and complete the pledge card. You can mail it in the envelope provided with your pledge card, or drop it at your parish office.
May God continue to bless you as we begin a new year. Find beauty in your lives through the blessings God has provided you. Make this Year of Faith an opportunity to open yourself up to learning more about being Catholic and join our diocesan community in making this year’s appeal a success.
If you would like more information on the Annual Catholic Appeal, contact the Office of Stewardship and Development for the Diocese of Madison at stewardship@straphael.org or 608-821-3039.
Jill Driscoll is the associate director of the Diocese of Madison’s Office of Stewardship and Development.