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September 2009 Dear People of God,
Our Catholic faith is a gift from God. It is a powerful gift. When I have celebrated Mass in one of our parishes, visited a school, led an Atonement Service or spoken with a group of Confirmation candidates, I have experienced a deep sense of faith. We are a people who hope and pray and help each other in outreach. I am deeply grateful for your generosity to our Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA). Your gift to our appeal is a sign of your faith and love. You help our diocese provide programs and services which nourish this faith as we journey together.
I want to share with you some of what is happening in our diocese because of your donations to the Annual Appeal. V Twelve seminarians are preparing to be priests in our diocese. V Sixteen men are beginning their second year of an intensive five-year deacon formation program. V Approximately 70 parishioners participate annually in the Ministry Formation Program in preparation for parish ministry. V Two priest Chaplains provide patient care at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. V Our 13 elementary schools and five high schools and parish religious education programs benefit from the leadership, direction and programs of the Office of Faith Formation. V Approximately 10-12 parishioners participate annually in our Stewardship Institute which provides a reading, reflection and sharing program to promote stewardship. V The youth of our diocese celebrate their faith at the annual Junior High and Senior High Youth Rallies. V Approximately 600 people gather annually to celebrate the Chrism Mass at our Cathedral and to witness our priests' recommitment and the blessing of holy oils used to administer the sacraments in each parish. V Our Immigration Office staff annually assists about 500 families with their immigration issues. V Our Marriage Tribunal Office processes approximately 200 cases each year in an effort to guide individuals in their quest for full sacramental participation. V Our Social Action staff is active in the Iowa Catholic Conference which focuses on legislative action to promote Christian principles and values. Your ADA gift helps provide resources and programs to our diocesan entities to enable programs and services to continue and grow. V Our Finance Office staff provides accounting support to our parishes and conducts reviews for fiscal compliance. V Our Liturgy staff provides support and direction in conjunction with the Diocesan Building Commission as parishes build new facilities. Five new church buildings are being dedicated during 2009. V Seven retired priests, two staff priests and two priests from Tanzania studying at St. Ambrose University live at St. Vincent Pastoral Center and have the opportunity to pray, socialize and dine together. V Our clergy assemble to support one another, have time for extended prayer and participate in education and spiritual formation programs four times during the year.
These are only some of the benefits of the ADA. Enclosed you will find the brochure and a commitment envelope for our Annual Diocesan Appeal. Please respond as generously as you are able and bring this completed envelope to your parish next Sunday. Thank you for helping the Diocese continue these programs.
I am deeply grateful for your faithful witness of the love of God in your life.
Sincerely yours in Christ, Most Rev. Martin Amos Bishop of Davenport |
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