Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
When we look back through the history of Christianity—from the Apostles and martyrs of the early Church to our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents who accomplished so much to build up the kingdom of God in southeast Michigan—we see countless examples of people who persevered in “running the race” (Hebrews 12:1) while keeping their “eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfector of faith” (Hebrews 12:2).
It is this steadfast focus on Our Lord and Savior that gives us the strength and courage to go about the work of evangelizing, of sharing our love of Jesus Christ with others so that they, too, may encounter him and let their hearts be captured by him. This work is not a membership drive. Rather, it is driven by our knowledge of the joy that lays before us—an eternal life with the Father in Heaven—and a desire that others should share in that joy.
One of the most profound ways we, as a local Church, help share the love of Christ is through responding to the material and spiritual needs of individuals and families. Through the Catholic Services Appeal, more than one hundred services, programs, and ministries provide real and tangible evidence of the power of faith—of how keeping one's eyes fixed on Jesus can help overcome obstacles. Your gift to the Catholic Services Appeal helps bring the Good News to countless individuals and families.
I am grateful for the many ways in which you have contributed to this work in the past. Please prayerfully consider renewing your support this year. It is time for us to run this race as a community of believers with eyes fixed on Jesus, so that future generations may know Jesus Christ and share in the same confident faith with which we have been so richly blessed.
Entrusting you to the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, Blessed Solanus Casey, and St. Anne, our patroness, I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit