Archbishop's Message 2026

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Every year, the Church invites us to return to the heart of our mission as disciples-to reflect on the gifts God has entrusted to us and to consider how we are called to use those gifts for the good of His people. As I prayed about the message I wished to share with you for this year's Catholic Services Appeal, one verse continued emerged with clarity: "For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be" (Matthew 6:21).

These words from our Lord are both tender and challenging. They remind us that our mission flows from the deepest place of our devotion. What we love, we serve. What we treasure, we offer. And when our hearts are rooted in Christ, His mission becomes our mission: to proclaim the Gospel, accompany the suffering, form disciples, and bring the light of His love to every corner of southeast Michigan.

Each of us has received the blessings of time to pray, talents to offer, and material resources to steward. These gifts are never meant to be stored away but should be shared generously, so that through them others may encounter the mercy, hope, and healing that Christ freely gives. Through faithful stewardship, we participate directly in the work of evangelization and build up the Church in ways that extend far beyond what any one of us could accomplish alone.

This year, as we continue to deepen our commitment to renewal in our parishes, schools, formation programs, and ministries of charity, the Catholic Services Appeal remains an essential expression of our shared mission. Your generosity sustains the services that form our future priests, strengthen families, engage youth and young adults, accompany the poor, and bring Christ's love to those most in need.

I ask you to prayerfully reflect on how God is calling you to participate in this mission today. Your support ensures that the Gospel continues to be preached with conviction, our communities remain places of encounter and renewal, and the love of Jesus Christ reaches every person who longs to know Him.

I am deeply grateful for your faith, generosity, and commitment to the mission the Lord has entrusted to us. May God bless you abundantly for sharing the gifts He has given you.

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger
Archbishop of Detroit