My brothers and sisters in Christ,
Since coming to the Diocese of St. Cloud, I’ve had the opportunity to visit many of our churches and schools. And, I’ve enjoyed meeting many of you at parish anniversaries, festivals, confirmations and school Masses.
My visits also have offered a chance to witness firsthand your commitment to the much-needed ministries that our diocese supports. The primary way these ministries are funded is through the Annual Diocesan Appeal. This year’s theme is “Making All Things New.”
Each year, your generosity enables us to promote the sacred dignity of human life, serve the poor, evangelize our youth, support families, welcome the stranger and heal the wounded. You help to “make all things new” in our diocese by being Christ’s eyes and ears, hands and feet.
Bishop Kettler greeted people after a Mass celebrating the 150th anniversary of SS. Peter and Paul Church in Gilman Oct. 5, 2014, including Joseph Skroch and his dad, Leonard, center. Photo by Dianne Towalski / The Visitor
The funds provided by the Annual Appeal make possible ministries such as the diocesan TV Mass, marriage preparation and enrichment, The Visitor newspaper, and support for seminarians, Catholic schools, faith formation and youth ministry programs.
Together, we are making a difference in so many lives, just as those who have come before us have done since our diocese was established 125 years ago. I ask you today to prayerfully consider making a generous gift to the 2015 Annual Diocesan Appeal — in gratitude for what God has done in your life, and with the knowledge of what he can do for others.
Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can make all things new.
Please pray for the success of this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal, and may God bless you and your loved ones today and always.
+Donald J. Kettler
Bishop of St. Cloud