Bishop’s Annual Appeal

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Each year at this time, I talk about the ministries funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Your generosity makes it possible for these ministries to provide essential education, pastoral care and other assistance to thousands of people across our 16-county diocese. For this, I say, “Thank you.” These ministries couldn’t happen without you.

Certainly, this past year has been challenging. We recently completed our bankruptcy reorganization process. I hope it will help victims of abuse to move further along the path of healing and peace. For almost a year now, our world has been in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. The virus has severely impacted people’s health, our economy and even the way we’re able to practice our faith.

Soon, on the first Sunday of Lent, we’ll hear the Gospel reading of Jesus going out into the desert. There, he faces
temptations and challenges, but angels come to minister to him. At times during the pandemic, we’ve experienced our own desert, separated from members of our family, parish and community.

But the angels have been there, too. I’m grateful for the dedicated service of our pastors, parish and diocesan staff, and volunteers who continue to do the work of Christ and meet our spiritual needs in these trying times. In many ways, our need for these ministries is greater than ever.

The Diocesan TV Mass and parish livestream Masses have been a lifeline for the homebound. Other ministries of the Appeal continue their work in support of faith formation, family life, our Catholic schools, multicultural ministries, evangelization and vocation-discernment.

These ministries are using new and creative ways to keep us connected when we’ve been required to stay apart. Our diocese, for example, held its first-ever “virtual” Stewardship Week last summer with three-days of online presentations on the spirituality and best-practices of parish stewardship. The diocesan education office launched a new resource in English and Spanish to assist families in reflecting on the Sunday Scripture readings. An online men’s conference is planned for later this month.

We’ve learned some lessons along the way, like how to use technology better in service to the Church. But, while Zoom, YouTube and Facebook Live are wonderful tools, they don’t replace the very real human need for in-person ministry, service and social activities.

Livestreaming the celebration of the Eucharist helps us stay connected to our faith and one another during a pandemic. But it doesn’t replace actually being present together as the People of God for the sacrifice of the Mass. I hope this pandemic has fostered in us an even-deeper appreciation for Christ’s presence in his Body and Blood, and his presence in the Body of Christ with whom we worship.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts at the altar. These gifts — bread and wine offered by human hands — become the Body and Blood of Christ. We come forward together to receive this new gift, the Eucharist, which brings us closer to Jesus and transforms our hearts, so that, through Him, we can become “bread for the world’s bodily and spiritual hungers.”

The ministries funded by the Bishop’s Annual Appeal make a difference in the lives of so many others. It’s your generosity — your hands — that makes this work possible, and it’s the reason for this year’s appeal theme: “Gifts Offered by Human Hands.” I ask you to please prayerfully discern a gift to the Appeal and join others around the diocese in supporting this work. As always, I promise your gift will only be used for Appeal ministries and not for any other purpose.

I invite you to reach out to me with your prayer intentions through the Appeal materials you’ll be receiving. And I offer my blessing to you and your loved ones as we approach the holy season of Lent. Please pray for me, and I will continue to pray for you.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Donald J. Kettler
Bishop of Saint Cloud