This is the time of year when Catholics throughout the Diocese of Madison are hearing and reading about the Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA).
Members of parishes have received a letter and pledge form from Bishop Robert C. Morlino. In addition, there have been prayers and announcements about the ACA at Masses each weekend.
There was an insert about the appeal distributed last weekend in parishes; it is also included in this week’s Catholic Herald. Next weekend, we will watch a video message from our bishop.
It wasn’t too long ago that some parishes in the Diocese of Madison watched a video about the Priests for Our Future Campaign. Many people have responded with wonderful generosity to this appeal to support the education of our seminarians.
However, I hope people also contribute to the Annual Catholic Appeal with generosity.
Why the ACA is important
Why is this so important? The ACA funds the ministries and services benefitting every Catholic in the Diocese of Madison. It supports the work of diocesan offices and agencies in the 11 counties of our diocese and also the work of our Church beyond the diocese.
Perhaps the best way to talk about the ACA is to explain why I give to the appeal — and why I think you should, too.
Before I continue, let me clarify by way of a disclaimer that the Catholic Herald does not receive any direct funding from the Annual Catholic Appeal. We are funded strictly by subscriptions and advertising.
However, as editor of the Catholic Herald, I am aware of the important ministries and services provided through the ACA. As Bishop Morlino points out in his letter in the ACA insert, the theme of this year’s appeal is “Living Our Mission of Charity.”
Bishop Morlino points out that God continuously reveals His love for us, and we, in turn, “cannot help but respond to that life-changing love.”
We do that “through spiritual and corporal acts of love and mercy for our neighbor, to show the love of God.” The bishop adds, “God’s love is contagious.”
Accomplishing our mission
How do we accomplish this mission of charity? In the Diocee of Madison, Bishop Morlino says we do it in part through our generous giving to the Annual Catholic Appeal, “which provides for so many corporal and spiritual works of merciful love in our diocese.”
We accomplish our mission:
• Through Catholic Charities. This agency has more than 35 programs serving people of all ages. I am especially aware of the work being done with senior citizens through the All Saints Neighborhood, because my mother-in-law lives there. We are so blessed to have All Saints available for independent seniors and those needing assisted living.
• Through the Catholic Multicultural Center. The ACA gives some support to the Catholic Multicultural Center (CMC) in Madison, which is operated by Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish. The CMC provides food, computer training, language classes, help for job-seekers, and many other services to those in need.
• Through education. Our diocesan Offices of Catholic Schools and Evangelization and Catechesis provide resources to our schools and parish religious education, youth ministry, and marriage preparation programs.
• Through worship. Our Catholic faith is enriched through worship. Our diocesan Office of Worship helps train the people involved in liturgical ministry in our parishes.
I encourage all Catholics to give generously to the ACA. Our Church can accomplish so much with our help. Our financial gifts do indeed make a difference as we strive to live the mission of charity in our diocese.