 |
||
MADISON — As we prepare for Lent as a Catholic community, we prepare to give alms. What does it mean to give alms? The definition includes the charitable giving of money, food, or goods to people in need. It is one form of sacrifice we as Catholics are asked to perform during the season of Lent, just as Christ sacrificed himself for each of us.
This year’s theme for the 2014 Annual Catholic Appeal is “Beacon of Faith, Fire of Charity.” The focus this year is on evangelization and the Corporal Works of Mercy. The Annual Catholic Appeal funds both of those ministries, plus many others. Here are a few examples:
• Evangelization and Catechesis — Each of us as Catholics is asked to share Christ’s message through evangelization. The Church catechizes the young through religious education classes and adults through RCIA, retreats, and classes.
• Catholic Charities — As the Corporal Works of Mercy arm of the Diocese of Madison, Catholic Charities touches so many lives. They visit the sick through the Respite Care Program; feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty through the Mobile Food Pantry and the Catholic Multicultural Center. These are just a few of the programs supported by the Annual Catholic Appeal and provided through Catholic Charities.
• Seminarian Education — The need for support has never been greater. With over 30 men studying for the priesthood, we need to provide them with an education to prepare them to be ordained a priest in the Diocese of Madison. As more and more of our current priests retire, the ability to ordain new priests grows more imperative.
In the next week, you should receive an envelope with a letter from Bishop Robert C. Morlino, pledge form, prayer card, and brochure highlighting all the important ministries your donation supports. Your support of the Annual Catholic Appeal benefits many throughout the diocese. Please prayerfully consider how you can help impact a life of someone in need.
For more information on the Annual Catholic Appeal or to make an online donation, visit www.madisondiocese.org