Dear Friends in Christ,
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What better place to look for the theme of this year’s diocesan appeal than to the witness of our new Holy Father, Pope Francis? His powerful example of charity will be our focus as we approach our 2014 Annual Catholic Appeal and its theme: “Beacon of Faith; Fire of Charity.”
Brothers and sisters, we are each chosen to be a Beacon of Faith to our friends, family, co-workers — a beacon radiating the light of Christ to all with whom we come into contact. Pope Francis has made clear that as the world grows darker, we must continue to strengthen our own faith; allow ourselves to be evangelized anew; to become part of the New Evangelization; and work together as one with the mission of Christ and His Church.
At the heart of the Church’s mission, and thus at the heart of our own work, must be the Fire of Charity which burns brightly, like the Pillar of Fire from Exodus. That pillar of fire was bestowed upon God’s chosen people and it allowed them to travel and to continue their mission even in the darkness. In our own day, our Catholic Church is to be that light, a beacon of faith, handed first to the Apostles at Pentecost and continually offered to all His faithful people searching for God and His Truth in this world.
The Church burns brightest when guided by charity for all people through the Corporal Works of Mercy and also the Spiritual Works of Mercy. Our mission cannot be continued without the generous support of the faithful through monetary donations and selfless giving of their time.
Please consider the good works of the Church as an instrument the Lord uses — as Pope Francis beautifully describes — “to spread through the world the flame of faith, which Jesus ignited in the world: faith in God who is the Father, Love, and Mercy.” Please consider how you can help lift hearts, minds, and souls toward Him and support this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal, which reaches many here in the Diocese of Madison and beyond our borders.
Thank you for your dedication to our diocesan mission in support of this beautiful endeavor — to be a Beacon of Faith, shining forth the Fire of Charity.
God love you.
Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino
Bishop of Madison