 |
|
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
On the weekend of November 21st and 22nd we will be faced with an unique opportunity to assist, once again, some very specific brothers and sisters in need, by way of the national “Share your Faith Campaign” (also known generally as the CCHD Collection). With this year’s portion of the funds collected for national impact we, as a diocese, will be reaching out to the elderly and sick of our society, particularly those served by the Little Sisters of the Poor.
As many of you well know, the Little Sisters of the Poor have, since their founding in the mid-1840s, poured their lives into serving men and women in their elderly years and those who are sick. In particular, the order aims to accept as many elderly and sick as possible, regardless their race, religion, national origin, or ability to pay. Relying entirely on God’s providence, the Little Sisters currently operate 202 homes in 32 countries; homes which minister especially to those who live below the poverty line and who may have no one else to provide care for them.
These Sisters have worked tirelessly to care for, and build up, our aging population so that the world might not fail to see the presence of Christ in the elderly. Therefore, in this year which saw the canonization of their founder, St. Jeanne Jugan, I am very happy to provide our diocesan support to the Little Sisters of the Poor.
As before, the usual allotted portions of the collection which have been designated for the important tasks of assisting the poor of our own diocese, and for the Catholic Communications Campaign, will remain as they were.
In light of recent discussions and protests regarding money from CCHD going to fund ACORN and other entities which do not uphold, and sometimes act in opposition to, the teachings of the Church, I feel it necessary to make clear that your money will not go to such groups. Just as we did with last year’s national funds (which went directly to help the victims of Hurricane Ike in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston) we will send this year’s national collection to some of the neediest in our country — those cared for by the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Thank you for your generosity and for the love you show your brothers and sisters.
Gratefully yours in Christ,
The Most Rev. Robert C. Morlino, Bishop of Madison