“Will you partner with them in grace?”
That’s the question parish leadership will be asking parishioners this weekend as leadership explains how much diocesan ministries need their support. Parish leadership will use the weekend of Jan. 19 and 20, designated Announcement Weekend, to herald the start of the 2008 Bishop’s Faith Appeal which helps fund 18 diocesan ministries and Catholic Charities of Southeast Texas.
“These ministries meet needs that cannot be met by one parish or mission alone. Our ministries help the poor, the young, the sick, often the most vulnerable. There is not one parish in Southeast Texas that isn’t helped by these ministries,” said Letty Lanza, director of Stewardship and Communications.
“The appeal provides funds for infirm priests, for ministry to our college students at Lamar, for the formation of those who are studying to be deacons, for feeding the hungry. It even pays for parishioners’ subscriptions to the East Texas Catholic,” she said.
The faithful of the diocese will hear more about the ministries supported by the appeal for two weeks prior to being asked to partner with diocesan ministries in carrying out the mission of Jesus. The faithful will have an opportunity to partner by making a commitment to support the appeal with a financial gift and prayers during the weekend of Feb. 2 and 3.
This year’s theme, “Partners in Grace” is taken from a passage in St. Paul’s letter to the community at Philippi.
“This is a very appropriate since the letter is actually a scriptural thank you note. Paul is actually thanking the community for supporting him financially in the spreading of the Gospel saying that he has come to rely on them and now he needs them again to complete the work.
“Our diocesan ministries are also very grateful to the people who have supported them in meeting the needs of people here in Southeast Texas. We’ve come to rely on our faithful too,” Lanza said.
The faithful will have a chance to learn more about the works of diocesan ministries through brochures that will be handed out at their parish and through a special edition of the East Texas Catholic.
“Parishes will hand out the brochures at all Masses on Commitment Weekend and also on either Announcement Weekend or Education Weekend, which ever weekend is most effective for them. Some parishes will also have special lay witnesses on Education Weekend. And some parishes will use Commitment Weekend to show a special DVD that was produced by our communications department,” Lanza said.
