Dear Friends in Christ,

  During this season of grace, as Catholics we identify in a very special way with the sacrificial dimension of Christ’s love for humanity. As we enter with Him into a time of prayer and fasting, we take a moment to become more conscious of God’s rich blessings in our lives. We are also conscious of the needs of our sisters and brothers in Brooklyn and Queens, who long for a sign of Christ Jesus, our hope. There is no better time to announce our 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal, which enables each of us to share in Jesus’ sacrificial giving.

This year’s Appeal theme “One Bread… One Body… One Vibrant Church” reminds us that we are centered in the Eucharist, the great act of thanksgiving that is at the heart of our work together as Church. In the Sacrifice of the Mass, Christ the Bread of Life offers Himself to be broken and shared. Strengthened by His presence in Holy Communion, we are a vibrant Church sent forth to live with similar gratitude, generosity, and self-sacrifice. That is the ministry we share as Catholics.

The 2011 Annual Catholic Appeal offers an opportunity to share in critically important common ministries of our Diocese: Catholic Charities, support for vocations and for retired priests, tuition assistance for Catholic education, Catholic migration services, chaplaincies, faith formation and parish assistance. Your gift in support of these ministries, each meeting needs much larger than one parish alone can serve, helps make Christ Jesus, our hope, present to all in an immediate and powerful way.

As you reflect on God’s gifts to you this Lent, it is my hope that you will renew your support of our most urgent ministries by giving as generously as you can. I recognize that every gift constitutes a sacrifice, an offering made with gratitude. Please be assured that your generous giving is deeply appreciated and will make a profound difference in the lives of so many here in Brooklyn and Queens.

Kindly use the pledge/gift card and reply envelope you received by mail or go to www.rcdobdonate.org to make your commitment to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. I encourage you to consider a pledge, although one-time gifts are, of course, accepted. You and your family will be remembered in my prayers throughout this blessed season, and I ask that you also pray for the success of this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal.

With gratitude for your generosity and with every best personal wish, I am

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.
Bishop of Brooklyn