2006 Annual Appeal Summary
Dear Brothers and Sisters in
Christ,
His Holiness, Pope Benedict the XVI, in celebration of the
World Day of Peace, shared the following, "Sacred Scripture affirms that 'God
created man in his own image, in the image of God he created them' (Gen 1:27).
As one created in the image of God, each individual human being has the dignity
of a person; he or she is not just something, but someone, capable of
self-knowledge, self-possession, free self-giving and entering into communion
with others."
Our Holy Father further affirms that "each person is called, by grace, to a
covenant with the Creator, called to offer him a response of faith and love that
no other crature can give in his place. From this supernaturalperspective, one
can understand the task entrusted to human beings to mature in the ability to
love and to contribute to the progress of the world, renewing it in justice and
in peace."
This message
captures the spirit of our Annual Catholic Appeal (ACA). Today I write to thank
you for placing your gifts at the alter of our Lord. The selflessness and
collective charity that the faithful of Brooklyn and Queens share throught the
Annual Catholic Appeal, gives witness to Christ's presence in our
lives.
The 2006 Annual Catholic Appeal Summary
Report details the overall statictics associated with the ACA. Charts,
goals and other "top" results do not capture the grace-filled response to our
appeal. It is the self-giving of nearly 50,000 donors; it is the generosity of
our clergy and religious; it is our 39 seminarians, nine who are to be ordained
this spring, who are embarking on a journey of their own; it is the 2,000
children that received scholarships to our Catholic elementary schools; it is
the tens of thousands of persons who are served through our schools, Faith
Formation, Catholic Charities and Migrations endeavors. It is our ability to
love and contribute that determines the true success of our Annual Catholic
Appeal. Ultimately, it is people entering into communion with others, for
others.
Please continue to
prayerfully consider the graces that have been bestowed on you and your family.
Reflect also on the impact that your gifts have has in restoring the
dignity and spirit of so many in our diocesan family. As we continue our journey
of faith, may we mature in discipleship andour ability to love and share.
Our Annual Catholic Appeal allows us sto bring justice, hope and compassion
to thousands of people in our communities. The Gospal message is alive in
Brookyn and Queens because of your personal response and understanding that no
other can give in your place.
In Thanksgiving for you and your genersity, and asking the Lord's continued
blessing on you and your loved ones, I am
Sincerely in Christ
Most Reverend Nicholas DiMarzio, Ph.D., D.D.
Bishop of Brooklyn
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