Bishop’s Message

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2012 Annual Diocesan Appeal – Abundant Care and Faith. For the past two years, I have been deeply moved by the response of our parishioners to the urgent annual needs the Appeal supports.

With the guidance of our Pastors’ Advisory Committee, I am pleased to share with you some of the new elements being supported by the 2012 Appeal. This year, for the first time, the Diocese will return to our 45 mission parishes 50% of the total funds collected from their 2012 effort. With your support, we will establish the Saint Vincent DePaul Social Ministry Leadership Institute which will train 90 people over the next two years on responding to the social justice needs in their local communities. The 2012 Appeal also features increases in funding for Campus Ministry, Developing our Lay Leadership, the Fuel and Hunger Fund and International Priests. For the full listing of the ministries and programs that will benefit from the 2012 Appeal, I encourage you to review the rest of this site.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and financial support of these important programs and initiatives. As Catholic Christians, we endeavor to do God’s loving will every day of our lives, inspired by justice and love of our neighbors. Truly, the impact of your gift will strengthen our Catholic Church now and in the future.

Sincerely yours in Our Lord,

Most Rev. Francis X. DiLorenzo
Bishop of Richmond