On February 14th of this "Year for Priests," as proclaimed by Pope Benedict last June, we will begin the 2010 Bishop's Appeal, To Make Christ Better Known. For many, that date represents Valentine's Day; for millions it will be celebrated as Chinese New Year; but for the world's Catholics, it is the last Sunday before we enter the holy season of Lent in preparation for Easter. Our focus at this time on both the Priesthood and Lent are important to the meaning and purpose of the Bishop's Appeal. 

In proclaiming the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict explained, "I think of all those priests who quietly present Christ's words and actions each day to the faithful and to the whole world, striving to be one with the Lord in their thoughts and their will, their sentiments and their style of life. How can I not pay tribute to their apostolic labors, their tireless and hidden service, their universal charity?"

Undeniably, the work of our priests is to "Make Christ Better Known," and it is the responsibility of the Diocese to insure that the Priesthood continues to flourish. Because of your prayers and financial support of the Bishop's Appeal, we are currently meeting the expenses of 24 seminarians, more than we have had in many years. We are also caring for more than 40 retired priests. Without our priests, our parishes and schools could not exist, nor could the many valuable family and social ministries supported by the Appeal.

In my last message, I spoke of the Catholic social principle of solidarity. When I speak of the responsibility of the Diocese, I am actually speaking of the responsibility of every Catholic. In his proclamation the Pope explained that, "Priests and laity together make up the one priestly people." Pope Benedict's words remind us of the tremendous sacrifices made by our priests every day of their lives. I am asking every Catholic family, in the sacrificial spirit of the coming Lenten season, to join the Holy Father in honoring our priests.

Because of last year's disastrous economy, which continues into this new year, our need to provide assistance to our schools, parishes, seminarians, retired priests, and families is even greater despite drastic reductions of Diocesan expenses. Please contribute as generously as possible to the 2010 Bishop's Appeal, and pray that others follow your example of good Catholic stewardship.

My best wishes to you and your families for the remainder of this Year for Priests and throughout the Year of Our Lord 2010.