March 20, 2008

One Faith, One Family

2008 Bishop's Appeal Begins in Diocese

By Pam Flynn

Managing Editor

The 2008 Bishop's Appeal campaign has begun in the Diocese of Memphis. Over the past week, kickoff meetings were held in both the Jackson and Memphis Deaneries to inform the parish pastors, staff and lay leaders of the procedures for implementing the appeal. Parish commitment weekends are planned for April.

The theme for the 2008 Bishop's Appeal is One Faith, One Family. "Join me as One Faith, One Family," said Bishop J. Terry Steib, S.V.D. at the kick off meetings, "to love as God has loved us."

Without the funds generated by the Appeal, the diocese would not be able to provide for so many in West Tennessee. More than 60 ministries are supported by the Appeal. These ministries touch the lives of those in need, those hurting spiritually, socially and educationally. "We help others not because they are Catholic," said Bishop Steib, "but because we are."

"This year's theme of One Faith, One Family is key to our Catholic faith," said Father Ernie DeBlasio, chairman of the Appeal. "The Appeal helps us all to preach the Gospel and to be Church, a Church that cares for the poor and the needy."

"We, the Catholic Church in West Tennessee are One Faith, One Family," said Bishop Steib, "we must truly be that good Samaritan on the banks of the Mississippi and Tennessee rivers."

"When you are making your pledge to the Bishop's Appeal, please consider all the needs of the diocese and the need to be generous because we are family, a family of faith," he said.

As the Bishop's Appeal campaign begins in the parishes, parishioners will have the opportunity to view the Bishop's Appeal video, listen to speakers and prayerfully make their commitments to support the Appeal.

"While the work to make the 2008 Bishop's Appeal a success has begun, the help of every Catholic in the diocese is needed to carry out the task. We stand on the shoulders of the disciples as they stood on the hill watching Jesus ascend into heaven. Jesus gave them the command to continue His work, and we are asked to do the same. 2,000 years ago, the work began and it continues today." said Father DeBlasio. "I ask that you prayerfully consider what needs to be accomplished and pledge to support the 2008 Bishop's Appeal with your prayers and donations."

"Catholicism is a way of life, not an obligation. It is who we are and what we are called to do. God is being very generous to our diocese," concluded Bishop Steib. "Will you be generous in return?"

For more information about the 2008 Bishop's Appeal, visit the Diocese of Memphis website at www.cdom.org or call 901-373-1208.