2012 Archbishop's Annual Appeal

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What brings you joy?

After a moment of reflection, my hope is that somewhere on your list is a sustaining friendship with Jesus. My most powerful introduction to Our Lord came at a young age through others who joyfully gave glory to God by their good deeds.

You may know that I am a convert to Catholicism. It was through the sisters and priests serving Chicago’s St. Carthage Grammar School that I was introduced to the faith and to Jesus, who became then, and remains now, my most intimate friend. Their witness was so powerful that after only a few weeks in the sixth grade, I was desperate to become a priest!

All around the Archdiocese of Atlanta I see you joining in this same mission to bring others to Christ through your service. The joy that comes from sharing your talents and resources in this way is hard to contain and naturally leads to praise for our God. It is appropriate, then, that the 2012 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is entitled, “Do Everything for the Glory of God!”

Please join me again this year in supporting the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal so that the many ministries operating in central and north Georgia may continue to bring knowledge and practice of the faith as well as provide material relief, counsel, hope and joy to our community and beyond.

In light of your continuous generosity to this archdiocese and on behalf of those who serve in the ministries supported by the Appeal, may I echo St. Paul’s words to the Thessalonians: ‘How can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel before our God on your account?’ (1Thessalonians 9)

May Christ bless you abundantly with peace and joy!

Sincerely in Christ,

Wilton D. Gregory
Archbishop of Atlanta