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2009 Archbishop's Annual Appeal

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Without a doubt these are challenging times both in our world and for our Church.  Financial uncertainty is very evident as we read the newspapers, watch the evening news, search the Internet and experience the shrinking value of our dollar.  However, it is a moment like this when the good work of the Church needs your support more than ever.
 
 “You are the Light of the World” is the theme of the 2009 Archbishop's Annual Appeal.  This theme is taken from the 5th chapter of the Gospel of St. Matthew in which Jesus tells the first disciples that they must let their light shine so that others, seeing that light, will be led to the Lord.   
 
Jesus tells us how to let our light shine before people, that is, by doing good works that bring glory to our Father in heaven by revealing His love. This is what causes us to shine. The more people that we bring His light to, the brighter we will shine. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3) The stars in the night sky declare the glory of the Lord, so too God’s people radiate with the glory of God in a dark world. God has strategically placed each star in the heavens and God has strategically placed you on the earth to bring light to your environment.

The Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is the primary fundraising effort for the ministries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.   By far the greatest amount of this Appeal goes to subsidize the Vocations program and to help us reach out to our brothers and sisters in Christ through Catholic Charities of Atlanta.  At this time we are blessed to have over 50 men studying to become priests.  Thanks be to God!  However, the cost to educate these men is enormous!

If you have contributed to the Annual Appeal in the past, I am deeply grateful and ask that you please consider sharing a sacrificial gift again this year.  While making your decision please keep in mind that your parish can also receive gifts from the Appeal – because every dollar your parish goes over its Archbishop’s Annual Appeal goal is returned to the parish for local needs. If you have never given to the Annual Appeal, I ask that you please take a step in faith and pray about sharing a gift this year.  Please remember that God is never outdone in generosity. 

How will the world enjoy Christ’s light if we are not its witnesses in and to the world? His light today comes through our witness…your witness.

Please take a moment to [explore the Archbishop's Annual Appeal pages online] and read a more detailed account of where and how your Annual Appeal gift is used. Your gift will be most gratefully received, and will be wisely and efficiently used to further the mission of the Church in north and central Georgia.

Sincerely in Christ,

Wilton D. Gregory
Archbishop of Atlanta

P.S.  Please make your prayerful decision to support the 2009 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal without delay.  The ministries of the Archdiocese of Atlanta depend on your kind generosity.