Bishop's Annual Appeal 2021
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Shining Christ's Light: Together as One Family in Faith
"We can draw others to Jesus by the ways we live our lives as people of vibrant faith, who love God and love our neighbor, especially those most in need."
~ Bishop Paul J. Bradley,
"From Darkness to Light: Hope for a New Pentecost"
The pandemic has presented many challenges, heartache and fear. However, even in the face of uncertainty, the Church is always present, Shining Christ's Light.
And, Together as One Family in Faith, we will continue to serve and care for one another.This year's focus are on the following areas:
1. Fostering Priestly VocationsOur seminarians have been hard at work, continuing their studies remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Former seminarian, now priest, Father David Pinto, was ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 2020 and, God willing, seminarian Jacob Thomas will be ordained to the Transitional Diaconate May 2021.
Gifts to the appeal support the education and formation expenses of all our diocesan seminarians allowing them to focus on their journey to becoming the future priests of our diocese. Each gift helps support our future priests who, in turn, provide a lifetime of
pastoral and sacramental care.2. Accompanying Families Toward HolinessOur diocesan ministry offices provide engaging, inspirational and disciple-making resources to assist families at all stages. As COVID-19 restrictions impacted religious education, the office of Parish Life and Lay Leadership created a free comprehensive
online Religious Education program, "The Way" available
in both English and Spanish.
The Office of Catholic Schools continued its arduous behind-the-scenes work supporting the
21 Catholic schools in the diocese. Additionally, the diocesan staff provides valuable professional development opportunities
throughout the year for close to 300 teachers and catechists, such as the "Theology of the Body" series.
3. Activating Missionary DisciplesAs Catholics, it is our baptismal call to be missionary disciples and spread the Good News in love. The diocese provides tools to assist the Faithful with this call. These include the Institute of Missionary Discipleship (IMD) which offers free online formation classes, both custom and through a partnership with Franciscan University; and the San Agustin Institute, the threeyear faith formation of our Hispanic/Latino lay leaders.
We also support the life-giving work of those on-the-ground ministering to our most vulnerable sisters and brothers.Monies from the Appeal also support the inspirtional work of Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo and the Catholic Community Center.
Your generous gift to the Bishop's Annual Appeal secures the sacramental life of the Church; assists in the faith formation of our families; and brings life-saving hope and resources to those in need throughout our diocese and beyond.
If you have any questions please contact the Bishop's Annual Appeal office at 269.903.0187 or jmattheis@diokzoo.org.
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St Ambrose Status
St. Ambrose's goals are $60,947 and 100% participation. With your gifts we can achieve them both. Consider increasing your last year’s gift by a percentage or specific dollar amount in order to meet increased needs in our diocese and beyond.
No gift is too small or too large, and every gift makes the work of Jesus Christ possible.St Ambrose's progress as of July 7, 2021
Description Goal Current Status (%) No. Families Pledged 400 175 44% Amount Pledged $60,947 $63,908 105% Amount Received $60,947 $42,213 69% Thank you to the 175 families who made a pledge to the Bishop’s
Annual Appeal.
We have met our pledge goal but it is also desired to meet our participation goal. Don't miss out!! Remeber any money paid over the goal is returned to the parish.
If you have not yet made your pledge, please prayerfully consider doing so and respond next week. Your support of our diocesan educational, pastoral and religious programs will make a real difference in the lives of parishioners and communities throughout Southwest Michigan and beyond.
You may place your Bishop’s Annual Appeal pledge card or in-pew pledge envelope in the collection basket, bring it or mail it to the parish office.
Thank You
God is good.
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