Supporting our Shepherd

As Deacon Paul and I mentioned at Masses last Sunday, the Bishop’s Annual Appeal is underway, as Bishop Burns seeks to raise $9 million to help fund several important ministries in our Diocese. I contribute each year to support the Bishop’s Appeal, and I humbly request that you consider supporting it as well. 

Nearly half of the funds raised by the Bishop’s Appeal goes to training future priests and deacons, as well as the ongoing formation of our active clergy and the support of our retired priests. This is an important investment and commitment for the life of our Church, which we must not neglect. 

Beyond this, the Bishop’s Appeal helps fund a number of important ministries. Jail & Prison Ministry brings the Gospel to the incarcerated. Hospital Chaplaincy helps ensure that the sick do not lack access to the sacraments and pastoral care. Youth & Young Adult outreach helps build up our young people in the Faith through events like DCYC and The 635, and through their presence on college campuses. All of these ministries are organized and funded at the diocesan level, and they need our support in order to continue and thrive. 

The Bishop’s Appeal also supports important training and ongoing formation at the parish level for lay ministers in areas like catechesis, homebound pastoral visitation, and mental health first aid. These are ways the Bishop’s Appeal directly benefits our parish, and it is important to recognize and support these efforts. 

Last year our parish nearly reached our goal of $66 thousand raised for the Bishop’s Appeal, with just over 10% of registered households contributing. While that is no small feat, I think a participation rate of 20% or more would speak volumes to our Bishop and his team about the vitality of our parish and our commitment to collaborate with him in the building up of God’s Kingdom. Any amount you are able to contribute will be much appreciated! 

Thanks to those who have pledged or contributed to the Bishop’s Appeal this year. If you haven’t already done so, you can find envelopes in the pews or the back of the church, or visit https://donate.dallasbishopsappeal.com/. When making a donation, please remember to mark your parish as St. Elizabeth of Hungary — there are two other St. Elizabeth parishes in this diocese, and we don’t want to get those confused. Thank you!