Now serving a second year as Chairs of the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, our family is honored and pleased by this invitation. It is a reminder of just how important the Church is in our lives.

The Church has been there for us, every step of the way, meeting our social, faith and family needs. The more we learn about the Catholic Stewardship Appeal, the more surprised we are to discover that it is behind virtually all of the programs and services we have relied on, both as a couple and as a family. In quiet and unseen ways, the Appeal supports the ministries that keep our Catholic faith and family vital.

The breadth of the Appeal is truly amazing. It is funding programs that have an impact on college campuses, in hospital and hospice rooms, at home, in parishes and schools, at day care and other social service facilities, in prisons and elsewhere. Chances are that an Appeal-supported ministry has touched your life in a positive way.

Early in our marriage we were greatly influenced by a homily we heard at Mass. It emphasized that we can't stand by and wait for "them" to act. We have to take responsibility and be the church ourselves. For us, the Catholic Stewardship Appeal is the way to expand the reach and effect of our personal stewardship.

If you participated in the Appeal last year, we ask that you renew, or increase, your contribution. If you have not been a part of the Appeal recently, we encourage you to return. Please give the Church a new look, a new chance. A contribution, even a small one, will enable you to make a difference. And you can have great confidence that your gift will be used wisely.

Please join us in giving to the 2008 Catholic Stewardship Appeal as an expression of gratitude for God's blessings. Thank you for giving the Appeal your faithful consideration!