Dear Friend in Christ,
Prayer is one of the most powerful spiritual gifts with which we have been blessed. We can pray by ourselves or together. We can pray anywhere, at any time. We can pray in the confidence that our Heavenly Father knows our needs before we ask.
In lifting up the power of prayer as the theme for this year's Catholic Stewardship Appeal, we are inspired to see how the ministries supported by the Appeal fulfill the petitions of the Lord's Prayer. They hallow God's name by enhancing worship in our parishes; they give daily bread at a neighborhood food pantry; they bring about God's kingdom by drawing young people to the Church as future priests, deacons and lay ministers; they strengthen marriages by encouraging forgiveness; they rescue people in distress with critical social services; they build up the kingdom by forming Church leaders.
The representative stories highlighted this year demonstrate how Appeal-funded ministries help do God's will. They answer prayers. You, too, answer prayers when you contribute to the Appeal and make these ministries possible.
As we all struggle to recover from the prolonged impact of the recession, your gift is more appreciated than ever. Please give as generously as you can. Thank you for your prayerful and faithful response.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
