The Bishop’s Appeal is the annual fund-raising campaign conducted by the Catholic Foundation to support the ministries and services of the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay to our parishes, schools, families and individuals.

Each family is asked to prayerfully consider how much they will pledge as our partners as the heart and hands of Jesus in service to others.

The 'homily' today is the audio message from Bishop David Ricken distributed by the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay. Scroll to the end of this post to watch the video that was produced for the 2013 appeal.

Message from the Bishop

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I would like to share with you my deep gratitude for your support of the Church. Your generosity has helped the Church reach out to those hurting in today’s world. In my travels across northeastern Wisconsin, I hear these struggles from our brothers and sisters. I also hear the many wonderful ways the Church cares for them during these tough times.

This help comes from thousands of people like you and me, who are Alive in Faith! You make a difference in the work of Jesus Christ through your support of the Bishop’s. For this I am so grateful.

Together, we are able to become the heart and hands of Jesus to people in need of mental health counseling, pregnancy counseling and many other critical services provided by the professional counselors at Catholic Charities. Your support also educates thousands of children yearning to learn about Jesus in parishes and Catholic schools.

Please prayerfully consider a pledge to the 2013 Bishop’s Appeal. Whatever you are able to give is greatly appreciated. Please know you hold a special place in my heart and a daily remembrance in my prayers.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Bishop David L. Ricken

Most Reverend David L. Ricken, DD, JCL Bishop of Green Bay

P.S. Please prayerfully consider a generous pledge to Bishop’s Appeal 2013. To make an online gift today, visit www.Catholicfoundationgb.org/give.