January 2008
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The 2008 Progress Annual Appealmarks the Silver Anniversaryof our diocesan-wide efforts to nurture the spiritual growth of our Catholic community. We are thankful for the lives we have been able to change as a result of your support for 25 years.
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The 25th Annual Progress Appeal is about caring for others throughout our Diocese. The Progress Appeal provides us with the financial resources to serve the immediate needs of our 17 ministries and expand our faith. Through your |
kindness and generosity, we are able to help our brothers and sisters not only in their greatest time of need but on their continued spiritual journey.
As we look forward to serving those in our diocese, we look back to the Old Testament and the question that Cain asked God in the Book of Genesis: Am I My Brother’s Keeper (Genesis 4:9). In this famous story about Cain and Abel, about generosity and envy, God calls us forth to shed our own vanity in order that we might care for our brothers and sisters. The question he posed is relevant today.
Are we responsible for those around us or for people we may never know during our time on earth?
Are we responsible for spreading the Word of God and for living our life the way Jesus intended us to?
Are we responsible for maintaining and nurturing the growth of our Catholic Church?
The answer to each of these questions as Christian stewards of God’s generous love, is yes. We can care for our brothers and sisters through our offerings to God. Abel gave from the heart. Cain gave reluctantly not fully realizing that his belongings had been provided to him by God.
Your gift to Progress will commemorate the 25th anniversary and support the wonderful works of 17 ministries that promote, prepare and support the clergy, implement education, formation, and worship for laity, and provide outreach, advocacy, and evangelization for the community.
I invite everyone to participate in the Progress Annual Appeal through a commitment to prayer and a gift to Progress. The Progress Annual Appeal is the one campaign that serves the needs of our people beyond the boundaries of any one parish. It is the work that Christ has entrusted to his Church.
Please join me in showing that we are Our Brother’s Keeper by making a generous and grateful pledge to the 2008 Progress Appeal today. Thank you for your prayerful consideration. May God bless you and your family.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend
Armando X. Ochoa, D.D.
Bishop of El Paso
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