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2008 Annual Diocesan Appeal -
"Proclaim Jesus"

"Being a steward requires a conversion from a life focused on acquiring the goods of the world for ourselves to a life dedicated to using the gifts with which God has blessed us to build the Kingdow of God."

Bishop Bernard J. Harrington

Dear Friend in Christ,

“The premiere diocese in Minnesota.” Before he left to become Bishop of Crookston, that is how Father Michael Hoeppner described the Diocese of Winona. He may have a different opinion now as Bishop of Crookston, but I think his original thought is accurate.

This is, indeed, a great diocese. As I travel across southern Minnesota, I am impressed by the deep and passionate commitment of Catholics to our faith and especially to preaching the Gospel by word and example So many people are.-eagerly proclaiming Jesus to their neighbors. Perhaps most exciting, I have seen enthusiasm about the future of our diocese and of our parishes. I have seen the results of dedication and of hard work on the part of so many.

Very little of this greatness would be possible without the support that the faithful of the diocese have given to the Annual Diocesan Appeal. In 2007, nearly 11,000 families and households committed more than $1.6 million to the Appeal. Every year, I use your generous gifts to operate the diocesan offices and to provide support and assistance to parishes. In addition, every year more than $200,000 is returned to parishes that have met their goal for use on parish projects. Your gift to the Appeal supports both your parish and my ministry as your bishop.

In past years, I have written about the use of Appeal funds to help train men for service as priests and deacons and both men and women for service as lay ministers. I continue to use a significant proportion of the Appeal revenues for vocations, and this investment of your gifts has borne much fruit in the form of ordinations to the priesthood and the diaconate and the installation of lay ministers.

This year, I wish to emphasize another aspect of the Appeal- programs for our young people. I am impressed by the faith of our teens, but I also am fearful because their faith is under attack from so many of the temptations of the world. The diocese must and does assist parishes in providing strong youth ministry programs, and offer special opportunities for our youth to learn and to practice their faith. Annual Diocesan Appeal funds are used to support these programs.

Your generosity in past years has enabled the Diocese of Winona to become the "premiere" diocese in our state. Again in 2008, I ask you to consider your blessings from the Lord and to share the Lord's goodness with the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Please support our priests, deacons, lay ministers and volunteers by your prayers and your financial generosity. For all that you have done to assist me in my ministry, I am most grateful.

Sincerely yours in Christ,