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2008 Catholic Faith Appeal

My Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:

May the Lord’s peace be with each and every one of you!

By this letter I am pleased to launch the 2008 Catholic Faith Appeal for the Diocese of Venice. The theme of the appeal focuses on giving with joyful gratitude. In his second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving fills our hearts with joy at the opportunity to give back to God from the gifts we have received from Him.

As I travel throughout the Diocese of Venice, I see so many good people giving unselfishly of their time, talent and treasure; they are practicing stewardship. They do this by tutoring children, collecting groceries for food pantries, teaching religious education classes, working in their parish, assisting young mothers, advocating for the poor and homeless; the list is indeed long. These are not necessarily people offering up a sacrifice, but rather disciples grateful for the opportunity to give something back to God according to their ability.

I am indeed grateful for the generosity shown by so many of you toward those in need and toward the work of the Diocese. This is done, I am certain, with a spirit of love for God and neighbor and it enables the Diocese to continue its spiritual and corporal outreach.

Your gift to the Catholic Faith Appeal financially supports the work of all the “joyful givers” throughout the Diocese of Venice. You join in discipleship with them. The Gospel of St. Luke says, “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Therefore, let us be givers in a spirit of cheerfulness and love.

I thank you for all that you do for the Church in the Diocese of Venice by your generous giving. May your kindness bring you the delight and great happiness that only the Lord can provide!

Sincerely in Christ,

+ Frank J. Dewane
Bishop of Venice in Florida