Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As I reflect on last year, 2023 has proven to be a bustling period for our Diocese. Our endeavors include the ongoing United in Faith Capital Campaign, the return of the Annual Catholic Appeal, and the initiation of our Strategic Pastoral Planning. I extend my heartfelt thanks for your unwavering support in these initiatives. We can do small things together to create big results, and you have proven this to be true.
Your participation in our Strategic Pastoral Planning Listening Sessions survey was a necessary step and exemplifies the collaborative spirit of our Faith community in West Tennessee. This collective effort paves the way for the future, underscoring our shared responsibility to the Church and guiding us to achieve what is possible for God’s Kingdom here on earth. We have heard from you and have identified our priorities for our Diocese.
I am excited to share that we have established a new Annual Catholic Appeal Committee comprised of several of your Pastors and members of the Chancery. Their collective expertise and passion for our Faith will guide us in making the Annual Catholic Appeal more impactful and successful than ever before.
To ensure that our efforts are in harmony with the needs and aspirations of the faithful here in West Tennessee, we conducted a parish leaders survey specifically focusing on the Annual Catholic Appeal. The feedback from your Pastors, Priests, Deacons, and parish office personnel is invaluable. This will direct the Annual Catholic Appeal committee to strive to be more transparent with our petition to you and encourage us to find financially responsible means to manage the campaign. This also makes us better stewards of your gifts to the Diocese and tailors the Appeal to better meet the needs of our growing community.
Your contribution to the Annual Catholic Appeal is an act of sanctity and service that empowers our Diocese to fulfill its mission. We believe that when God’s love fills the hearts of His holy people remarkable things will happen. This New Year, let us unite in continuing to take small steps with great love, knowing that collectively, we can achieve what might seem impossible.
In the coming months, you will hear from your Pastor and through video, about the importance of contributing to the 2024 Annual Catholic Appeal. Thank you for your ongoing commitment and dedication to this important cause. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of many in our Diocese, exemplifying the transformative power of service performed with love. May the peace of Christ be with you all. I am yours
In the light and love of the Lord,
Most Reverend David P. Talley, M.S.W., J.C.D.
Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Memphis
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