A Message from Bishop Barres - March 2010

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our Bishop's Annual Appeal website. As your new Bishop, I have been inspired by the Holiness and Mission that is present in every corner of our Diocese of Allentown. One of the high points of the past eight months for me has been celebrating the Eucharist at Mass with thousands of our parishioners at their parishes, schools and other extraordinary celebrations and gatherings around the Diocese.

This is my first Appeal as your Bishop and I begin it with a sense of awe and wonder at the incredible history of generosity that is synonymous with this Appeal. I have witnessed first hand that your annual sacrifice to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal has made it possible for agencies like our own Catholic Charities to feed the needy, provide financial assistance to those suffering and to offer counseling and support for families and senior citizens.

It has been my honor to speak with the clients at the Ecumenical Soup Kitchen in Allentown, to visit our Special Education Programs, to meet thousands of young people at CYO events and at our Catholic Schools, and this month I will award scholarships to students in every county through the Bishop’s Scholar Society Awards. Your gift, joined with thousands of others around our Diocese makes all of this (and more) possible.

I am saddened to report that the effects of this economy can still be found in every county of our Diocese. Many of you have become victims of the worst recession in our lifetime. To you who require assistance, I encourage you to contact your local Catholic Charities office to discuss your needs. For those who by the grace of God have been blessed with what you need, I ask you to once again consider your gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal.

As you visit this website, please take note that we have expanded our recognition societies and some of the benefits to our Appeal donors. I invite you to take the opportunity to view our video or to make your gift online.

I am very grateful to you for your continued generosity and support of both your parish and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal. Thank you again for all that you do and please know that I keep you and your families in my daily prayers.

Sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend John O. Barres, D.D.
Bishop of Allentown