A Message From Archbishop John C. Nienstedt
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
"We are one body." This simple yet profound statement, taken from the teachings of Saint Paul, the Patron of our Archdiocese, captures the theme of our appeal.
As one body, we are called to work together in unity and charity, to support one another in faith, and to bring the light of hope to those in need.
This year, the first year of my episcopal service among you, marks a new beginning. It is also a jubilee year dedicated to Saint Paul. For this reason, we chose for our annual appeal a theme taken from the writings of the great Apostle: "We are one body in Christ."
We are about to engage in a spiritual exercise that is familiar to many of you, but with a new sense of purpose and, hopefully, a new energy and enthusiasm.
This new beginning is also expressed by a new name: Catholic Services Appeal. By means of this new name, our appeal team and I want to make more clear what this annual appeal (formerly the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal) is really all about. It is about service! It is about our service to others in the name of Christ and in the name of the Catholic Church.
We are not Catholic because we strive to serve others. We serve others because we are Catholic, because we are the Body of Christ in today’s world. Just as Christ laid down his life for us – "This is my Body, which will be given up for you" – so too the Church, the Body of Christ, is a body which is meant to be "given" for the sake of others.
In this sincere and generous giving of ourselves, without counting the cost, we discover our true identity, and our deepest unity. The bond of charity is strengthened among us, as we see the hope of many people renewed. When we give of ourselves, we become more clearly and completely "one body in Christ."
Please participate in the 2009 annual appeal, the first Catholic Services Appeal in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. What better way to celebrate a year dedicated to the great patron of our local Church, Saint Paul, than by affirming our full belonging to the Body of Christ, given for the sake of others!
With every blessing and good wish, I remain,
Cordially yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend John C. Nienstedt
Archbishop of Saint Paul and Minneapolis
Catholic Services Appeal video
Catholic Schools are committed to integrating faith and values into every classroom and every activity. They cultivate character development and promote academic excellence.
The Vocation Office works diligently to make our Archdiocese the land of 10,000 vocations. In order to make that a reality, the staff educates young people on what distinguishes a vocation from a career or job.
Father Greg Schaffer not only teaches the faith and administers the sacraments, he has involved many in building a parish center and clinic to provide healthcare services and hope where there is none.
Providing training and formation for college seminarians and candidates for ordination
to the priesthood, the Catholic Services Appeal funds the room, board, and tuition for more than 60 seminarians from our archdiocese.