This weekend we will discuss the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal for 2021 at our Masses. The theme of the Appeal is “Our Joyful Return to the Lord” (Isaiah 51:11). At this time, Catholics are invited to make a significant pledge so that we can meet the spiritual, educational, and temporal needs of our parishes and our people.
A substantial portion of our contributions to the Appeal continue to provide funds that go directly to the training and support of future happy, holy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow. As you may know, Fr. Tri Nguyen, who served the people of Saint Brigid so well for many years, is now the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Our contributions assist Fr. Tri as he guides our seminarians in their training and formation. Currently our parishioner, Deacon Robbie Cotta, is in the Vocations program for the Archdiocese. He anticipates being ordained a priest this June.
Our contributions are also used for the training and formation of permanent deacons. Parishioners Geza Gereben and Joseph Young continue in the diaconate formation program. As you can see, our support of the Annual Appeal is clearly bearing fruit. Through your generosity and your prayers, Saint Brigid benefits directly from the Appeal.
In addition, the Appeal supports Catholic Charities which strives to assist those in need. A special emphasis is placed this year on those in need due primarily to the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus. Catholic Charities also continues to make an exerted effort to help homeless military veterans in the Atlanta area and in other local communities to stabilize their lives through housing and employment assistance. The Appeal also supports priest retirement programs as well as other Archdiocesan pastoral outreach, education, and formation programs that serve our Parish as well as our larger Church community.
May Our Lord continue to bless you for all you do to enhance the spiritual vitality of our faith community.