In my many years as a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, and now as the principal shepherd of our local Church, I have always been impressed with the collective generosity the faithful of the Archdiocese of Detroit show each year to the Catholic Services Appeal, even in the face of challenging economic times. Your continued support is vital because the CSA does so much to ensure the Archdiocese of Detroit is able to provide the many ministries, programs and services that help us fulfill the mission Christ gives His Church.

This year's CSA theme, Sharing Christ in and through the Church, is especially fitting since our Catholic faith gives us the sure and certain hope that God, in His loving kindness, is always there to strengthen us to do His will. We truly are God's co-workers. Our theme applies to the very process of the CSA: through your generous gifts, we share the mission of Christ in the local Church by offering the valuable resources needed throughout the Archdiocese.

One and all depend on the Church for guidance and support, whether it be our children in the early stages of lifelong faith formation through a parish religious education program, adults embracing the Catholic faith through RCIA, a young man discerning his life's vocation, men and women deepening their faith through ever-expanding avenues of modern communication, or parishioners gaining understanding about Christian stewardship as a way of life. All of these ministries, and so many more, are made possible to countless people each year because of your generous gifts to the CSA.

Please know how much your gift to the Catholic Services Appeal truly means in the life of our local Church. I encourage you to remember all of the gifts God has given you out of His infinite love and reflect prayerfully on your pledge to this year's CSA. And when you make your contribution, please make it as a part of a greater and even more valuable gift: the gift of the prayers and penances you offer for Christ's work to be done in our midst. Together, we can carry out our mission of Sharing Christ in and through the Church.

†The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit