My Dear Friends in Christ, Peace and all good things!
In the Holy Eucharist, the heart of Christ is poured out for us in the greatest act of love that this world has ever known. In His Presence is where we all find joy and peace, as well as comfort and consolation. As His disciples, nourished by the Lord in the Eucharist and fortified by the sacraments, we are called to be his witnesses in the world, to spread His love everywhere we go.
As one of the fastest-growing dioceses in the country, each day we have a greater number of brothers and sisters in our communities in need of Christ’s hope and healing. Each year, your generosity to the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal allows our local church to continue carrying out Christ’s mission.
Beyond what an individual parish can provide, the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal is the main funding source for all the ministerial, outreach, education, formation and discipleship work in the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Just as Christ gives Himself to us in the Eucharist, by your sacrificial giving to serve our brothers and sisters, you become Eucharist for others, making His love present throughout north and central Georgia.
I invite you to visit archatl.com/appeal to see this year’s spotlight stories that witness how we accompany students, form our seminarians, serve the vulnerable and care for creation and each other, In His Presence, through the vital ministries and services funded through the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal.
Please prayerfully consider how you can continue Christ’s work and spread His love through your financial gifts to this year’s appeal and your intentional prayers. In His Presence, all things are made new.
Together, we make Christ present so that our families, parishes and communities may be transformed in Him.
My own spiritual father, St. Francis of Assisi, once said: “Preach the Gospel, and when necessary, use words!” I want to thank you, my dear friends, for your generosity and for the many ways in which you preach the Gospel each day by your lives of love and sacrifice.
With prayerful best wishes, I am
Sincerely yours in Christ,
†Archbishop Gregory J. Hartmayer, OFM Conv
Archbishop of Atlanta