Portland Archbishop: Teach, Bless, Serve

“Teach, Bless, Serve” – The 2012 Archbishop’s Appeal
By Portland Archdiocese

The 2012 Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal has chosen the theme “Teach, Bless, Serve.” The theme reflects the mission of the Church in western Oregon. The Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal provides support for more than 25 areas of ministry in the Archdiocese of Portland. As Archbishop John G. Vlazny notes “our work can only be accomplished when all of us in the Archdiocese pool our resources and work together.” The financial goal for this year’s Appeal is $3,640,000. It is hoped that all parishioner households in the Archdiocese will provide a pledge to support these many valued ministries.

For 2012, the Archdiocese has chosen Blessed John Paul II as a special patron for this appeal. In announcing the appeal, Archbishop Vlazny recalled the encyclical letter of Blessed John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio (Mission of the Redeemer). Archbishop Vlazny pointed out that this encyclical showed the importance our participation in the mission of the Church, “As we enter into mission, we are participating in the mission of the Redeemer of the World.”

Many of the ministries supported by the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal are ministries that are shared throughout the Archdiocese. They are often ministries that would be difficult, or impossible, for a parish to provide on its own. Among the various ministries supported by the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal is the Office for People with Disabilities. This ministry assists parishes in accommodating the needs of parishioners with disabilities to enable their full participation in the life of the Church. The office offers training and consultation in ways to create an inclusive worshipping community. It also provides pastoral support and advocacy for individuals with disabilities and their families.

Many of the ministries supported by the appeal involve training future and current parish ministers: seminary education, training for the permanent diaconate, lay ministry formation, vocations office, and continuing education for priests. Other ministries include ministry to the Deaf, the Office for People with Disabilities, youth ministry, Hispanic ministries and ministries to other ethnic Catholics in western Oregon.

Various educational ministries are supported by the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal including tuition assistance grants for elementary and secondary Catholic School families, Campus Ministry, and religious education. Outreach in support of evangelization, family life grants, pro-life activities, justice and peace, and prison ministry are all dependent upon the Catholic Appeal.

On the announcement weekend of February 4 – 5, parish Pastors will help parishioners become aware of the upcoming Appeal, and give them an opportunity to prayerfully consider their pledge this year. The weekend of February 11 -12 is the time for parishioners to make their pledge of commitment for this year’s appeal.

The ministries supported by the Archbishop’s Catholic Appeal are vital to the mission of the Catholic Church in western Oregon. Parishioners are asked to be generous in their support.


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