for the glory of God.

Transcription

1 for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10: DIOCESE OF ORLANDO

2 whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In the scripture above, St. Paul was speaking to the people of Corinth, encouraging them to continue their focus as God s faithful people. As I have met you in visits across our diocese, I encounter the strength of your faith, and I am grateful to see you strive to do everything for the glory of God. In this Year of Consecrated Life, I also join you in celebrating those who have chosen a consecrated life: religious women, priests and brothers, who are true examples of doing everything for the glory of God. I am thankful for their service in the Diocese of Orlando. I am equally thankful for your support of Our Catholic Appeal, which provides necessary resources for the ministries in which they and others serve. Each year I come to you to request a gift for Our Catholic Appeal, the sole source of funding for 28 ministries that benefit every parish, mission and school in our diocese. From training those who enkindle a deeper faith in our hearts to providing God s healing mercy to those in need, your gift is essential to bring about the glory of God on earth. Let us ponder the importance of our faith as we consider our own gifts to Our Catholic Appeal, for our ministries, our people, our future; a gift from our heart and based on love. May our response be one which will bring people to us from everywhere, for the glory of God. Sincerely yours in Christ, 1 Corinthians 10:31 our mission and vision In Matthew s Gospel, Chapter 5, Jesus concludes the Beatitudes by telling his disciples: You are the light of the world. Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify our heavenly Father. We are called to teach and live the Light of Christ toward Goodness, Righteousness and Truth. We respond to this call by enkindling a deeper faith in the hearts and minds of our brothers and sisters; forming leaders in Christ; and harmonizing ministries to the mission of the Catholic Church. Most Rev. John Noonan Bishop of Orlando

3 working together for the glory of God More than 2,600 young people learn to listen for God s call through FOCUS 11 and other discernment opportunities. 100,000 people are made whole with food, medical care, and spiritual comfort through the ministries of Catholic Charities of Central Florida. THIRTY-FIVE men of the Diocese of Orlando are in formation for the priesthood, one of the largest groups in our history. Nearly 54,000 young people participate in a faith formation opportunity through our parishes and schools and enrollment is increasing! 19,000 people find opportunities for spiritual renewal, self-improvement and Christian fellowship through Hope Community Center, Catholic Campus Ministry, and San Pedro Retreat Center.

4 enkindling faith you are supporting the faith of future generations. ENKINDLING FAITH In a room full of energetic seventh graders, Dominican Sister of Adrian, Michigan, Rosemary Finnegan brings to life the teachings of the Catholic Church. As a member of the Dominican order, she knows the importance of education in spreading the Catholic faith. As a religion teacher at St. Margaret Mary Catholic School, Winter Park, she sees her students live what they ve learned every day. The value of Catholic education is that values are instilled from an early age, said Sister Rosemary. We are committed to not only the academic life of the child but also their moral, spiritual, and overall growth. Gifts made to Our Catholic Appeal ensure that Catholic education and formation are available to as many children as possible. Funds raised contribute to tuition assistance and scholarships, as well as professional development training for teachers in both the schools and parish faith formation programs. Operating costs, accreditation, strategic planning, and technology enhancements are also supported by Our Catholic Appeal, allowing our children to receive a quality education in a faith filled environment. When you support Our Catholic Appeal, you are supporting the faith of future generations. You are contributing to a legacy, added Sister Rosemary.

5 forming leaders FORMING LEADERS The best part is to see a young man go into a parish and to hear from his parishioners how much they love him. To see his gifts being received so well that is the greatest joy, she said. In her eight years with the Diocese of Orlando Vocations Office, Sister of St. Joseph of St. Augustine Kathleen Power has helped eighty-seven seminarians on their journey to the priesthood and now has the privilege of seeing eight of those men currently serve the people of God as priests in Central Florida. As the Assistant Director of Vocations, Sister Kathleen guides our seminarians every step of the way from their initial discernment to the day of their ordination. She is a witness to their love and joy for Jesus Christ and the people of God. Arriving at that point is a nine year process for young men and includes intense discernment, prayer, education, and spiritual growth guided by the Vocations Office staff and two regional seminaries. Tuition assistance available through gifts to Our Catholic Appeal makes this time of formation possible. It is only when the Catholic people are able to support these young men financially and spiritually with prayer that they can become our priests and we need them as our priests, Sister Kathleen added. The best part is to see a young man go into a parish and to hear from his parishioners how much they love him.

6 harmonizing ministries HARMONIZING MINISTRIES In the midst of the fast-paced Orlando International Airport, La Salette Missionary Father Robert Susann provides a moment of peace and blesses a family from Puerto Rico before their departure. In the bustling airport he has only a short time with the travelers he meets each day, but as the only airport chaplain for the past eleven years, Father Susann knows the value of a moment. Airport ministry is a ministry of presence. all faiths who are traveling for a variety of reasons and with wideranging emotions. In addition to celebrating two Sunday Masses in the airport chapel, he daily offers prayers, blessings, the Sacrament of Penance, a kind smile, and calming words. Christ welcomed everyone. It s an important ministry for the Church because the Church goes where the people are. The Church is made to bring Christ, he added. Airport ministry is a ministry of presence, he explained. I bring Christ to the people whether it s 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or just 15 seconds. People see the collar and know that Christ is with them. Part of the tourism ministry of the diocese and supported by Our Catholic Appeal, the airport ministry brings the Good News of Jesus Christ to Central Florida s visitors. Walking through the terminals that see 38 million people each year, Father Susann shares Christ s peace with people of

7 giving for the glory of God Corpus Christi Society represents those faithful of the Diocese of Orlando who have generously contributed $10,000 or more to Our Catholic Appeal Anonymous (3) *Mr. Joseph Amrhein, Sr. Selim & Huguette Ayoub Timothy & Anita Behler Albert & Mary Bergeron Joe & Carol Bert Michael & Melissa Bianculli James & Catherine Bonenberger Kevin & Jennie Bowler Harry & Sharon Brandt Mrs. Elizabeth Bridges Michael & Jet Broom Patrick & Beth Brown Ken & Mary Pat Burke Gary & Julie M. Burkey Mr. Andrew P. Caneza Larry & CeCe Carroll Mr. Nicholas Degel David & Lynda Dennis William Dingman & Debra Wert Jim & Deborah Doyle Michael & Fredrika Erdman Ernest & Tina Euler Mr. Clarence P. Geis Mike & Pam Gilardi Mrs. Leida Haddock Andrew & Linda Hannigan Mrs. Helene A. Harmon Mr. Richard Harrington Mr. Andrew M. Healy Ron & Celeste Henkelman Jerry & Peggy Hilbrich Eric & Diane Holm Mr. & Mrs. Richard Irumudomon Mark & Roxane Jager Brian & Jennifer Jurbala Michael & Aimee Kakos Allan & Linda Keen Mark & Cindy Keenan Chip & Ann Landon Mrs. Bernadine Lanzano Richard & Frieda Licursi Ms. Annette Lommerse Ms. Frances Lommerse Ms. Virginia Lommerse Brian & Janet Lower Mrs. Frances J. Marino Harvey & Carol Massey James & Tara McCahill Dr. David Marcantel & Kelly McCarthy Mr. Charles McNulty John & Anita Mitchell Tom & Jeanne Moran John & Ultima Morgan Larry & Lisa Mullinax Mr. Thomas J. Myers Dr. Michael A. Nocero, Jr. Louis & Paulette Paradiso Johnny & Amy Pineyro Randy & Kathleen Poliner Kevin & April Powers Tom & Selby Prince Terry & Jeanne Quigley Pat & Louise Rainey Jose & Pearl Ramirez David & Janice Ramos Miss Catherine Roth Dwight & Lisa Saathoff Derrik & Susan Sandberg Peter & Teresa Schaefer Lee & Mariann Schmudde Mrs. Marilyn Sciortino Hanscy & Sandra Seide Richard & Dolores Shantz Todd & Lisa South Don & Joan Strube Donald & Peggy Strube Rick & Marlys Strube Stephen & Cindy Strube Thomas & Nona Strube Tim & Jen Strube Steven & Jill Thagard Tom & Cairn Ustler Keith & Donna Van Allen Jerry & Maria Vaxmonsky Stephen & Erin Wallace Ms. Barbara Weitekamp Roderick & Mary Whelan Tom Winters & Rebecca Moroose Frank & Nita Witt Steve & Lori Zepf Robert & Renda Zielke Victor & Jackie Zollo *May God grant eternal rest to Joseph Amrhein, Sr., a faithful friend of the Church. He is greatly missed. Lumen Christi Society Latin for Light of Christ, the Lumen Christi Society honors those Catholic friends who, through a gift of $2,500 or more to Our Catholic Appeal, enable our diocesan ministries to bear witness to the light that never dims. 573 individuals and families are members of the Lumen Christi Society. For a list of current Lumen Christi Society members, please see The Catholic Foundation of Central Florida s annual report at

8 Our Catholic Appeal allocation Our 2015 Goal: $13,500,000 Prayer for Our Catholic Appeal O Lord, we praise you for the many gifts you give us each day; from the moment we were a presence in our mother s womb to the grace-filled rise of the sun to the blessing of Sacrament to the night which ushers us rest. Help us to grow in our living faith. Guide us to serve as leaders to bring about holiness. Bring us to share ourselves selflessly in all things in a spirit of love of You. In the Eucharistic banquet, You give Yourself completely and entirely to us. We give you our return, O Lord, with gratitude knowing there is no measure to the gift of the Cross which brings us resurrection. 26% Catholic Education & Evangelization Catholic Schools, Faith Formation, Campus Ministry, San Pedro Center, Communications, Buena Nueva FM, Tourism Ministry, Family Life 26% Clergy & Consecrated Life Vocations, Seminarian Education, Clergy Formation, Permanent Diaconate, Bishop s Office, Liturgy, Liturgical Music 22% Parish Services & Administration Construction & Design, Finance Offices, Human Resources, IT, Parish Accounting, Archives, Tribunal 12% Stewardship & Development Parish Development Services, Fundraising 10% Human Life & Solidarity Advocacy & Justice, Bishop Grady Villas, Catholic Charities of Central Florida, Hope CommUnity Center, Mission Office/Sister Diocese 4% State & National Outreach Fees for United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Florida Catholic Conference

9 Scan here to make your gift PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY To make your gift online, please visit: Scan here to view the video twitter.com/cf_ocf