This is Pledge Weekend
Unite Catholic Appeal – United in the Eucharist
Archdiocesan Campaign
Our annual appeal for the ministries of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis that extend beyond our particular parish is an opportunity both to participate in our universal call as Catholic Christians and to be in Communion with our sisters and brothers beyond our sanctuary walls. Both are expression of our universal family.
The UCA supports three main areas of ministry, categorized as Teaching, Shepherding, Serving.
An essential component of our Christian lives is to fulfill Christ’s command to us through the Apostles to “teach others to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:20). We have been given the gift of intellect, the ability to know and to learn. We can embrace the Truth in our minds, so it can settle into our hearts and seep out through our hands. As the Ethiopian Eunuch responded to Deacon Philip’s question in the first days of the Church, “Do you understand what you are reading? … How can I, unless someone instructs me?” (Acts 8:30-31). Indeed. The world largely remains in darkness of ignorance & sin because we the Church have not yet taught them the Truth of Christ. While the UCA will not solve that lacking entirely, it does support the Teaching ministry of the Church through the Archdiocese.
Along similar lines, how will one find their way to the Lord without the help of faithful, friendly shepherds and guides? The UCA provides direct support to shaping future pastors (which means ‘shepherd’) in seminary. ArchIndy is currently blessed with 29 men in formation. 13 of those men are a Bishop Brute Seminary utilizing Marian University in Indianapolis. 16 men are in Major Seminary using Saint Meinrad (15) and St Mary’s in Cincinnati (1). Your UCA support allows these men to listen to and follow after Christ’s call to potential priesthood in His Church for His people – you! And to do so, without the obstacle of financial constraint and concern. It is a tremendous gift, you give to your future pastors to discern in a space of freedom and peace. The UCA also assists our senior clergy who are retired by providing for some of their needs. Such men have served – and in most cases – continue to serve the People of God in Sacraments & prayer, even after having laid down the mantle of active pastoring.
Just as our retired pastors served us, they also encouraged and directed us to serve. The UCA assists in numerous services of charity to the poor, women & children, migrants & refugees and others through the many ministries & outreach of our Catholic Charities locations.
Walk with One
- Identify someone in a spirit of humility.
- Intercede for that person in Communion with the Holy Spirit
- Interact with that person in Eucharistic Friendship.
- Invite this person on a path suitable to them.
Nothing Less than saints for the Holy Family of God.
Holy Family, Together in Union & Communion, Pray for us.
~ Fr Jeremy M. Gries