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Dear Friends,
When I was honored to be named the Bishop of the Diocese of Wilmington five years ago, I knew that the most urgent priority was to learn everything I could about the wonderful community of Catholics it was my privilege to both lead and serve.
In the course of traveling throughout Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, I have come to know that we have a healthy, robust and growing Catholic community. Although a blessing, our continued growth presents special challenges. By addressing these challenges with our priests and lay leaders throughout the diocese, we have developed a vision that when fulfilled, will help us meet the immediate and long-term spiritual and educational needs of our people.
Our vision is one that is far-reaching and complex. It is a hope-filled vision of a diocese where we not only share our blessings but just as importantly, where we assume responsibility for each other as well as ourselves. More than that, it is a vision that provides a legacy for future generations of Catholics just as those who have preceded us have left us a legacy that inspires us and enriches our faith.
To make our vision a reality, we have launched a diocesan capital stewardship campaign to raise at least $50 million to meet our most pressing needs. We are calling the campaign, Bringing the Vision to Life.
The money raised will mean different things to different parishes. In some cases, it will be used to satisfy necessary repairs on existing facilities. In others, the dollars raised will enable parishes to build new churches and religious education centers. Part of the proceeds of this capital stewardship campaign will be used to make a major investment in Catholic education through the construction of two interparochial elementary schools designed to serve the needs of families for Catholic education in the fastest growing areas of the diocese.
The key word is stewardship. By accepting our responsibility to ensure that the spiritual needs of all diocesan members are met, we are truly stewards of our faith. The legacy we share with future generations is the spiritual mission of the Church, a mission we have inherited from the faith-filled men and women who built the parishes, schools and institutions that are now such an important part of our local Church.
Please give this matter your prayerful and heartfelt consideration, and join me in supporting Bringing the Vision to Life. May God continue to pour out His blessings upon each of you and your loved ones.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Michael A. Saltarelli
Bishop of Wilmington
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