Dear Friends in Christ,
How do we give thanks to the Lord for the abundance we receive through Christ? 
As we make our way through life, we can express our daily gratitude for Christ’s enduring presence and guidance. God so loved us that He sent his only Son to show us how to live and to die that we might have salvation.
The Annual Catholic Appeal, with its theme, “As I have done for you, you should also do”, is taken from the Gospel of St. John when he recounts Jesus washing the feet of His disciples. It is through this role of servant that Jesus gives us a model to follow. But following Christ is not an easy task because it means that we must put all others before ourselves. One way in which we live our praise of the Lord is by our actions, and by sharing our abundance with those who have less.
The Annual Catholic Appeal offers us the opportunity to reach out to people in our community in need of help. Through your support, the diocese provides thousands of meals each year to the hungry; shelter to the homeless; care to the aged, the handicapped, the addicted, and the emotionally afflicted. It offers religious instruction to eager minds, sponsors wholesome activities for our youth, prepares couples for marriage, welcomes the newly arrived on our shores, promotes protection of the unborn and human rights, makes chaplains available in hospitals, nursing homes, and prisons, and enables ordained deacons to assist the priest in their service to God’s people. None of this would be possible without your support.
With confidence in your spirit of love and charity, once again I ask you to respond generously to the Annual Catholic Appeal. As believers and followers of Our Lord, let us realize the true meaning of serving the least among us.
May God reward you abundantly for your goodness to all who ask for help in His name. May those whom you assist recognize Him through all that you provide.
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly
Bishop of Wilmington