Dear Friends in Christ,
The 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal theme, “Seeing Christ in the Faces of Others,” is a reminder of both the proclamation in the Book of Genesis that we have been created in God’s image and also of the New Testament’s parable of Jesus that reminds us “whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40)
That verse from Matthew’s Gospel was a favorite of St. Teresa of Calcutta, who said, “I see Jesus in every human being.” And Pope Francis has said, “For in every one of our brothers and sisters, especially the least, the most vulnerable, the defenseless and those in need, God’s very image is found.”
The Diocese of Wilmington’s Annual Catholic Appeal presents us the opportunity to see the face of Christ in the vulnerable members of our community in Delaware and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Your support helps the Diocese conduct more than 30 ministries for those in need. Contributions to the Appeal help provide: food assistance for thousands of hungry, shelter for the homeless, programs for the addicted, religious education and activities for youth, counseling for those with emotional needs, care for the aged, services for immigrants to our country, basic needs, deacons’ ministry in parishes, marriage preparation courses, chaplains for hospitals, prison ministry and pro-life programs.
I am grateful for your generosity over the years in sustaining the outreach programs of the Diocese. Please do what you can for the least of our brothers and sisters by contributing to the Annual Catholic Appeal. I pray those who are helped by your contribution will see the face of Christ in your kindness.
Sincerely yours in Our Lord,
Most Reverend W. Francis Malooly
Bishop of Wilmington