Spring 2008

Dear Parishioners,

Several weeks ago, Bishop Lori wrote to you with a request to prayerfully consider a gift to the 2008 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop's Appeal which supports critical ministries for our parishes, schools and those in need. I am deeply appreciative to the parishioners of Saint Joseph for their charitable support to the 2008 Appeal.

Through your generosity, many good things are happening in our Diocese including:

• Catholic Charities has fed record numbers of working poor, elderly and homeless and provided supportive-housing options.
• Parish Life and Ministries impacts our ability to offer religious education, youth ministry, pre-marital instruction, and on-going evangelization.
• Nine of our Catholic Schools have qualified for Blue Ribbon status, representing the top 10% of schools in the nation.
• We continue to nurture vocations. There are 20 men currently in formation.
• These are just a few examples of the impact of your generosity to the 2008 Appeal.

This year, our parish has the opportunity to receive as much as 50% of the funds raised above our parish goal. Our parish target is $125,000. In this way, Bishop Lori recognizes that our parishes are the heart of the Diocese. We will receive 40% of the funds raised over our parish goal and another 10% if we are able to increase our rate of participation. These funds will be used to address capital repairs and parish improvements of our parish.

I invite you to support the 2008 Living Our Faith Annual Bishop's Appeal. It makes the difference in the lives of so many.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
Reverend Michael F. Dogali
Pastor