DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST,

As principal shepherd of our local Church, I am continually amazed by the countless ways the Holy Spirit works among the clergy, religious, and lay faithful in our Archdiocese. This is especially evident each year during the Catholic Services Appeal.

The outpouring of generous support of the CSA is impressive witness of Christian stewardship. It is truly awe-inspiring to see so many remember the gifts God has given you out of His infinite love when pledging to the CSA. More important, the outreach the Archdiocese is then able to provide to our community of faith through CSA-funded ministries, programs, and services only further exemplifies this sharing of gifts. Stewardship begets stewardship.

For the 2011 Catholic Services Appeal, we continue the theme of Sharing Christ in and through the Church, which is the mission of the Archdiocese of Detroit. As we again reflect on and embrace the meaning of this theme, my hope is that we will come to understand the strength of our Catholic faith and our unique roles through our Baptism in furthering Christ's mission in our local Church and beyond. We give witness to this understanding through our support of the CSA.

Please know how much I personally appreciate your support of the Catholic Services Appeal, and your willingness to make a difference in the life of our local Church. When you consider your pledge to this year's CSA, I ask that you also pray that God's "will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Together, we will go forward with our mission of Sharing Christ in and through the Church.

†The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit