FROM FR. RICHARD

Brothers and Sisters,

Between October, the Diocese will implement a "Diocesan Appeal" (formerly the "Bishop's Appeal") to support Diocesan-wide ministries, including support for seminarians and retired priests, youth, young adult and campus ministries, and the fuel and hunger fund.

Each parish of the Diocese has been assigned a "target" amount, and St. Thomas More's target is $17,120. If we as a parish contribute this amount, 20% or $3,434 will be returned to the parish for our unrestricted use. Beyond that, 50% of anything we contribute over the $17,120 target will be returned to the parish for our use.

The Appeal will begin with a Leadership Gift Phase, beginning now and extending through the end of September. A Leadership Gift is a gift of $1000 or more. If you would like to be contacted by a Diocesan representative of the Appeal regarding a Leadership Gift, please contact me.

The Diocese has set the weekend of October 2-3 for the general appeal in all parishes at all Masses.

You will be hearing more about the Diocesan Appeal as the summer ends and the autumn begins. I write this to you now as an initial "heads-up" and to let you know that participating in the Diocesan Appeal will directly benefit St. Thomas More Parish. I hope we can all be generous in supporting the needs of the Church of Richmond beyond the boundaries of our own parish.

Of course, if you have any questions about any aspect of the Diocesan Appeal, I am available to address them.

Peace,

Fr. Richard