Ohio Valley Times

Catholic Sharing Appeal 2023 Begins 

Catholic Sharing Appeal 2023 BeginsFaithful Called to Strengthen the Ministries of the Church

You are the salt of the Earth… You are the light of the World.” – Matthew 5:13-14

As the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston kicks off the 2023 Catholic Sharing Appeal (CSA), Bishop Mark Brennan reminds the faithful they are called to strengthen the ministries of the Church with their gifts of prayer and financial support.In his letter to the faithful, Bishop Mark Brennan said, “Recently during my quiet time in prayer, I reflected on the Beatitudes, Christ’s teachings on authentic Christian discipleship. He began his instruction by saying, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven." Jesus goes on to tell them that they are also the salt of the Earth. What an incredible concept. But what does it mean? “During the time of Christ, salt was a vital element.  It was used to preserve food, sustaining the lives of many during times of drought or famine. It was so important that Romans used salt as currency in many regions. This is what Christ meant for His disciples. They were the vital element to build and sustain Christ’s Church on Earth. They were called to preserve Christ’s teachings and spread the Gospel to all nations. “We too are to be the salt of the Earth. As disciples ourselves, we are called to spread the Gospel, especially those who are in need of God’s love and light. In service to others, we share His light, compassion, and love with those who need it most throughout our state. When you give to the CSA, you put your faith into deeds and help deliver shared ministries of our local Church.”Gifts to the CSA support parishes and their missions/chapels; our Catholic schools; and Catholic evangelization and outreach efforts covering all reaches of the state. The funds from the CSA are crucial for Catholic schools including school-based health and wellness programs; tuition assistance programs; professional development for faculty, staff, and advisory boards; retreats; religious sisters in schools; and school enrichment programs.Funds raised for evangelization and outreach will help fund local activities for the Eucharistic Revival Parish Year planned by churches; Camp Carlo; food pantries; social ministries such as the new Walking With Moms program, addiction recovery, and prison ministry; and Catholic Charities. The kickoff of the CSA is always such an exciting time of year for our office, because we get to work closely with pastors, administrators and volunteers to go over the various ministries and programs supported by the appeal,” said Heidi Sforza, director of annual giving for the diocese. “I’ve learned so much about our churches and state through our various meetings and programs over the years. Having the opportunity to meet with pastors and help them fulfill their parish needs, whether it be for building maintenance, technology upgrades, or expanded ministries is always a joy.”Director of Stewardship and Development Krissie Benson concurs with Sforza and added that the CSA is an opportunity to learn about and celebrate the uniqueness of our parishes that unite to strengthen our work as Christ’s hands and feet. “Over the years the Catholic Sharing Appeal has proven to be an opportunity for the faithful to unite together to serve the needs throughout our Diocese,” Benson said. “This was very true this year. As we see the costs rise, unemployment uncertainty, and an unstable economy, we are even more aware that many throughout West Virginia need our help now more than ever. Donors are making a huge difference in the lives of those who benefit from programs and services made possible through the help of the CSA.”Through the generosity of the faithful in West Virginia more than $2.2 million was raised during the 2022 CSA for the good of God’s people. Since 2002, the CSA has raised more than $27 million to enliven parishes, Catholic education, ministries, and outreach efforts all within the state of West Virginia. For more information go to dwc.org/CSA.

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