Annual Diocesan Appeal Bishop's Message

Make an Online Gift to Support the Annual Diocesan Appeal!

My dear friends in Christ:

Each year, many thousands of Catholics throughout the Diocese of Des Moines, open their hearts and generously support the Annual Diocesan Appeal. In doing so, they sustain the ongoing vitality of the ministries and programs that ensure the redeeming presence of Jesus Christ throughout our Diocese. We often hear from parishioners about the impact that our parishes and the diocese are having on the lives of our youth, our seniors, individuals in need, and the families we serve.

While our mission of serving the people of God in southwest Iowa continues, the need for additional and enhanced programs continues to grow. Gifts to the Annual Diocesan Appeal allow us to provide retirement and health insurance for our priests, active and retired; to assist the seminarians as they discern priesthood; to advocate and provide necessities for a diverse population of disadvantaged people; to educate and form the youth in our Diocese, and to serve the organizational needs of our 81 parishes in southwest Iowa.

The Annual Diocesan Appeal Sunday will be held March 4, 2012, and our goal of just over $3.7 million will provide approximately half the funds necessary to enable the Diocese to fulfill its vital mission. According to a formula developed with our parishes, each parish has been provided with a goal for its portion of the appeal. Your parish will keep any funds raised beyond this amount for local projects.

Your gift this year is more important than ever. Because there are so many people in need of our services, I ask that you consider a gift of $350 or more to the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Please know that whatever gift you are able to make is greatly appreciated. The enclosed brochure will provide information on how your gift is used to serve our faith community. You may return the card provided to my office with your gift for the 2012 ADA. We will notify your parish of your generosity.

Thank you again for your ongoing generosity and support of the appeal. We were abundantly blessed with the Diocese of Des Moines’ centennial celebration in 2011. We recognize all the more the important role entrusted by Jesus to each of us as a member of His Body, the Body of Christ, in the world today. Please pray for the ministries in our diocesan community. Be assured of my prayer for you and your loved ones. I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Most Reverend Richard E. Pates

Bishop of Des Moines