By: Christine Schreck
Unity advances the Gospel
The theme of this year’s Bishop’s Ministries Appeal – One Faith. One Family. One Mission. – invites Catholics throughout the diocese to put their faith into action by both meeting the needs of today and building and sustaining the future Church in the East Bay.
“Though we are many parishes, schools and ministries, we are one in faith and one in mission. United, we carry forward the Gospel for generations to come,” Terri Porter, Director of the Office for Mission Advancement said.
“Together, we support the work of Catholic education, nurture vocations, care for the sick and homebound, and bring Christ’s mercy to the poor and marginalized. This unity enables us to accomplish what no one parish or ministry could do alone.”
Porter encourages people to think of the appeal as a statement of faith and unity, more than just a fundraiser. “Our ministries are growing, our young people are hungry for formation and our neighbors need care and compassion. This year, those needs continue to rise,” she explained.
“Your participation – even through a modest gift – is a powerful witness of faith and solidarity. It demonstrates that, together, we answer Christ’s call to love with action and truth.”
Terri Porter, Director of Advancement, Diocese of Oakland
She points to growth in enrollment in Catholic schools and faith formation programs, pastoral care reaching more people in need and increases in outreach demand due to economic pressure as reasons for the rising costs of ministry. Donations also support vocations and formation of seminarians, and outreach to the poor and immigrant communities, among other ministries.
With this year’s focus on unity, Porter hopes to see broad participation: “It is my sincere hope that every household in our diocese will participate. Your participation – even through a modest gift – is a powerful witness of faith and solidarity. It demonstrates that, together, we answer Christ’s call to love with action and truth.” Every household is invited to prayerfully consider a gift to be part of building One Faith. One Family. One Mission.