Bishop Solis' final 2020 Diocesan Development Drive appeal

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Bishop Oscar A. Solis

Greetings of Christ’s peace and love! This year has been an extraordinary moment for all of us due to the coronavirus. While the resurgence of the infection and return to normalcy are uncertain, we pray and remain hopeful for the end of this pandemic, and continue to thank God for his constant blessings, which are manifested in many and varied ways.

The past two weekends, I was able to travel, visit and celebrate the Holy Mass at Christ the King Parish in Cedar City, St. George Parish in St. George and Our Lady of the Light Mission in Beaver, and did two Sunday Masses in St. John Bosco Mission in Delta. I witnessed how our clergy, religious and lay ministers lead these faith communities as they live their commitment to prayer, sacramental life and Christian service. It gives us a glimpse of their dedication to our ministry and the vibrant Church we have in our diocese even during these challenging times.

Our diocese depends so much on your prayers and generosity. The Diocesan Development Drive is our Bishop’s Annual Appeal to all our parishioners to work together with our priests and to participate as disciples of Christ. The DDD allows us to carry on the many Church essential ministries, such as the religious education of our children and youth, the formation of our seminarians and permanent deacons, as well as charitable outreach to the parishes and missions in the peripheries whose needs are greatest. Most importantly, it reflects our unity and solidarity as one Church family.

I understand that the pandemic has drastically affected not only our most vulnerable community members but everyone. It makes it more difficult for you to respond due to the increase in the needs not only of our most vulnerable people, but also of each other. However, the mission of our Church continues, and we are part of it.

Christmas reminds us of God’s infinite love, sending and sharing his Son, Jesus, to be our Savior. Christ’s birth brings a message of love, joy and hope that we are called to share. Your participation in the DDD affirms our calling as generous and grateful stewards of God’s gifts in our lives and enables us to become partners in mission. This also magnifies the message of God’s love that touches and makes a difference in the lives of so many wonderful families and individuals as well.

I make my DDD year-end appeal and seek your continued prayers and steadfast financial support. Now more than ever, our diocese needs you. Let us pull ourselves together during these difficult times to extend the love of God and the message of hope to those who need it most.