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Seminarian and Clergy Formation Collection
“… We need a Church capable of walking at people’s sides, of doing more than simply listening to them; a Church which accompanies them on their journey.”
– Pope Francis message to the Bishops of Brazil at World Youth Day, 2013
Greetings,
During the last five years, Pope Francis has stressed
the importance of encountering and accompanying people in different walks of life. He has asked us to go out to the peripheries and take care of those who are most in need of Christ’s care. The fact is, each of us is called by God to bring Christ to those we meet along the way. Each of us must be an evangelist by bringing the Good News to others. We can participate in the good works of the Church by our prayers and our generosity.
Even though all of us are called to participate in the mission of Christ’s Church, we know that
priests and deacons are especially vital to this work. They bring with them their special training and the character of Holy Orders. They help all of us along the way by preaching the Word of God, celebrating the Sacraments and leading people to the Kingdom of God.
We need priests and ordained deacons who are willing and able to accompany us and our loved ones on the journey. Using the terminology of Pope Francis,
we need priests and deacons who are not afraid “to smell like their sheep.”
Today, I am asking you to help me provide the resources needed to educate and form priests and deacons of our church so that they can be effective ministers to us now and for future generations. I am asking you to accompany our seminarians, priests and permanent deacons by renewing your support of the Seminarian and Clergy Formation Collection.
The annual Seminarian and Clergy Formation Collection supports the training of our seminarians and deacon candidates. It provides for the ongoing education of our priests and permanent deacons. Money received in this collection
also assists our international priest program, which is so vital to us as we seek to provide for the sacramental and pastoral needs of our parishes at a time when the number of native clergy is declining.
But I believe that
prayers are even more important than financial assistance. Prayer opens hearts to God’s will. And so I am also asking you to pray for those who are being called by God to ordained ministry by participating in our
“Called to Pray” appeal. In response, I will keep your special intention in my daily prayers in the coming months.
You may include your prayer intention online by clicking here and following the instructions on the next page.
Thank you for the ongoing support you give to our clergy and those in formation by your prayers and other sacrifices. Know that
any help you give is essential to the future strength of our diocesan Church. I know that God will bless you for your generous spirit. Please be assured of my prayers for you and our Diocese.
Your brother in Christ,
The Most Reverend Edward C. Malesic, JCL
Bishop of Greensburg
