March 9, 2025
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Helping others is part of the Christian Life. Think about the Miracle of the Loaves and Fish. Jesus asks the disciples to share what they had. Jesus takes what they share and feeds thousands with it. In the Acts of the Apostles, the first Christians shared to care for those in need. They shared with the apostles (the bishops of the Early Church) to support the work of the growing Church. This continued through the first centuries of Christianity. It was formalized and regulated in the second half of the sixth century and later became part of the Universal Law of the Church.
While the methods and amounts have changed over the millennia, the reason hasn’t. The local church supports the work and ministries of the bishop and shares in the care of the larger Church by pooling resources together to make a difference. The Diocesan Annual Campaign is the way this is accomplished in the Diocese of Harrisburg. It’s an instrument for Good Shepherd to help in the care of the People of God beyond our parish by sharing the message, mission, and compassion of Jesus Christ with the larger community through diocesan programs and services.
The DAC assessment differs from parish to parish. The amount is proportionate to the parish size and annual revenue using a fixed diocesan formula. Good Shepherd – as a larger parish – has a larger share. Our responsibility for 2025 is $219,120. That is up over $9,000 from last year. That means Good Shepherd is doing well. We are growing. The good news and good works of our parish are bearing fruit. That is because of your goodness, faithfulness, and generosity. I am deeply humbled and grateful for that and to be your pastor. With that comes the responsibility to share and care for the larger church and support those in need.
Please remember that Good Shepherd Parish is responsible for the DAC amount – $219,120 – no matter what. If we don’t meet it through the DAC, then it must be paid through our operating budget, savings, or – God forbid – a loan if we don’t have the cash.
DAC cards are at the end of the pews and will be there between now and Palm Sunday. Take one home with you. Think about it. Pray about it. Discern what God is calling you to do. What can you do to share hope with the people served by the Diocese of Harrisburg? Between now and Palm Sunday (April 13), please return the DAC Commitment card via the collection basket at Sunday Mass, place it in the black boxes at the entrance to the Church, or send it to the parish office.
Every amount towards that is a blessing. And I am so very, very grateful for all you can do. In opening the Jubilee Year 2025, Pope Francis wrote: “Hope is a task that Christians have a duty to cultivate and put to good use for the sake of all their brothers and sisters.” Thank you for responding to that call.
Grace and peace!
Father Neil Sullivan