Dear Friends,
The Most Holy Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics. This year marks the conclusion of a National Eucharistic Revival throughout the United States which has focused on encouraging a renewed appreciation for this incredible gift of the real presence of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, and its transforming power in the lives of all believers. Here in our Diocese, the Revival will culminate with celebrations in June 2024. In this context, our theme for the 2024 Diocesan Annual Campaign is NOURISHED BY FAITH. Our Lord Jesus, present in the Eucharist, nourishes us to live our faith more vibrantly; to be more visibly and recognizably Catholic Christians.
Your gift to the Diocesan Annual Campaign supports more than ninety (90) vital ministries and programs to assist parishes and help to strengthen parish life, evangelization and outreach to youth and young adults, Catholic education in our schools and in religious education programs, our services to the poor provided through Catholic Charities, and the formation of our future priests and permanent deacons, as well as care for our retired priests.
Strengthened by the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, we are challenged to respond with grateful hearts to advance the mission of the Church. By sharing our gifts with others, the real presence of Jesus is made visible through us.
I ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to the 2024 Diocesan Annual Campaign. If you are unable to make a financial gift at this time, please continue to pray for me and for the success of our efforts. Please pray also for our clergy and religious and all those who serve in our Diocese. You, your family and your intentions are in my prayers. May God bless you and our beloved Diocese of Harrisburg.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy C. Senior
Bishop of Harrisburg
All monies raised for the DAC are only used for the programs, services and ministries for which they are designated. No gifts to the DAC are used to satisfy legal fees or settlement costs associated with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg’s reorganization. A listing of all DAC allocations may be found at www.hbgdiocese.org/diocesan-annual-campaign.
What exactly does the DAC fund?
The DAC funds services provided by the Diocese of Harrisburg across Central Pennsylvania, including:
· Meals and beds in homeless shelters
· Ministry to those in Prison
· Counseling Services
· Marriage Preparation for Engaged Couples
· Marriage Enrichment and Retreats
· Family-Based Mental Health Services
· Ministry to Divorced and Separated Catholics
· Programs for Persons with Special Needs
· Support to Expecting Moms and Families
· Foster Care Training and Adoption Services
· Catholic Cemeteries
· The Catholic Witness and Social Media
· Campus Ministry at colleges within our diocese
· Men’s and Women’s Conferences
· Vocation promotion and recruitment
· Seminarian Formation
· Formation/Continuing Formation of Priests and Deacons
· Youth Protection and Safe Environment
· Liturgical Minister Training
The DAC pays for resources having a direct impact on Good Shepherd Parish ministries and programing, including:
· Resources for our Parish Religious Education Program
· Adult Faith Formation and RCIA
· Youth and Young Adult Ministries
· Workshops/training for Father Sullivan and the parish staff
· Permanent Diaconate Formation Program in which our parishioner Mike Nowakowski participates
· Training of Ministers of Holy Communion
· Medical Ethics consulting for end-of-life issues
· Diocesan Tribunal in applying Church law and marriage
The DAC pays for services Good Shepherd would have to contract independently:
· Technology and Computer Services
· Management of Employee Benefits, Health Care Plan, and Payroll Processing
· Discounted purchasing power and bill-paying
· Access to Legal Counsel
· Safety and Security Inspections
· Property and Liability Insurance
Contributing to the DAC allows us to share in the care of the larger church, provide services to others, and receive direct services to our parish.