A Letter from Cardinal Justin Rigali, Archbishop of Philadelphia

Dear Father D’Angelico and Parishioners,

Since its inception in 1958, the Catholic Charities Appeal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has been a vehicle through which the Church of Philadelphia has fulfilled Jesus’ command to care for the least fortunate among us. From the hospices, day care centers, and job training centers operated by Catholic Social Services to our five schools of special education, the Catholic Charities Appeal provides for programs so important to those most in need of our help.

My responsibility as your Archbishop, especially in our bicentennial year, is to ensure that the mission of the Church and its care for the poor continue to move forward. My heart rejoices in the knowledge that so many of you are willing to assist me in this mission by supporting the Catholic Charities Appeal. I ask that you be generous to this Appeal realizing the great need that exists.

Each new day presents new challenges to the Church as a whole and for the Archdiocese in maintaining our social outreach programs for the needy. I ask that, if possible, you prayerfully consider making a sacrificial gift to the 2008 Catholic Charities Appeal. Your gift will enable us to build a solid foundation of support as we work hard to meet our financial goals of the 2008 Catholic Charities Appeal.

We are forever mindful that it is Jesus Christ we serve in caring for the less fortunate. For our brothers and sisters who are directly impacted by your support of the Catholic Charities Appeal, it is my sincere hope that you will consider making a contribution to the Appeal. On behalf of the more than 250,000 men, women and children who are touched by your generosity to the Catholic Charities Appeal, I thank you and ask Almighty God to bless you and your loved ones.

Sincerely,

Cardinal Justin Rigali
Archbishop of Philadelphia