01/31/2016

01/31/2016

Bishop-ConlonDear Brothers and Sisters, You have no doubt watched some news reports, even quite recently, and wished you could have intervened to offer support to someone who is struggling, maybe even intervened to prevent a disaster. Jesus did in fact intervene frequently during his earthly life. A few examples include the man born blind, the women about to be stoned for adultery, another woman with a chronic hemorrhage and the criminal on the cross next to him. These were instances of Jesus applying the mercy of God, the same mercy applied to all of us by virtue of his death and resurrection. The Lord invites us, as his disciples, to join him in the work of mercy today. Making a contribution to the Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA) is in many respects one way we can “Extend God’s Mercy “to our brothers and sisters. During my more than four years as your Bishop, I have been truly touched by the generosity and support of the thousands of people throughout the Diocese of Joliet, in particular through the CMAA. The CMAA funds the work of our 28 ministries in the Diocese. Because of your generosity, people throughout the Diocese of Joliet are experiencing the love, compassion, kindness and assistance that are signs of God’s mercy and grace at work among us. This report provides a recap of the 2015 campaign, including your parish’s results. I hope you find this information interesting and informative. As we approach the close of 2015 campaign and prepare to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy, be assured of my ongoing prayers for all the people in the Diocese of Joliet. Please accept my sincere gratitude for your faithfulness and for your generous support of the Diocese of Joliet and its ministries. May the Lord bless you and your family, Most Reverend R. Daniel Conlon Bishop of Joliet