Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Every day, we are challenged to respond in some way to the pain and suffering that is so abundant in our world. In fact, many of us experience firsthand some type of suffering each and every day. However, we also realize that we have been truly blessed in so many ways. As Christians, we are asked to share those blessings, to lend a helping hand and to help alleviate the suffering of other members of our human family.
As we do so, we practice the charity that Pope Benedict XVI stated in his latest encyclical, Caritas in Veritate: “The more we strive to serve a common good corresponding to the real needs of our neighbors, the more effectively we love them.”
The Diocesan Works of Charity collection is one way that we, as local church, can work together to respond to the suffering in our world by providing assistance to those in need. A portion of the funds is being used to provide room, board and expenses to two priests from Tanzania. They are in the United States for further education at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, which will be of assistance in improving the lives of the children in their country upon their return. Last year, the collection also provided $40,000 of much-needed support for the Humility of Mary Shelter in their initial efforts to provide housing for the homeless.
This special collection will be taken up at all Masses in the Diocese of Davenport on the weekend of July 25-26. We ask that you share the Lord’s love by giving generously to this collection.
Sincerely in Christ,
Most Rev. Martin Amos
Bishop of Davenport