Dear Friends in Christ,
“Come and follow me.” We read these words in the Gospel of Matthew as Jesus called Peter and Andrew to be his disciples. In an act of faith they did not fully understand, they left their nets to follow Jesus. This act of faith and discipleship would lead them to take up the task of proclaiming the Gospel and calling others to the faith. I invite you to come and follow Jesus so that together we can continue that work.
Pope Benedict XVI has called us to a Year of Faith beginning on Oct. 11. The Holy Father said it is a “summons to an authentic and renewed conversion to the Lord.” He said the “‘door of faith’ is always open for us. It is possible to cross that threshold when the Word of God is proclaimed and the heart allows itself to be shaped by transforming grace.”
As your bishop my mission is to be sure that “door of faith” is open for all the people of the Diocese of Davenport through the various ministries and works of the diocesan offices. Over the decades through your contributions to the Annual Diocesan Appeal you have been very generous in supporting that work. This is a fitting expression of your response to the invitation of Jesus to “come and follow me.”
I ask that you prayerfully consider making a gift to the 2012 appeal. It is only together, with God’s grace that we can respond to the call to Be My Disciple. I am deeply grateful for your continued generosity, and during this Year of Faith I will pray that your faith may be strengthened and the “door of faith” be opened wider throughout our diocese.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Rev. Martin Amos
Bishop of Davenport
