When faced with difficulties, many of us turn to our families for help and support. Whether it be a shoulder to lean on, a caring ear to listen, or a roof over our heads and food on the table, we each know and appreciate the love of family. When reflecting on the recent news of the Diocese of Norwich’s filing for bankruptcy protection and reorganization under Chapter 11, I could not help but feel the same sense of resilience that I feel when one of my family members comes to me with a troubling issue. The Diocese will work through the process and continue to serve its mission, much as family would do when confronting a challenge, with determination, faith and hard work.
We are extremely grateful for the strength and support that our Annual Catholic Appeal, “One Faith, One Family” has received throughout the year from each of you, members of our family of faith. While the ACA is a separate entity and has not filed bankruptcy, we of course face our own challenges. It is never easy asking people to part with their hard-earned money, especially during a pandemic. Thankfully, we all share a love of Christ and a desire to follow Him and can see beyond our own personal problems and put them in the context of the needs of others. As followers of Christ, we strive every day to be the hands and feet of Jesus and do what we may to help other brothers and sisters face their personal challenges, strengthen one another’s faith, provide comfort to our sick and educate our youth and seminarians, just to name a few of the good works of our ACA supported ministries.
I pray that we continue to come together as “One Faith, One Family” and just as the diocese, continue to serve each of our own personal missions with determination, faith and hard work. Years ago, my dad posted a sign in our garage to inspire my three children, his grandchildren. It read, “Work hard, good things will happen.” When I saw it, I took my black Sharpie and inserted “and pray” after “Work hard.” I thank you all for your generosity and prayers and know that if we all work hard and pray, good things will happen!
If you have not yet made a gift or pledge to the 2021 Annual Catholic Appeal, we would appreciate any size donation. You may make them online at norwichdiocesedevelopment.org or by contacting our Campaign Manager, Heather Harris at (860) 886-1928 or hharris@norwichdiocese.net .
Thank you and God Bless you all.
By Mary Ellen Mahoney