Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Feb. 2, 2006 edition of the Inland Register)

As a follower of Jesus and a believer in actively carrying out his mission, I feel it is my moral and financial responsibility to support the ACA. The fact is that these ACA ministries operate solely through our support. No matter how small or large the donation, it takes every one of us to pitch in. It’s the only way these life-giving ministries can continue to give strength to our families and parishes that so many of our forefathers helped to build.

I grew up in this diocese, in small parishes and big ones. Like many, my grandparents and parents worked hard to put food on the table to feed their families. Equally as important to them was that they provided food for our souls. Through faith, they budgeted to include strong church support, and once again another generation follows in the footsteps of Jesus.

The ACA makes it easy for me to be a part of those critical needs in building up the Body of Christ. I don’t have to re-invent the wheel and hope it works. These ministries have proven to be effective tools to spread the Gospel of Jesus. I trust the ACA with its financial advisors. It has been a good steward of my donations and distributed monies wisely to support the education of our children in Catholic schools, religious education programs, and numerous other services.

In turn, the ACA depends on me to be a good steward. Through thick or thin, I will “keep them between the gas and electric bill.” I will look closer to see how I can give more this year. We don’t live in a perfect world, but I can’t give up trying to make it a better one. This financial support helps put into motion programs to evangelize and fuel God’s word to burn in the hearts of his people.

Yes, I enjoy the fruits of our forefathers and our Religious. I have benefited from Catholic schools and a parish that continues to help me with my spiritual journey. It is a huge part of my life and means a lot to me. My church is more than a building. It’s where I meet God and share my faith with others. (And the staff isn’t bad, either!) I am blessed that our parish maintains a Perpetual Adoration chapel, where its doors are open 24 hours a day for prayer.

This “Body of Christ” is alive and worth saving! It’s urgent that I step up to the plate now when they need my help the most. Together we can turn this around and make a difference in these challenges and struggles.