My dear friends in Christ,

The theme for the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) this year is Do Not Neglect to Share What You Have. Hebrews 13:16 reminds us to “Keep doing good works and sharing your resources, for these are the kinds of sacrifices that please God.” If we are honest with ourselves we cannot just say what we have is our own but instead a gift from the Lord. Sharing what you have through a gift to DSF helps fund programs such as the Office of the Permanent Diaconate. This year we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the introduction of permanent deacons into the life and ministry of our Archdiocese. The diaconateEthnic Ministries is responsible for providing sacramental and pastoral care to a variety of cultures in our Archdiocese including those of African Descent as well as to those who are Chinese, Filipino, Hispanic, Indian, Indonesian, Korean, Polish and Vietnamese. It is our way to help keep the beauty of their ethnic traditions and reach out to as many Catholics as possible in our diverse city. Our efforts to serve the unique needs of these communities are a candidate is a man of God and a man of charity who spends six years studying and preparing to minister in our parishes, hospitals, prisons, and other places where people are in need in our local church. We have an increasing need for deacons and this office works hard in screening candidates, as well as training, forming and supporting deacons ongoing with a special emphasis on educating, retaining and expanding the youth, young adults and religious vocations.

Due to your support, the Office of Pro-Life Activities was able to kick off its new program, Jerome’s Hope, last year. This program helps parents experiencing a difficult prenatal diagnosis or infant loss and provides comfort and support. Judging by the early response to these efforts this is a great need in our Archdiocese requiring our continued attention. Thank you for helping to make this a reality.

DSF continues to be the large service umbrella within the Archdiocese that binds us together in serving others and sharing what we have. I thank you for your gracious commitment to DSF. With gratitude to God for your faithful discipleship and praying for God’s abundant blessing upon you, I am

Your faithful Shepherd,

Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
Archbishop of Galveston-Houston