My dear friends in Christ,

     We bring our greatest gifts to the Lord for the common good.  That is one of the most important meanings of our faith. Christ is our role model for giving love to others, helping others and making sacrifices for others.  I ask you today to consider a gift to DSF.

     DSF serves the common good throughout the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.  The more than 60 programs covered by this fund require all of us to consider the needs of others. Whether it is the elderly, sick, incarcerated or poor, the Church has a duty to offer the compassion and healing power of Christ Jesus.

     Our local Church also has the continuing responsibility to seek and nurture those who are considering entering into the religious life. The Office of Vocations works tirelessly with men who want to enter the priesthood to serve God and all of us. It is a long process, including background checks, psychological testing, and interviews before a man can be accepted to enter the seminary. It is generally seven years of studying theology, pastoral work, and an intense spiritual formation before Ordination.  Please keep praying and giving of your own treasury so that we can have the best vocations program.

     Serving others also involves knowing, accepting and inspiring the spiritual needs of our fellow parishioners. The Adult Confirmation program is an important offering of our Office of Evangelization and Catechesis. This newly re-vamped program allows adults, who were not confirmed in their youth, to deepen their knowledge of their faith. Every year some 1,400 men and women are confirmed on Pentecost Sunday becoming new witnesses for Christ. Your DSF gift helps to support this important program.

In the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, more than 50% of our Catholic people are of Hispanic origin.  The Office of Hispanic Ministry is the conduit for pastors and churches to enable parishioners to more fully participate in their faith and in the leadership of their parish. They accomplish this by offering opportunities for training, conferences, and experiences that promote effective involvement and service from this growing Catholic population.

     I thank you for your gracious commitment to DSF. With gratitude to God for your faithful discipleship and praying for God’s abundant blessings upon you. 

I am Your faithful Shepherd,
Daniel Cardinal DiNardo Archbishop of Galveston-Houston                                                 

What is the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF)?

The Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) helps all of us fulfill Christ’s mission here on earth by supporting those programs and services that cannot be accomplished by one parish alone. More than 60 programs receive all or part of their funding from DSF and all funds are spent within Archdiocesan boundaries. The broad areas of ministry that receive DSF support include Catholic education of children and adults; pastoral ministries for the sick, the poor and the incarcerated; the formation and education of church leadership; social service programs such as San José Clinic, St. Dominic Village and Catholic Charities. Read more...