During these first few months as shepherd of our local Church, I have been extremely grateful for the outpouring of your prayerful good wishes. Your generous spirit has afforded me a most memorable welcome in the six counties of our Archdiocese.

I have always been impressed with the collective generosity shown each year to the Catholic Services Appeal. This continued support is so vital because the CSA does so much to ensure the Archdiocese of Detroit is able to provide the many ministries and programs that help us to fulfill the mission Christ gives His Church.

Our Catholic faith gives us hope that God, in His loving kindness, is always there to be our strength. This is especially comforting in the face of these uncertain economic times, which is why our theme for this year's CSA, One Sows, Another Reaps, is so fitting. St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Corinthians, uses this imagery to teach that whatever the ministry or program, we are God's co-workers. In another sense, our theme applies to the very process of the CSA: through your generous gifts, you sow the seeds so that others may reap the benefits of ministries and programs needed throughout the Archdiocese.

Whether it be a child learning the faith through a parish religious education program, a young adult embracing Christian stewardship as a way of life, a young man discerning his life's vocation, men and women deepening their faith through avenues of modern communication, or a refugee with specific needs and gifts, one and all look to the Church for guidance and support. All of these ministries, and so many more, are made possible by your generous gifts to the CSA.

Please know how much your gift to the Catholic Services Appeal truly means in the life of our local Church. I ask you to remember all of the gifts God has given you and reflect prayerfully on your pledge to this year's CSA. Together, let us sow so that others may reap.

†The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit