It’s hard to believe, but we are already halfway through our Easter season. Extending through the solemnity of Pentecost later this month, we are graced with a 50-day season that highlights what is our focus as Christians every day—the hope and promise of the eternal resurrection.
Unlike the other liturgical seasons of the Church year, the Easter season affords us the opportunity at Mass to reflect solely on the Christian Scriptures. In fact, every Sunday Mass begins, not with a reading from the Hebrew Scriptures, but with a reading from the Acts of the Apostles. It provides a framework by which the early believers sought to fulfill Christ’s command to go out and proclaim the Good News.
One of the first selections we hear is from the second chapter in Acts, about how “they devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to the communal life … (and) all who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.” No one was regarded as more or less in the eyes of the community—a wonderful foreshadowing of the Kingdom, where we pray all will stand equal in the sight of our heavenly Father.
Unfortunately, we know that is not the reality of the world in which we live. And while no one is commanded at baptism or confirmation to sell off everything and place it all in the offertory basket, we are all called to invite the spirit of this early teaching into our lives in two ways.
First, we are commanded to recognize in everyone the face of God—regardless of what stage of life they find themselves—and thus treat them accordingly. Second, we are commanded by Christ himself to love our neighbor as ourselves. We are challenged to prayerfully reflect on how we have been blessed, and then in turn, offer portions of those blessings to others in need.
One of the primary ways we, as the united family of faith across the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown, accomplish this calling is through the Annual Diocesan Appeal: One in Hope, One in Mission. Each year, every Catholic household throughout the diocese is invited to think about how God has blessed them, and then in response, make a gift to the Appeal.
The primary case of the Appeal is the support of the ministry of Catholic Charities. Sixty cents of every dollar raised in the Appeal goes directly to the work of charity within the six counties of our diocese. Among all dioceses that conduct such annual appeals, the Diocese of Youngstown commits one of the largest percentages directly to this most essential ministry of the Church—to offer care, compassion and concern for our brothers and sisters in need. For many, ministry becomes one of hope.
The second case of the Appeal is to fund the many ministries supported by the Diocese of Youngstown. From seminary formation to youth and young adult ministry, religious faith formation and Catholic education, to communications and pro-life activities, and much more, 40 percent of the Appeal enables the diocese—in our parishes, schools and other institutions—to extend the mission and ministry of the Church. As Pope Francis has called each of us to the work of missionary discipleship, the Appeal is one way we unite as people of faith, blessed with varied gifts and talents, to become One in Mission.
Thank you to the thousands of families across the diocese who have responded and made a gift to the Annual Diocesan Appeal. Our goal this year is $4 million, of which the majority has already been raised. If you have not yet made a gift to the Appeal, please take some time during the remaining weeks of this Easter season and prayerfully make a response.
Visit the website to make a gift. Every gift helps us not only reach our goal, but also bring hope to as many people in need as possible, and extends the mission of Jesus Christ into the world. God bless you all—a continued Happy Easter. Alleluia, Alleluia!
