Dear friends in Christ,

The theme of this year's Catholic Services Appeal, A Living Story of Faith, is especially fitting given the stories we've shared in parishes and vicariates and the plans we have formed for the future of our Church over the past few months.

In every story, there are moments of loss and disappointment, struggle and fear, pain and confusion. There are also times of understanding, insight, peace and joy. The same is true with our communal story of faith. Our local Church is 173 years old and is truly a living story; a story constantly told by the way we live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Your gifts to the CSA are very important to our Church's story of faith.

Your support of the Catholic Services Appeal allows me, my auxiliary bishops and Central Services staff to provide an abundance of ministries and services. You have always been generous in the past, and I know of your great love for the Church. Once again, I ask you to remember all God has given you and to prayerfully consider a pledge to this year's Catholic Services Appeal.

With gratitude and joy, let us continue to commit ourselves to our Lord, Jesus Christ as: "A Living Story of Faith."

†Adam Cardinal Maida
Archbishop of Detroit