DEAR FRIENDS IN CHRIST, 

During this calendar year 2008, the Archdiocese of Detroit celebrates our 175th anniversary as a local Church. Anniversaries offer us an excellent opportunity to reflect gratefully on the gifts we have received over the decades and to plan for the challenges of the future. In that process of looking backward and forward, we cannot help but recognize the countless ways the Holy Spirit has been working among our clergy, religious and lay faithful as we are Bridging the Generations, this year's Catholic Services Appeal theme.

Our Catholic faith is strong and vital thanks to generations of generous, committed believers who have supported and participated in the many ministries of the Church. Whether it be a child being catechized for the Sacraments of Eucharist or Confirmation, a young adult searching for a setting to share the faith, someone in a health care facility or who is homebound in need of pastoral outreach, a couple preparing for marriage, or an immigrant or senior with specific needs and gifts, one and all look to the Church for guidance and support.

All these ministries, and so many more, are made possible by your participation in the CSA, our one and only annual Archdiocesan fund drive which supports all ministries and services that go beyond the many programs of our 300 parishes.

Please know I personally appreciate your support of the Catholic Services Appeal. Your gift truly makes a difference in the life of our local Church. I ask you to remember all the gifts God has given you and prayerfully consider a pledge to this year's CSA. Together, let us bridge the generations!

†Adam Cardinal Maida
Archbishop of Detroit