Dear Family in Christ,

Each year at this time, I invite all of the Catholics in our Diocese of Pueblo to support the Bishop’s Diocesan Fund.

 “Embracing Christ’s Family, Abrazando la familia de Cristo ”, the theme of our 2006 appeal, is an important reminder that each one of us is called by Christ to be His representative to those around us. 

As we read the Scriptures we realize that Christ calls us as His disciples to a new way of life – the Christian way of life.  But He does not call us as nameless people in a faceless crowd.  Rather, Jesus calls us individually, by name, to be a part of His family. Each one of us has a personal vocation and God sends each of us to play a special role in carrying out His divine plan.

As Christians, we are sent forth into this world to help one another because we are members of the family that embraces the Christ in each other.  Many of us are active in different volunteer projects or efforts.  Giving to the 2006 BDF is another way that we can be active supporters of many different ministries and continue to grow spiritually.

Our goal, as members of the Body of Christ, is to care for those beyond the walls of our parish.  The BDF appeal gives us the opportunity to minister to the needs of thousands of people in our diocese.  Your gift to the BDF makes possible the religious education, pastoral and charitable programs.

Financial support of church programs and services is as much a part of our Catholic spirituality as is prayer and service to others.  I encourage you to reflect gratefully on the many gifts you have received; pray about how God wants you to use the gifts you have been blessed with; and decide to make your pledge an expression of gratitude for all God has done for you.

I invite you today to consider the 2006 BDF pledge as another way that you can embrace Christ’s family and serve one another as part of your unique vocation.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Arthur N. Tafoya

Bishop of Pueblo