October 17, 2021
Dear Parishioners of Saint Athanasius,
We often think of the Archdiocese as an administrative structure and yet archdiocesan ministries and programs serve thousands of individuals and families each year. In fact, there is probably no other private organization in our state that offers the scope of spiritual and human services as those provided through our archdiocesan agencies and organizations.
You may wonder where and how your contribution for the Catholic Service Appeal will be used. The answer is many times it goes back to provide support for our parish. I would like to share with you just one example of how Saint Athanasius benefits from services funded by the Appeal. We are the only parish in the Archdiocese of Louisville that has two men, Michael Schultz and David Vest in priestly formation. Michael is in his second year of theology at Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore and if God wills, he will be ordained to the order of Deaconate maybe a year from now. David is a senior at Bishop Simon of Brute Seminary in Indinapolis and is getting ready to move into theology program. We are proud of them not only because they have made big steps on their journey to the order of priesthood, but also, they are the great answers to the question of where and how the contributions to the Catholic Service Appeal are being used.
Whether responding to human needs, promoting vocations, providing ministry training, evangelizing, or assisting parishes, archdiocese ministries and services reach beyond the ability of our parish or any other parish to do this work. It is the work that Christ has entrusted to His Church. We are called to support this work through our baptism. With our gift to the annual CSA, we are partnering in this work of Christ has given to the Church.
Our parish goal for the 2021 Catholic Service Appeal is $45,800 and households participating is 225. You will soon receive a letter from Archbishop Kurtz inviting you to make a gift to this year’s Appeal. I will be making a personal gift of $1,200, and I hope you will join me with a generous gift of your own. Your support will mean so much to the people, the parishes (including our own), and the schools who rely on the ministries and services of the Archdiocese.
In gratitude for all that you do for Saint Athanasius Parish,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Father Minh Dinh Vu
Pastor of Saint Athanasius