Being Catholic

The word “catholic” (with a small ‘c’) means “universal.” With a capital “C,” it means our specific religion within the family of all Christians. One of the many beautiful parts of being Catholic is our connection to the Pope, all bishops of the world, and all Catholics around the globe. More particularly, we are blessed to be a part of our Catholic Diocese of Belleville, with our bishop Mike McGovern, who leads with a shepherd’s care.

I want to thank all of you who, in the past year, donated toward our Diocesan Annual Appeal CSMA (Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal). I am so pleased to announce that we reached our goal of $51,051.00! This is such great sign of your ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ of belonging to the wider Church and our need to support our bishop and his vision for invigorating the Catholic faith in Southern Illinois. Your contributions also help our own parish with the diocesan staff support for our school, PSR, and many other parish ministries.

Last week, I ran a copy of Bishop McGovern’s thank you letter he sent to our parish and I am including it again below in case you missed it.

With sincere gratitude for the ways you live your Catholic faith,
Fr. Jim Deiters

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Dear Fr. Deiters and St. Clare of Assisi Parish,

I write today to express my personal gratitude to you for your outstanding support of the 2022 Catholic Service and Ministry Appeal. I also offer my warmest congratulations on your parish exceeding its financial goal!

You have accepted the challenge put forth by Our Holy Father Pope Francis to “share the blessings which God has provided us”; it is only through your Christian caring and generosity that our diocesan ministries and agencies are able to give hope to those in need throughout Southern Illinois. Thank you so very much. Please keep me in your daily prayers and know that I keep you in mine.

In our Lord,
The Most Reverend Michael McGovern, Bishop of Belleville