By: Heather Hartman
As we come to the end of the year, I’ve been reflecting on the goodness I see across our 31 counties, and as always, I’m humbled by the generosity of people.
Your support of the Bishop’s Annual Appeal has helped advance the mission of our diocese in remarkable ways, touching hearts and renewing hope, and I truly want to thank you. This year, we’ve witnessed grace unfolding
across our diocese in many ways:
- Vocations are growing. Sixteen young men are discerning the priesthood, and this spring we celebrated three new priests. One of them, Fr. Kade Megaffin, shared, “The gift you have given by allowing me to
study to become a priest has radically changed my life.” - Young people are encountering Christ. From the joy of Jr. CYO Camp to the launch of Holy Fire, a new event
igniting faith in middle schoolers, hope is taking root in young hearts. - The Eucharist is drawing us deeper. More than 1,300 participants gathered for our Eucharistic Conference, uniting in worship and Adoration. It was a day that reminded me again how hungry our people are for the Lord’s Real Presence.
- Christ’s mercy is reaching the margins. This year, Kolbe Prison Ministries began serving in our diocese, offering the light of Christ to our incarcerated brothers and sisters. One participant shared, “The commitment to sharing the Gospel and ministering to those of us behind bars is a testament to the Church’s unwavering compassion.”
These moments stayed with me because they are reminders of what we can do together as a diocesan family. Your generosity helped make them possible. Truly, thank you.
If you haven’t yet had the chance to support the Bishop’s Annual Appeal this year, we invite you to prayerfully consider a gift before December 31. Every gift, no matter the size, strengthens the ministries that serve
families, forms disciples, and builds up the Church we all love.
You can make your gift today at join.givecfds.org or by contacting a member of our team at 785.827.8746.
I’m grateful every day for the faithfulness and generosity of the people in our diocese. Thank you for the hope
you bring to our diocese. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your family during this grace-filled Christmas season.