Archbishop's Annual Appeal

January 29, 2010

Dear Friends in Christ,

Each of us is touched by the light of Christ.  His love reaches into the darkest corner and helps us find our way to Him. We rely on Jesus’ loving care for us in all the challenges we face.  There is safety and security in knowing that He is there for us.

We need to be able to see clearly or we might “...run into the brush, crash into the rocks, or go over the falls!” (Hebrews 2:1-4) Christ, the Light of the World, shows us the way. Together, we are stronger and can reach out and help others less fortunate, as we meet Christ in them. In doing so we help ourselves; our generosity strengthens us. 

Through our generosity, each of us can be the spark to help others in need: by educating children; supporting cultural diversity; deepening marriage and family life; sustaining the Deaconate; advancing Catholic communications and many other ministries and activities that serve our community.

God shows us the way to be better people for Him, for ourselves and for others. 

Jesus includes all of us as his friends and family, as the theme for the 2010 Archbishop’s Annual Appeal affirms: “You are the Light of the World”. (Matthew 5:14) Your past generosity has been outstanding; and it is genuinely appreciated. 

From the beginning the gospel has proclaimed Jesus Christ as light and life: “What came to be through Him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1-18)  God has always been with us and continues to be with us today.

With my gratitude for your continued support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal and my prayerful best wishes, I am

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend George Niederauer
Archbishop of San Francisco