Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

There are moments in the life of the Church when the Lord calls us to respond with renewed purpose and zeal.  Pope Leo XIV’s words, “This is the hour for love!” invite us to follow Christ’s example, living out His love boldly in our families, parishes, and communities.

This love is made visible through the Church’s mission. When you make a gift to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, you embrace this hour, supporting life-giving ministries and programs that bring Christ’s healing, hope, and presence throughout our diocese.

The Bishop’s Annual Appeal supports vital ministries that serve the whole Diocese, beyond what any individual parish can realize on its own. Your gift strengthens Campus Ministries at LSU, Southern, and Southeastern Universities, which gives Catholic students a connection to the Church in an important formative part of their lives.

The appeal nurtures religious vocations and the formation of our seminarians. It is with heartfelt pleasure that I share that the Stanley Rother Formation House has infused energy into our vocation programs, resulting in more first-year college seminarians entering formation.

The appeal provides tuition assistance to Catholic school families, supports pro-life ministries like the “Sanctuary for Life Apartments” run by Catholic Charities for homeless mothers and mothers to be, as well as prison ministries, which now include a retreat program in partnership with Kolbe Prison Ministries.  

I ask you to join me in sustaining these important ministries in our Diocese.  Please ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart as you consider your response. No gift is too small. Every offering is a living sign of love and helps build the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for your faith, generosity, and love for the Church. May Christ, the source of all love, fill you with His peace and joy.

Hope in the Lord,