A message from the Bishop.... uring his time of shepherding the D Church, Pope St. Paul VI called all to
“Never REACH OUT your hand unless you are willing to EXTEND an arm.”
holiness and a response in faith to meet the spiritual and material needs of others. “Never reach out your hand unless you are willing to extend an arm,” the Pope once said, challenging us to do all we can to build up the Body of Christ, and urging us to offer our help with free hearts and a generous spirit, withholding nothing in our efforts. With your support, the Diocese of Trenton has been able to embrace that challenge to reach out a hand, to extend an arm, and provide the essential ministries, programs and services that make a critical difference in the lives of so many. As your Bishop, I cannot emphasize
enough the critical role you play in your parishes and in our diocesan Church, as you strive to be witnesses of love for Christ and His Church. I hope you will prayerfully consider supporting this year’s Appeal so we, together, can continue the important work of serving others. God bless you. Gratefully,
Most Rev. David M. O’Connell, C.M. Bishop of Trenton
– Pope St. Paul VI
Diocesan faithful encouraged to ‘build up the Body of Christ’ through their generosity
2019 DIOCESE of TRENTON
Story by Mary Morrell, Contributing Editor
D
uring his 15-year pontificate, notably throughout the Second Vatican Council, St. Paul VI worked tirelessly as a prophetic witness to the joy of the Gospel and the communion of the Body of Christ. He called the Church, in all its communities, to evangelization, missionary discipleship and service to others. St. Paul VI also exhorted the faithful to “never reach out a hand unless you are willing to extend an arm.”
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Words of St. Paul VI inspire new Appeal campaign li ct
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“With these words,” said Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., in his letter introducing the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal, “[St. Paul VI] challenges us to do all we can to build up the Body of Christ in our communities and provide assistance to those in need. He urges us to offer our help with free hearts and a generous spirit, withholding nothing in our efforts.” With a goal of $7 million, the 2019 Appeal will kick off in the Diocese the weekend of Feb. 23-24. Following an introduction of the Appeal by the local pastor, a video illustrating the outreach and ministries supported by the Appeal will be shown at all Masses. In-pew commitments may be made by completing pledge cards available in church during the kick-off weekend. Informational materials, including a brochure, pledge card and reply envelope, are also being mailed to See Build • A2
Together, when we reach out our hands and extend our arms we can...