September 11, 2019 // Bishop

Providing for discipleship through the Annual Bishop’s Appeal

Colleen Schena

Christ tells His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” in the Gospel of Matthew. They joyfully took the message forth, going to the ends of their world and encountering others, even accepting martyrdom to further the love that Christ proclaims. In all of these acts, the number of disciples multiplied.

To nurture the zeal for modern discipleship and the impact it can have, support is necessary in the forms of prayer, volunteerism and donations. The Annual Bishop’s Appeal provides a tangible opportunity for Catholics to share the treasures of the faith in the manner of disciples. Through financial contributions, the support needed for vital ministries is provided. The ministries, in turn, serve those in need in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend.

The clergy and those discerning a vocation to the priesthood are among the people and ministries supported by the Annual Bishop’s Appeal. Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary in Indianapolis, provides education and formation for the next generation of passionate priests.

“Entering Bruté has been the greatest decision of my life,” affirmed Nicholas Monnin, a junior seminarian.

Having been a part of Bruté since his freshman year, Monnin has grown through communal life with his seminary brothers; the community has provided invaluable support in his discernment of the priesthood.

“Being in seminary has taught me a lot about myself: my talents, my flaws, my blessings, my crosses. Having this knowledge about myself allows me to better enter into relationship with other people and has made me into a better man.”

As part of life at the college seminary, Monnin is pursuing an academic degree and engages in ministry at Marian University, also in Indianapolis. His experiences with his seminary brothers and with other students at the Catholic university have given him space and time to learn what he needs to know about himself, his relationship with God, and how to minister to others. “My time at Bruté has also taught me what my gifts are and how I might be called to use those in ministry … I want everyone to know the person of Jesus Christ and His infinite love for them.”

The Annual Bishop’s Appeal also provides for Catholic schools throughout the diocese. It encourages lifelong learning by assisting Catholic schools, their students and their  teachers.

In providing for the needs of the many, education is a great tool; but it’s not the only need the Annual Bishop’s Appeal helps meet. Several local Catholic charities seek to serve the diocese and the world by spreading the love of Christ through a meal or safe shelter. Other ministries, such as those that serve the Hispanic community, strive to support present and future disciples with important conversations, training and prayer.

Donations to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal also support the critical evangelization of the faith through its financial commitment to diocesan communications, youth and young adult ministries and parish-based evangelization programs that enrich those who participate, while at the same time engaging and embracing new disciples into the fold.

This year’s appeal has a goal of $5.59 million. To help the appeal reach its goal by November, venture to the appeal website at diocesefwsb.org/aba and click “Quick Gift” for a one-time donation or “Pledge” to pay in installments. Pledge cards can also be filled and checks written to “Annual Bishop’s Appeal.” Both can be dropped into any parish collection basket or mailed to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal office, 915 S. Clinton St., Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46802. Visit the website for more information or to pledge any time before October’s end.

Prayerfully consider aiding in the mission of discipleship. Gifts to the Annual Bishop’s Appeal are far reaching, helping to support those in need and those who serve.