CONCLUSION

In issuing this Pastoral Letter to the faithful of the Diocese of Greensburg, I have promulgated the Catechetical Master Plan, addressed the issue of the normative age for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation, stressed the need for youth ministry, and have emphasized the need to strengthen Catholic identity within our Catholic schools. These are actions that will help us remain faithful also to the implementation of our Diocesan Strategic Plan.

In and through Lifelong Faith Formation, we are reminded of the centrality of the Sunday Eucharist in our lives. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “All other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself.” In the Eucharist, we find strength to evangelize and deepen the faith that has been entrusted to our care.

Just as on that first Pentecost day, may the Holy Spirit strengthen us to share by courage, hope and enthusiasm the Gospel message with this generation and those who follow.

Given at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral of the Diocese of Greensburg on Pentecost Sunday, the 31st day of May in the year of Our Lord 2009.

 
+ Lawrence E. Brandt

The Most Reverend Lawrence E. Brandt, JCD, PhD
Bishop of Greensburg