Dear Bishop’s Circle Member,
Here in the Diocese of Greensburg, we are embarking on our 2023 Diocesan Lenten Appeal. Our theme this year is One Body in Christ. As members of the Church, we are One Body in Christ through our baptism. As Saint Paul reminds us, the body, although one, has many parts with Christ as the head. The contribution that each part makes is valuable and important to the function of the whole. We have all been blessed individually with unique gifts, and we offer these gifts in service of the one body, the Church, with Christ as our head. At the end of each Mass, we are sent forth into the world, as members of His Mystical Body, with the mandate to carry the message of Christ into the world.
We see many instances of this being done across our Diocese. One example is the wonderful ministry of our international priests who are currently serving in roughly one third of our parishes. Another is our faith formation within parishes including catechesis, youth ministry, and numerous volunteer opportunities. An additional important example is the outreach to the less fortunate in our communities through Catholic Charities by feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, and providing counseling services. All of these ministries, along with many others, are supported by the Diocesan Lenten Appeal.
During Lent, I encourage you to support the work of the Diocese of Greensburg through your participation in the 2023 Diocesan Lenten Appeal. I ask you to prayerfully consider your support which will assist our mission of strengthening the Body of Christ in our Diocesan Church. Your participation in the past has been generous and humbling to me. Thank you for all you have done.
I pray that we may continue to serve the Lord as many unique components that come together to form One Body in Christ. Please be assured of my prayers for you and your family.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Larry J. Kulick, J.C.L.
Bishop of Greensburg
Join or renew your membership in The Bishop’s Circle
The Diocese of Greensburg is grateful for all the benefactors who participate in every level of giving in The Bishop’s Circle. You are supporting the mission of the Church and our Diocese. Thank you!
What is required to become an annual member?
The Bishop’s Circle members make a minimum annual contribution of $1,200 to the Diocese of Greensburg or The Catholic Foundation, including the Diocesan Lenten Appeal, the Seminarian and Clergy Formation Collection, Catholic Charities, Catholic schools or the Diocesan Heritage Center, renewable at the start of each calendar year.
How are the funds used?
Annual contributions to The Bishop’s Circle support diocesanwide missions and ministries. Gifts made to specific appeals will be used in accordance with the stated purpose of those appeals. Outright gifts may be unrestricted or made for a particular purpose. Gifts to a specific Diocesan Endowment can also be made with the assistance of our Foundation office.
Gifts can be made in payments annually, semiannually, quarterly or monthly. Pledge reminders may be sent so that gifts can be paid in full by the end of the calendar year.
What are the benefits of annual membership?
All Bishop’s Circle members will receive priority communication regarding Diocesan events and spiritual gatherings, advanced information about Diocesan pilgrimages and a special invitation to the annual donor appreciation event at Christ Our Shepherd Center.
Why is Amethyst the highest level of giving?
This year, we have made Amethyst the highest level of giving as a symbol of sacrifice. Amethyst is a semi-precious stone, which means it is not nearly as valuable as diamonds, gold, silver, and bronze. But in the church’s tradition, it is considered to be the bishop’s stone, often appearing in an ordinary’s ring or pectoral cross. It is a reminder that in service to the church, we turn something that is seemingly less valuable into the most precious of all.
Amethyst level donors will receive an invitation to dinner at the Bishop’s residence.
