Bishop Parkes kicks off the Annual Catholic Appeal this weekend.  Our financial goal is $33.331.
But of course, the ultimate goal is always to pass on the treasure of our faith to the next generations. Everything we do in the parish and diocese are means to the end of accomplishing this mission. So, I ask for your prayers that we generously rise to the challenge of this year’s appeal. 

Annual Catholic Appeal Prayer
Almighty God,
We praise You and give You thanks for walking with us,
your people of the Diocese of Savannah,

Pour out Your Spirit upon us,
that we may acknowledge and celebrate that we are all made in God's image,
each with unique gifts which we are called to share as part of the Body of Christ.

Set our hearts on fire with a greater love and deeper devotion
for encountering your Real Presence in the Eucharist,
so that as living tabernacles we may fill the world with His bountiful love.

Send your Spirit upon our parishes,
that we may courageously live the joy of the Gospel,
actively inviting and welcoming all as communities of missionary disciples.

As we embark on this Annual Catholic Appeal,
give us hearts of humility and gratitude,
that we may respond with generosity
and together proclaim with one voice,
that we are One, Holy, Catholic, Apostolic Church.

January 23, 2022 | Third Sunday in Ordinary Time | by The Faithful Disciple
Neh 8:2-4a, 5-6, 8-10 | 1 Cor 12:12-30 or 1 Cor 12:12-14, 27 | Lk 1:1-4; 4:14-21
GROW: Do you ever find yourself feeling like you are at the cusp of something remarkable? Like you are witnessing an incredible, historic, athletic, or aeronautical feat?  I wonder if that’s what it was like for the followers of Jesus when he began his public ministry: “News of him spread throughout the whole region. He taught in their synagogues and was praised by all.” In today’s Gospel, Jesus reads the words of the prophet Isaiah that are effectively a “job description” of his mission: glad tidings to the poor, liberty of captives, sight to the blind, freedom for the oppressed. What Isaiah prophesied; Jesus claims to fulfill. He thus inaugurates his public ministry with a claim that is straightforward, bold, true, and of great consequence. Today, by virtue of our baptism, we are part of the body of Christ and share in that mission. Whatever our backgrounds, abilities, or talents, we each have something to contribute to building up one another and the Church. And with the help of the Holy Spirit, we, too, can be bold in our own proclamation of Jesus Christ as Lord.

GO: We’ve heard the phrase “Don’t sell yourself short.” Social media aside, many of us tend to focus on our shortcomings: We may wish we could run faster, be better at our jobs, have a cleaner home, in general, “get it together!” Truth is, we’re all works in progress. That’s what I love about Paul’s Letter to the Corinthians. He reminds us that each one of us – whatever our strengths or weaknesses – is part of the body of Christ. God loves us with our imperfections, not in spite of them. As such, each of us has indispensable value and much to contribute to the mission of the Church. As we move into the week ahead, today’s readings invite us to place ourselves at the service of the Church and one another. Beyond that, we can invite others to join us by recognizing that God values the talents – and foibles – that each of us brings to his service.
PRAY: Yesterday on the liturgical calendar was the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. As members of the body of Christ, let us join our voices with the universal Church and pray a Pro-Life Rosary each night this week. The USCCB Prayers and Devotions page is a good resource.