Dear Friends in Christ,
One of the greatest joys of serving as Bishop of Wilmington is visiting our Catholic schools. Whether I am celebrating Mass, visiting a classroom, or speaking with students in the hallway, I am continually inspired by the faith, kindness, curiosity and enthusiasm of our young people.
They remind me that the young church of today ensures that the future of our Church is bright, and that our responsibility is to nurture the gifts God has entrusted to them.
Our Catholic schools do much more than provide an excellent education. They form disciples of Jesus Christ. They cultivate minds, strengthen character, inspire service, and help students discover that God has created each of them with a unique purpose. Every day, our teachers, principals, pastors, and school communities accompany our young people as they grow in faith and prepare to become the next generation of Catholic leaders.
Unfortunately, for many families, the desire to provide a Catholic education comes with financial sacrifice. Through the generosity of the faithful, the “Share in the Spirit” campaign for tuition assistance makes it possible for children with demonstrated financial need to receive the life-changing gift of a Catholic education. Your generosity opens doors of opportunity and ensures that no child is denied this experience because of financial circumstances.
When you support Share in the Spirit, you are doing far more than helping to pay tuition. You are investing in the future of our church. You are helping to form young people who will one day serve as faithful parishioners, parents, teachers, community leaders, religious, clergy and generous disciples of Jesus Christ.
I am especially proud that this campaign reflects the very mission it supports. Students from our Catholic schools serve on our newly formed Youth Advisory Board, and our high school students develop the Share in the Spirit campaign for tuition assistance. Their creativity, faith and enthusiasm are evident in every aspect of this year’s effort. They are not simply the beneficiaries of Catholic education. They are active leaders in the church today.
In today’s issue of The Dialog, you will see the campaign they created. I hope you will enjoy their work as much as I have. Their message is a beautiful reminder that when we believe in our young people, encourage their gifts, and invite them to lead, they respond with generosity, joy, and hope. I invite you to participate in this year’s Share in the Spirit Collection, which will be held in every parish throughout the Diocese of Wilmington on Sept. 26- 27. I prayerfully ask you to consider making a generous gift. Every contribution, regardless of size, provides hope for a family and becomes an investment in the faith, education and future of a child.
As Saint Paul reminds us, “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Together, through our prayers and generosity, we are planting seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come.
Thank you for your faithful stewardship and for your continued commitment to Catholic education. Together, we are empowering the next generation to know Christ, love his church and joyfully share his Gospel with the world.
May God bless you and your families.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
Most Reverend William E. Koenig, D.D.
Bishop of Wilmington
