Sunday, January 13, 2008

Homily, Sunday, January 13, 2008

Dear friends in Christ,

When what was to become the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas was established more than fifteen decades ago, few would have ever imagined that the 21 counties that comprise our Archdiocese would become the thriving spiritual home to nearly 200,000 Catholics that it is today. The Church in Northeastern Kansas has been abundantly blessed with a dynamic, rapidly growing faith community that is economically, demographically and culturally diverse.

My responsibility as an archbishop is to ensure that the mission of our vibrant and growing Church continues to move forward in every category of pastoral life. Since 2005, it has been my privilege to write to our faithful seeking their support of the Archbishop's Call to Share (ACTS). It is very gratifying for me to see how you have been willing to be an instrument of the Lord's love in visible and powerful ways.

In his Epistle to the Collossians, St. Paul exhorts this community of early believers to be steadfast in their faith, which is in Christ (Col 2:5). Although our Church is a multiplicity of peoples and cultures, it is our common Faith - a gift from God - which unites us as a People of God. Every year, one of the most concrete expressions of placing our faith into action is manifested through the generosity to ACTS. It is this willingness to share your blessings that exemplifies the joyful Spirit of Christ's love and provides the local Church with greater opportunities to carry out the basic works of mercy and pastoral outreach some of which are profiled in this website.

As you can imagine, every gift to the 2008 ACTS will be critical and will determine the extent to which we can fund these vital initiatives. Your sacrifice is an expression of your unity with the thousands of Catholics throughout our Archdiocesan family who are also participating in this important effort. May God bless you always for the sacrifice you offer today.

With gratitude for your love of in Jesus and His Church, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Jesus, the Lord of Life,

Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann
Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas