1,300 Celebrate Mass of Thanksgiving,
Bishop John Noonan thanks those who contribute to diocesan efforts
On November 5th, nearly 1,300 people who contributed to Alive in Christ or made a gift to Our Catholic Appeal over the past year attended the annual Mass of Thanksgiving at the Basilica of the National Shrine of Mary, Queen of the Universe in Orlando. The event marked the first time Bishop John Noonan celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving in the Diocese of Orlando, as well as the first time speakers gave witness to the remarkable work being accomplished by both efforts.
"I am eternally grateful for your generosity and commitment to our Alive in Christ capital campaign and Our Catholic Appeal," Bishop Noonan said during his homily. "Without your generosity, commitment and love, the Word, the light and the commitment of Jesus Christ would not be preached"
In addition to Bishop Noonan's words of gratitude, several speakers described how their lives have been touched by each effort.
"This is the first year that we have invited witness speakers to share in their own words how a spirit of generosity really does change lives - not only the lives of those who have been touched by the ministries that are supported through Our Catholic Appeal and Alive in Christ, but also the lives of those who give," said Jim Edwards, President of the Catholic Foundation of Central Florida.
Ron and Celeste Henkelman, parishioners at Church of the Resurrection parish in Lakeland, spoke about their decision to support Our Catholic Appeal because of their belief in the importance of Catholic education. This year nearly, 20% of Our Catholic Appeal was designated for schools and religious education.
"As parents, we have the duty to educate our children's minds, and we also have the duty to educate our children's hearts to be good stewards in Christ," said Celeste. "Choosing a Catholic school environment where education excels, and Catholic values are taught and practiced outside the home, our faith comes full circle - full circle in our families, in our schools and in our society."
Shedrak Morales, a ninth grader at Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland, receives tuition assistance funded by Our Catholic Appeal. She thanked the donors for enabling her to receive a Catholic education.
"Attending Santa Fe is important for me because I will be a good Catholic and I will live each day with God actively present in my life," said Morales. "My family and I have a hard time financially, so for me, my Catholic education is the only possession I own."
This article was originally reported as a part of Sharing the Promise, November 2011.