Please Note: In observance of Christmas and New Year's, Chancery and Foundation offices will be closed from December 23^rd, 2011 to January 2^nd, 2012. If you would like to give a special end-of-year donation, links in the left column are available for online giving. If you need to speak with Foundation staff, please call 407-246-7185 or email giftmanager@orlandodiocese.org before December 23^rd. Thank you!

Make Christ the focus of your year-end giving

Our tradition of Christmas gift-giving recalls that joyous moment in history when God blessed mankind with the gift of His Son in human form. Advent season provides an opportunity to reflect upon God's great gift to us and to consider how we might include His Church as an important part of our own Christmas giving.

There are many ways to make a special year-end gift to a parish, school, or any ministry of the Diocese of Orlando. Cash is the easiest way to give, but you may also consider a gift of appreciated stocks, life insurance, real estate, or IRA distributions.

In addition to the abundant spiritual rewards, a year-end gift may also provide financial benefits for both you and the Church. For gifts made by December 31^st, you may be eligible for a 2011 tax deduction. For more information or to make a gift online, please visit www.cfocf.org/give.

Spirit of generosity sends Our Catholic Appeal 2011 over goal

 
Through the grace of God and the generosity of His people, pledges for Our Catholic Appeal recently surpassed the 2011 goal of $12.25 million.

As of December 1^st, a total of $12,260,840 has been raised in cash and pledges, marking an increase of more than $640,000 over the previous year. Of the 92 parishes and missions in the diocese, 74 have raised at least 90% of their goal, and over half of all parishes met or exceeded their goal.

"This is a remarkable achievement that only faith could make possible," noted Bishop John Noonan. "Through their generous commitments, our families have shown that Our Catholic Appeal is worthy of support and that our diocesan ministries have a direct and lasting influence on countless lives."

Gifts to Our Catholic Appeal provide annual operating support for a wide variety of diocesan ministries that serve people, parishes and Catholic schools throughout Central Florida. With funds from Our Catholic Appeal, the diocese is able to nurture vocations, educate seminarians, promote lifelong faith formation, and care for the hungry and homeless.

To make a gift to Our Catholic Appeal, please visit www.cfocf.org/OCA.

Come See The Lettermen and Help the Homeless in Central Florida

Looking for a unique Christmas gift for a loved one? Tickets are now available to see legendary vocal trio "The Lettermen," who will perform two live shows at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Winter Park, in a benefit to help the homeless.

Formed in the 1950s, the iconic group is remembered for such classic hits as "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" and "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You." Their latest album, New Directions, was released in 2010 and earned three Grammy nominations.

The 50^th Anniversary Concert is scheduled for Friday, January 6th at 7:30 pm.

A special Christmas Concert is scheduled for Saturday, January 7th at 7:30 pm.

Tickets range from $25 - $45, and sponsorship opportunities are available.

Proceeds from the ticket sales will benefit local homeless charities, including Pathways to Care, which provides temporary housing for homeless adults who are recovering from illness or injury.

"St. Margaret Mary is pleased to host The Lettermen," said Fr. Richard Walsh, Pastor of St. Margaret Mary. "We encourage everyone to attend this special concert series and support efforts to end homelessness in our community."

For more information, please view the promotional flyer or visit www.StMargaretMary.org to purchase tickets online.

To read more about what's happening at the Diocese of Orlando, the Catholic Foundation and The Florida Catholic, links are provided in the left column.