1. The Lenten Appeal provides a critical lifeline to hundreds of parishes, schools and agencies, especially those that serve in high poverty areas. The results are tangible. The lives of people, particularly children who are most helped by the Appeal, are impacted greatly.

2. The act of giving itself is an act of faith, especially during Lent for the needs of the poor. When people are moved to be more selfless, more loving, more generous, they are moving closer to the heart of Christ who invites each one of us with these simple, profound words - Follow Me. When people are moved to be deeply generous, they are rewarded with the blessing of peace, purpose and inner joy. The Lenten season and the Lenten Appeal provide a special moment each year to reach for this grace and blessing by inviting our Catholic people to give in self-sacrifice, motivated only by love for others.

3. People want to belong to parishes that are missionary, making a great difference in the world. This fosters in them a sense of pride in belonging and deepens their spirit of commitment. When parish faith community leaders make giving to others in need beyond the parish a priority even though the parish has its own dreams and needs, the individual members of that faith community can be inspired to do the same. A self-centered parish community begets a self-centered people. A self-giving community begets a self-giving people. There God's blessing will be found.

4. The Archbishop's Lenten Appeal helps us to realize who God calls us to be as sisters and brothers that belong to one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. We are people of many races, many backgrounds and many neighborhoods. Yet we are one. The Lenten Appeal provides a bridge across our parish boundaries, across our cultural boundaries and even across our national boundaries. Each parish operating on its own can only do so much. But when parishes join together, linking all of the people of the Archdiocese together, we can realize our unlimited potential. Then, we can become God's instrument of mercy and love - of holy fire and light to our world. The Lenten Appeal gives us that opportunity.