Following are several examples of ministries funded under Building Up the Church.
Lay Formation (Education and Formation)
Lay Formation is about forming and enriching the faith of adult Catholics, providing an opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and increase their prayer life, to learn more about their faith, and to belong to a vibrant Catholic community.”
“I’m so grateful that the Bishop’s Annual Appeal provided for a program that gave me the opportunity to get away from my normal life to learn, ponder, pray and be still long enough to recognize God’s presence around me." Cathy Swarbrick, Lay Formation graduate
Lay formation: Bishop Don Bolen anoints Cathy Swarbrick during a missioning celebration for graduates of the two-year faith enrichment program. Lay Formation is designed to help adult Catholics deepen their commitment to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ
Vocations (Pastoral Life and Mission)
The Office of Vocations and the Vocation Commission are working to foster a culture within our family of faith that calls us to constant attention to where God is calling us – for a lifetime and in each and every moment. Our parishes are served by pastors who have heard and answered God’s call to serve His people, the church. We have also been served by religious men and women of various orders, whose ministry has shaped our faith. These vocations flow from couples who have answered God’s call to marriage and family life.
“I am so grateful to the people of this diocese for their prayers and for their financial support through the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, which made it possible for me to study. ” Fr. Matthew Ramsay
Youth Ministry (Pastoral Life & Mission) Our young people are the future of the church and they have a world of choices in front of them. Youth ministry creates opportunities for youth and young adults to encounter Jesus and develop relationships that can help them navigate life with faith. Through social media and YouTube, diocesan-wide youth events, retreats and catechetical opportunities, youth ministry is planting seeds of faith.
Bishop’s Cup basketball game: Youth celebrate after winning a narrow victory over the clergy at the second annual Bishop’s Cup youth event. In addition to lively basketball games, the event also features prayer, food and fellowship. |  |
We are all invited to sow God’s seeds of faith. This work is divided into two main areas of focus: the work we do to build up the church and the work we do as a church to reach out in love. The Bishop’s Annual Appeal funds ministries that strengthen our faith and reach out to people in need. This year, our goal is $1.5 million. Lay formation: Bishop Don Bolen anoints Cathy Swarbrick during a missioning celebration for graduates of the two-year faith enrichment program. Lay Formation is designed to help adult Catholics deepen their commitment to the mission and ministry of Jesus Christ Bishop’s Cup basketball game: Youth celebrate after winning a narrow victory over the clergy at the second annual Bishop’s Cup youth event. In addition to lively basketball games, the event also features prayer, food and fellowship.