My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
When I was asked to select a Gospel reading for my installation Mass here in the Archdiocese of Detroit, I chose this powerful exchange between our Lord and St. Peter in the Gospel of St. John:
“Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep…” And when he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me” (John 21:15-17,19).
Christ’s words to Peter are also a call to all of us, members of the Church, to love and care for our brethren—a call to give to others what we have received from God so that they may also know his abundant and overwhelming love. It seemed like an appropriate message for beginning my ministry to all of you in the local Church of southeast Michigan.
Each of us has been blessed by God with unique talents, resources, and opportunities. These gifts are not meant to be kept for ourselves but shared with others, particularly those in greatest need. Embracing our role as stewards of these gifts is one of the ways we participate in the work of evangelization, bringing the light of Christ to those who are searching and offering hope and healing to those who are suffering.
In this final year of our National Eucharistic Revival—the Year of Mission—each of us is called to go forth to share the joy of the Gospel and the power of Christ in the Eucharist. One way for all of us to participate in this mission is by giving our prayerful and material support to the many vibrant ministries that serve as our collective answer to Jesus’s call to “feed my sheep.” Through nurturing our brothers' and sisters' physical and spiritual needs, we follow in the footsteps of the Apostles who spread the Gospel and cared for the poor, the sick, and the outcast.
Today, as your new shepherd, I humbly ask you to reflect on the many blessings God has bestowed upon you and consider how you might use these gifts to support the mission of the Church in Detroit, my new home. Your generosity enables us to continue our vital work of evangelization.
By making a gift, you contribute to a legacy of faith and love that reaches far beyond our immediate community. Your support helps to ensure that the Gospel is preached, the hungry are fed, and the love of Christ is made manifest to all.
Please join us in this mission to bring Christ’s message of mercy and compassion to the world. Your gift, regardless of size, is a powerful witness to your love for Jesus and your commitment to following Him.
Thank you for your faith and your willingness to share the gifts God has given you. May He bless you abundantly for your generosity.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger
Archbishop of Detroit