Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As the days grow shorter and the nights grow longer, we become more and more aware of the need for light. It naturally leads us, it guides us, it draws us in. That is why we can so clearly understand what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the light of the world.” He leads us. He guides us. He draws us to Himself.

In this Advent season, we prepare to celebrate once again His coming among us as one like us, born of a mother, raised in a family and destined to be our savior. This is the core of our Catholic faith, and all that we do centers upon the mystery of His birth, death and resurrection. This truth impels us to live out our faith in mission: to preach the Gospel, to live the Gospel and to manifest the Gospel in our works.

We see this in the help we give to people like John, Donna and their three children. Both parents worked, John at a local factory and Donna as a visiting nurse aide, but when they lost their apartment through no fault of their own, they just couldn’t make ends meet. Because of the generosity of people like you, we were there for them. They received emergency aid for a security deposit for a new apartment and a kitchen full of food.

Theirs is not an isolated case. We do so much that goes unheralded except by those we help. They know and you should know that your giving matters. We are 78 percent to our Bishop’s Annual Appeal goal and need your help to reach it by the end of December.

If you have already made a gift, thank you! If not, will you please consider a gift to help us spread the hope of Christ, especially to those in need? Whatever you give, please know of the gratitude of those you help, and of me, your bishop and your friend.

Checks can be payable to Bishop’s Annual Appeal and mailed to 55 Joy Drive, South Burlington, VT 05403 or you can make a gift online: vermontcatholic.org/giveonline.

Peace and joy to you this Advent season.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Christopher J. Coyne

Bishop of Burlington