Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The weekend of February 17-18, we will observe the Black and Indian Missions Collection at all Masses. Each year the Church, as part of its mission, asks us to help the Native American and African American communities.
This is one of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' (USCCB) national collections and it was established at the 1884 Plenary Council in Baltimore to keep the light of faith shining in these communities. This fund was used for evangelization efforts in poor rural and reservation communities, which cannot survive without our help. Today, our solidarity with them is more important than ever. Some vibrant Catholic faith communities in the poorest regions serve and care for the marginalized.
The funds from the collection will be distributed as grants to dioceses throughout the United States. Your generous support of this collection helps build the Church in these communities from coast to coast. Schools, parish religious education programs and diocesan ministries depend on your generosity to help them spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
I would like to thank you for sharing in the missionary work of the Church as the National Black and Indian Collection is conducted throughout the diocese. Through our prayers and generosity, we share in spreading Christ’s Gospel message in Black and Native Indian communities across the country.
Grateful for your cooperation and participation, I remain
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Earl K. Fernandes
Bishop of Columbus
