Dear Catechetical Leader,

As we reach the end of the Year of St. Paul, Pope Benedict XVI has designated June 19, 2009, through June 19, 2010, as the Year for Priests. This yearlong celebration begins on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a day on which we pray for the sanctification of all priests. The Holy Father has likewise made the decision to declare St. John Vianney the Universal Patron of All Priests on the occasion of the150^th Anniversary of the saint's death.

It is the hope of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops that we, as a Diocese, continue to encourage our priests and thank them for accepting the call that they have received from the Lord. You will find the message of Pope Benedict in English and in Spanish on the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' website.

You will also find enclosed, a Please Pray for Priests prayer card. I would encourage you to have your catechists open their religious education classes this fall, with this prayer. Other ideas to celebrate the Year for Priests would be:

. To have your students write a note of thanks to their parish priest(s).

. Encourage your students to serve their priest by becoming acolytes.

. Invite your youth to organize a parish supper to celebrate the Year for Priests.

. Invite your pastor into the class to share his joy of serving the Lord as a priest.

. Hold an essay contest titled 'My Parish Priest'.

. Join in monthly evening of prayer for priests at St. Patrick Cathedral (schedule enclosed).

. Be creative, ask your students to think of ways to celebrate their priest(s).

During this time of change in our diocese, many of our priests are doing double duty by caring for two parishes or pastoring a parish while working in a diocesan office. They need our prayers and constant encouragement as we celebrate the Year for Priests.

May God continue to bless you in your ministry,

Marjorie Vanner Coordinator

1595 Norwich-New London Turnpike. Uncasville . Connecticut. 06382-1319
Phone: 860-848-2237 ext.312. Fax: 860-848-2816. faithevents@norwichdiocese.net
Funded by the Annual Bishop's Appeal