Many people, at home and abroad, experienced the past year as one of strife, fear and uncertainty. In the face of life’s difficulties, it can be easy to lose hope, to lose a sense that God is at work in our midst.
What are the needs we see around us and what has the Church done to respond to these needs?
Many seek God and want to encounter his presence. This past year 4,698 Catholics were baptized, 3,035 received their first holy Communion, 2,863 were confirmed and 833 entered holy matrimony.
Many are looking for meaning and purpose in life. This past year, a great number of the faithful dedicated their lives to ministry in the Church: eight of our brothers were ordained as priests; another six were ordained as transitional deacons, the final step before priesthood; and 14 of our brothers were ordained to the permanent diaconate. Several women and men from our archdiocese took religious vows, and committed their lives to service, witnessing to God’s kingdom on earth. Countless lay people responded to a call to serve in their parishes or other ministries.
Many young people seek a brighter future and a path to unlock their God-given potential. This past year, our Catholic schools educated more than 24,000 students, challenging young minds, and shaping a generation of servant-leaders. This past year we provided $2.8 million in scholarships to help 2,119 young people to attend one of our academically strong, Christ-centered Catholic schools. We advocated for the BOOST program that provided $2.2 million in scholarships for 562 deserving students. Through the generosity of our parishes, an additional $4.7 million was offered in tuition assistance and support for Catholic education.
Many of our neighbors face poverty and injustice. This past year, the family of the archdiocese – more than 500,000 strong – was once again Maryland’s largest provider of aid outside of the state government. This work was carried out in parishes across the archdiocese and in more than 80 programs run by Catholic Charities.
Many people struggle with a crushing sense of despair. This past year, Catholic Charities and other ministries in our Catholic community, engaged in the mental well-being of 6,000 individuals, including providing support for behavioral-health and substance-abuse challenges. In 2022, the archdiocese certified nearly 1,000 people as Mental Health First Aid responders.
Many of our brothers and sisters face hunger each day. This past year, we nourished the hungry with a half-million hot meals served by Catholic Charities and free groceries distributed by our many parish-based food pantries. This year, in a variety of ministries, faithful Catholics worked to safely reunite 400 minors with family or sponsors.
Many families are impacted by the scourge of violence. This past year, Catholics worked to help families whose loved ones have been murdered through our Grief Ministry, providing fresh and non-perishable food to the families of homicide victims in the days and weeks after their traumatic loss. When tragedy struck our neighbors with the Brooklyn Homes mass shooting in July, Catholics went into action helping to cover burials costs, providing resources for people living in witness protection and responding to the needs of victims.
Many challenges face each of us every day. This past year, in all these ways and more, the family of the Church responded to them by striving to carry out the mission that Jesus entrusted to us. The Church is called to be the continuation of Christ’s presence in history: sanctifying, teaching, serving, healing, feeding and caring as Jesus did.
And what will we do in the year to come? The same and more. Jesus is present among us and at work here in and now. This is our cause for hope. Jesus Christ is still active and alive in his Church. His mission carries on.
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