My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Jesus said “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations” telling
His disciples to leave where they were, go find others, and invite them to follow Him.
We, too, can grow in our own discipleship in Christ by witnessing to Him through our acts of forgiveness and mercy, by demonstrating our love for Him through our actions towards our brothers and sisters, and by sharing the blessings and graces that God has given us. Our lives should be a living testimony to our Lord Jesus.
I ask you to join me in our journey of discipleship by making the decision to support our work, and the ministries of the Church by giving a generous gift to the 2024 Catholic Sharing Appeal. When you support the CSA, you are joining thousands of other faithful Catholics in our diocese in working together to make a difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters. With your intentional decision to contribute to our appeal, you witness to the Lord helping in the creation of pathways of love and compassion through the ministries and programs that bring the Good News of Christ to others, support our retired priests, seminarians, those struggling to put food on their tables, those in need of housing, and programs that promote the sanctity of life at all stages.
Together, we can be the example of Christ to those in the communities in which we live, work and serve. Your gift, no matter the size, can make a difference in someone's life.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Louis F. Kihneman, III
Bishop of Biloxi
JON OLIVIER - SEMINARIAN, DIOCESE OF BILOXI - NOTRE DAME SEMINARY
I grew up Catholic but did not know my faith. As I look back, I know my journey has had many paths and I have learned that “God plays the long game.” He does not give up on us. Before my beautiful Mom passed, I saw her praying the rosary while being cared for by home hospice. Some of her rosary prayers were for me. After she passed, I became part of home hospice care and this experience was part of my long game…my journey to God and my Catholic faith. I found passion in helping the sick.
Years later, God continued sending people and experiences into my life. I joined a Bible study on Book of Acts and those in the group showed me what living the Catholic faith was all about. I was a green tomato at reading scripture, and they started to guide me and turn me on to the scriptures. I bought my first Catholic Study Bible and Catechism for this class.
Later again, I moved to Salida, CO, and soon I was helping lead Bible studies and teaching classes in the RCIA program for new catechumens and for the baptized coming into the Church. Soon, I was asked if I was interested in becoming an acolyte to help at Mass with the Eucharist, and in 2017 I was instituted as an acolyte by Bishop Sheridan in the Colorado Springs diocese. My next calling came toward prison and healing ministry, and helping with communion services and Masses at the prison.
Looking back, God continued “playing the long game” in
my life. I continued to say yes!
A senior woman living with abusive family members in an isolated area of South Mississippi.
Margaret Agnes was in complete darkness and feeling no hope. The family members that were “offering” to help her with housing were stealing her Social Security benefits. She had no idea what to do, and was becoming more dependent and lost. She tolerated excessive mental and physical abuse because she felt as though she had no options.
An anonymous call came into Catholic Charities for assistance for Margaret Agnes.
Swiftly, Catholic Charities moved her safely to another house and worked with Social Security to regain control of her benefits. She thrived in her new setting, has been working part time and making supportive friends. She’s even using a bicycle now for her transportation to work, which was generously given to her by folks at Catholic Charities.
She is much more independent now and has found her faith and love for Christ. This was all made possible by the shining light of the good people at Catholic Charities and everyone who helps support this amazing ministry.
When you give to CSA, you support them, and people like me.
Thank you so much!
Parochial Vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas in Hattiesburg
Diocese of Biloxi Vocations Director
"I have seen a large growth in those interested in vocations because of the parishoner
effort put forth with the "Called By Name" program."
What Leadership Gift Society do you belong to?
The Leadership Gift Societies were created to both recognize and celebrate those individuals who sustain the ministries and programs of the Diocese of Biloxi through significant gifts to the Catholic Sharing Appeal.
This support provides for continual pastoral needs of families, children and countless others who seek our help and assistance.
These gifts, received with deepest gratitude, make a profound difference, and are gratefully recognized by Bishop Louis F. Kihneman.