“As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” These words from John’s Gospel provide the theme for this year’s Catholic Services Appeal. We hear similar words every Sunday: “Go forth, the Mass is ended.” In fact, the word “Mass” comes from the word “Missa,” which is where we get the word mission. Starting to see the picture? Recently I stumbled across the old Blues Brothers Movie on TV. I still laugh when Elwood says: “We’re on a mission from God.” At Mass we are empowered by the graces of the Eucharist, and we are literally sent on a mission to serve God and neighbor. With the 2024 Catholic Services Appeal, God gives us a wonderful opportunity to fulfill that mission. CSA supports more than 100 ministries and programs throughout the Archdiocese of Louisville. We feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, and comfort the sick. Your donations also help educate our seminarians, like Emerson Wells, who stayed with us this summer. Did you know that there are now 19 young men in formation for the priesthood in ArchLou? That’s more than we’ve had in decades. And this year there are generous matches to make our gifts go even further. All gifts to the Seminarian Education Fund will be matched up to $75,000. All increased giving by Salt & Light level donors will be matched up to $50,000. And all gifts made by donors who did not make a gift last year will be matched up to $50,000. And there are several ways to donate again this year. You can use the envelope in your pew; You can donate online at

You can use the QR code included in the bulletin; Or you can go to our website at www.ssmartyr.org Just click on the “Donate Here” button under the CSA Parish Headline. Our Parish Goal this year is $38,100. St. Stephen Martyr has a reputation for being one of the most generous parishes in the Archdiocese. And no wonder...last year we exceeded our goal by nearly $15,000. I am confident we can do that again this year, especially if you give just a little bit more. I’ll be doing that right along with you, because together, we’re on a mission from God! “Lord, bless the mission and ministry of the Catholic Services Appeal. May our gifts be given with a spirit of joy and gratitude.” Yours in Christ, Fr. Peter