‘Christ Our Hope’ awareness weekends to begin on Oct. 17-18

Deacon Michael Stratman greets members of St. Margaret Mary Parish in Terre Haute after a Mass celebrated on Aug. 9 at the parish church. The formation of Deacon Stratman, the 24 other men ordained to the permanent diaconate with him in 2008, and the current class of deacon candidates is supported through the generosity of those who contribute to the annual archdiocesan appeal. (Photo by Sean Gallagher)

Criterion staff report

Over the next three weekends, Catholics across central and southern Indiana will learn about the importance of stewardship and how they can spread a hope rooted in Christ by sharing their blessings in their parishes and in the archdiocese.

Some parishes will have ministry fairs before and after their weekend Masses which will spotlight the various ministries that parishioners can benefit from or contribute to.

Other parishes will have members give presentations on stewardship as a way of life at the end of their weekend Masses.

Finally, some parishes will have stewardship and accountability reports given at the end of their weekend Masses.

All of these events seek to raise awareness about “Christ Our Hope: Compassion in Community,” the new archdiocesan annual appeal.

On the weekend of Nov. 7-8, Catholics across the archdiocese will be invited to pledge how they will support, through their time, talent and treasure, their parish’s ministries and those ministries shared by parish communities that, as a whole, make up the Archdiocese of Indianapolis.

The funds raised through “Christ Our Hope: Compassion in Community” will also support such shared ministries as Catholic Charities, the support of retired priests and the formation of future archdiocesan priests and permanent deacons.

Deacon Michael Stratman, who ministers at St. Margaret Mary and St. Patrick parishes in Terre Haute, was a member of the first class of permanent deacons in the history of the archdiocese that were ordained last year.

The formation he received over a four-year period was supported through the archdiocesan annual appeal.

“I’m very grateful for the generosity of people who donate their time, talent and treasure,” Deacon Stratman said. “It gives people like myself the opportunity to serve God and the Church.”

(For more information about “Christ Our Hope: Compassion in Community,” log on to www.archindy.org/christourhope.) †