In this day and age, we are often told to “live in the present” or we sometimes hear, “there is no time like present time.” While there is certainly a valuable lesson to be learned from such statements, think about what would happen if we, as Catholics, never considered the future…of the Church. Eventually, there would not be a Church! The truth is, it is our job in the present to make conscious decisions which will aid in the continual flourishing and growth of the Catholic church in order to ensure its future.
How does this relate to the Catholic Services Appeal Foundation (CSAF), you might ask? Donating to this Appeal really does contribute to the future of the Church in a very significant way. Although all of the 17 Collective Ministries that we support each have their own unique mission and purpose, a common thread between them is that they all support “Vocations” and “vocations.” Vocations (with an uppercase “v”) typically refers to an ultimate calling from God that we answer—marriage, religious life, or consecrated singlehood. This type of Vocation is something that is to be carefully and intentionally discerned by each person, each child of God.
The Catholic Services Appeal Foundation supports the Saint John Vianney College Seminary, the Saint Paul Seminary, and the Office of Marriage, Family, and Life. Additionally, the CSAF supports Catholic education and also formational programs for youth and young adults through the Newman Center and Saint Paul’s Outreach—all of these programs and offices are instrumental in helping to aid people in their path to discerning their Vocation, no matter what stage.
Thinking of this idea on a lower level, all people are called every day to fulfill their vocation (with a lowercase “v”). This type of vocation is more specific to the individual—what is your purpose in the world on a daily basis? Many view this as a professional calling, which includes any kind of responsibility that someone may be called to whether it be working as a veterinarian, staying at home raising children, continuing education or volunteering to teach faith formation classes. What is God calling us to each and every day?
The Catholic Services Appeal Foundation supports vocations in so many ways. Some examples include the Archdiocesan Council for Catholic Women (ACCW) who involve women in an organization that supports and empowers other women to serve Christ, His church and society. Catholic Charities as another example, serves those most in need in the community which allows those in poverty to reach a place of independence where they have the freedom to focus on their purpose, their daily vocation.
Because of the good work of the 17 Collective Ministries that the CSAF supports, the future of the Church remains bright. It is up to all of you, our generous donors, to help ensure that those served from these ministries have the opportunity to pursue both their Vocation and vocations. Live in the present, keeping the future Church in mind.
