Joining together each year in support of these Archdiocesan ministries our local Catholic community helps fulfill Christ's mission here on earth by supporting those programs and services that cannot be accomplished by one parish alone.  More than 60 programs receive all or part of their funding from the Diocesan Services Fund (DSF) and all funds are spent within Archdiocesan boundaries.  The broad areas of ministry that receive DSF support include:  
Catholic education of children and adults
Pastoral ministries for the sick, the poor and the incarcerated
The formation and education of church leadership
Social services programs such as San Jose Clinic, St. Dominic Village and Catholic Charities.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

When I chose the Dicoesan Services Fund's theme Walk in the Light of Christ, COVID-19 had not yet affected us. Now, with so many suffering from illness, unemployment, and social isolation, walking in the light of Christ is a beautiful and appropriate theme for us all.  Christ is our consolation and hope in times of distress and darkness.  He is our way and our light.

Christ's light shines brightly through more than 60 ministries supported by the DSF.  During this pandemic many of these ministries have been challenged to increase their services and also to find new ways to deliver those services.  A few examples are:

• Catholic Charities is distributing thousands of tons of food

• San Jose Clinic devised curbside prescription pick-up

• Our Chaplain Corps is providing pastoral care to hospitalized patients despite extreme contact restrictions

These ministries have been on the front lines reflecting the light of Christ into the lives of those who have been especially affected by the pandemic.  Your gift to DSF strengthens these important works of mercy.

The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) is leading the way for our school communities to adapt during these difficult times.  Balancing between virtual and in-person classes and maintaining safe learning environments has not been easy, but our schools have done well.  The mission of our Catholic schools is to form students to become messengers of the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The Office of Adolescent Catechesis and Evangelization is vital in helping teenagers live their Catholic faith.  The Archdiocesan Youth Council has more than 100 members from Catholic schools and parishes throughout Galveston-Houston.  Council members, now meeting virtually, provide valuable insights for me and their pastors into the joys and concerns of our young people.

Each year I emphasize the Office of Vocations in the DSF.  This office works to attract, shepherd, and guide men being formed for the priesthood.  Your donation and your prayers for vocations are paramount to the future of our new pastors.

I know that economic circumstances may have changed for many of you due to the pandemic, but for those who can, please give generously to DSF this year.  I also ask those who have never given to consider your first gift to DSF as we walk together in the light of Christ.

Thank you for your commitment.  With assurances of my prayers for this local Church, I am

      
                                                                                                             Sincerely yours in Christ,
                                                                                                             
                                                                                                             Daniel Cardinal DiNardo
                                                                                                             Archbishop of Galveston-Houston

God bless each of you who have so generously responded in support of the 2021 Diocesan Services Fund.  If you or your family have not yet responded, please do so today.  To give online, please visit www.archgh.org/dsf.  Help us attain our parish goals.  It is critical that each of us along with our brother and sister Catholics across our Archdiocese reach out with helping hands.  Together we can accomplish goals that individually we cannot make.  Participation in this appeal is critical, so please do so at whatever level is possible.  100% participation is the key to reaching our goals!  Envelopes designated for each church can be found in the back of the Churches or from the Parish Office.  

St. Michael the Archangel

DSF Report as of 7/29/2021

Parish Goal:                       $39,000.00
Amount Paid To Date:       $34,047.50
Balance Needed:               $4,952.50
Number of Participants: 110

Sts. Cyril & Methodius

DSF Report as of 7/29/2021

Parish Goal:                         $9,000.00
Amount Paid To Date:      $8,335.00
Balance Needed:                 $665.00
Number of Participants:   41
 

Every year goals are set by Cardinal DiNardo and at the end of the year if the goals are not met, the Churches are required to pay the deficit.  It has been many years since either St. Michael's or Sts. Cyril & Methodius has had to pay a deficit; however, in 2020 both churches had a deficit.  These deficits will have to be paid.  This is why we ask each year that no matter how small your donation is...to please donate because 100% participation can make a difference.

St. Michael the Archangel 2020 Deficit was $11,020.50
Sts. Cyril & Methodius Deficit was $235.00