I’ve already written the check. Yes, I’ve already written my check to the Diocesan Annual Appeal. Why? To stop the flow of repeated letters inviting my donation? To help my parish communities reach their goal earlier? Well, in part, yes. But, it’s more about gratitude. I’m grateful for the education I was given in my seminary. I didn’t pay for that—you, the Church, did! And I thank you! I’m grateful that this Diocese continues to support seminarians—like Andrew—ensuring that we will have priests and Eucharist into our future. I’m grateful for the Church when we feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, educate young people in the faith, and build up all sorts of ministries in our parishes. I’m grateful to be Catholic—to be part of something much greater than myself, much greater than my own community. And so, in gratitude, I’ve written the check. What about you?