We’re always interested in names. Think about the conversations expectant parents happen over the options—Who in the family wants a namesake? Which names are in fashion these days—and do we opt in or avoid? We listen to hear the confirmation name a young person has chosen. At a wedding we want to know: Name change or not? Hyphenated for her? Or for both? And, of course, as our parishes move to a closer union, we know the name questions in the air.

But, that’s not the name I’m talking about today. It’s the Appeal—what used to be the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, then later the Diocesan Annual Appeal, and now (should there be a drum roll?): the Catholic Ministries Appeal.

Some of you remarked on the Diocesan name over the years. You heard other languages when you went to Mass in other parts of the country. Those remarks were gathered forward. So, we now have a name that marks our identity beyond the place and the person. It’s Catholic. And it’s about mission.

And that’s why my check is in the mail. I believe in this Catholic faith of ours. And I want to be part of the Catholic mission—the mission that Jesus gave his disciples at his Ascension.

I want to support our parishes, which the diocese did when it committed to an evangelization project in our local parishes. I want to see PREP and Catholic flourish—which the Appeal supports generously. I want another generation of men prepared to be priests—look at how the diocese provided Deacon McCarroll with education and pastoral experience over the past 9 years.

I like this name change. I can buy into this mission. What about you?