Lent 2024 Protocol # 015 S / 24

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

If you believe in Jesus Christ, sacrifice always has meaning. It leads to something, just as the Cross led to the Resurrection. Life is not about being comfortable but about answering God’s call to us. Our response makes our lives “worth living,” as Archbishop Fulton Sheen used to say.

During this season of sacrifice, please consider making a sacrificial gift for this year’s Annual Lenten Appeal for the Eparchy of Saint Maron. There are so many people suffering here and around the world (especially in Lebanon) who can be helped by our prayers, fasting and almsgiving. The Eparchy can be part of your Lenten sacrifice, as we rely upon your generosity to serve the faithful in the Eparchy and the Middle East.

Your gift to this year’s Annual Lenten Appeal will support:

Seminarians:: We currently have three excellent men preparing for the priesthood. Our seminarians are our future; we need to educate them well so that they can minister effectively as priests someday. The costs of Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary are about $450,000 per year. 40% of your contribution to this year’s Annual Appeal will go for Seminarians.
Ministries:: Our outreach to young people, the elderly, families, and in defense of life from conception to natural death, helps people at the most crucial times in their lives. You can ensure that the Eparchy continues this important work. 20% of your contribution will go to support Ministries.
Retired Priests: The Eparchy’s 17 retired priests served the faithful with generosity. We help them with a modest pension that is helpful to them each month. 20% of your contribution will support Retired Priests.
Help for Lebanon and the Middle East: The Eparchy has provided an unprecedented amount of support to help in Lebanon and the Middle East over the past few years. We can never forget the homeland of our Maronite Church. 10% of your contribution will support Christians in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Endowment: The Eparchy’s Endowment Fund supports today’s needs and ensures the Eparchy will have resources in the future. 10% of your contribution will be deposited into the Eparchy’s Endowment.

Please open your heart once again and make a gift. Your participation in this Appeal impacts the lives of many people, both inside the Eparchy, and in the Middle East. Any gift will be appreciated. Please visit http://www.stmaron.org/lenten-appeal for more information.

Thank you, and may God bless you for your generosity! I wish you a blessed Lent and Easter.

Gratefully yours in Christ,

+ Gregory J. Mansour

PS: Please also consider remembering the Eparchy and your parish in your estate plan, or as the beneficiary of an insurance policy, retirement plan or charitable gift annuity. Thank you.