Queen of Angels Catholic Parish Chicago

Peter's Pence Collection / Colecta de los Centavos de Pedro

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During his visit last year, Pope Benedict XVI called upon us to “be the first friend of all who suffer” by “casting the light of Christ upon the world.” This year’s Peter’s Pence Collection theme certainly echoes the Holy Father’s call to action for the Church in the United States.
As the Year of St. Paul comes to a conclusion, I am reminded of the Second Letter to the Corinthians (8:12-13). “The willingness to give should accord with one’s means, not go beyond them. The relief of others ought not to impoverish you. There should be a certain equality.” Therefore, in a spirit of justice and generosity, I ask for your support to enable our Holy Father in providing emergency assistance to victims of war, disease and natural disaster.
Your past support of this collection has ensured that the successor of Peter is able to respond to those most in need throughout our world. May Our Lord continue to bless you and your loved ones as we become beacons of hope by casting the light of Christ in our parishes, the Archdiocese and the Universal Church.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I., Archbishop of Chicago

Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,
Durante su visita el año pasado, el Papa Benedicto XVI nos hizo un llamado para “ser el primer amigo de todo aquel que sufre” al “proyectar la luz de Cristo sobre el mundo.” El tema de este año de la Colecta de los Centavos de Pedro ciertamente hace eco al llamado a la acción que hizo el Santo Padre a la Iglesia de Estados Unidos.
Ahora que el Año de San Pablo llega a su fin, recuerdo la Segunda Carta a los Corintios (8:12-13). “La buena voluntad para dar debe estar de acuerdo con los medios que uno posee y no ir más allá de ellos. El socorro a otros no debe empobrecerles; se trata de que haya cierta igualdad.” Por lo tanto, en un espíritu de justicia y generosidad, les pido su apoyo para permitir que nuestro Santo Padre pueda proporcionar ayuda de emergencia a las víctimas de la guerra, la enfermedad y los desastres naturales.
El generoso apoyo que ustedes han dado en el pasado a esta colecta ha asegurado que el sucesor de Pedro pueda responder a aquellos que experimentan grandes necesidades en todo el mundo. Que Nuestro Señor continúe bendiciéndolos, ustedes y a sus seres queridos, ahora que nos convertimos en faros de esperanza al proyectar la luz de Cristo en nuestras parroquias, nuestra arquidiócesis y la Iglesia universal.
Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,
Cardenal Francis George, O.M.I,. Arzobispo de Chicago

Peter's Pence Collection Next Week

Let us make sure that none of God’s children ever feels alone. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Each year, the annual Peter’s Pence Collection, in support of the works of the Holy Father, is held in parishes throughout the world. The proceeds from this Collection fund emergency relief assistance to those who suffer from war, oppression, disease and natural disasters. Through works of charity, Catholics provide a powerful witness of love and deeds to empower the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and to sustain those who suffer.

The theme for this year’s collection is Let us make sure that none of God’s children ever feels alone. The theme is based on a September 2006 homily given by Pope Benedict XVI, in which he explained how those who are baptized create one family of believers who are never alone.

As we participate in this special appeal, we join more than one billion Catholics worldwide in a loving expression of solidarity. We share in the concern of the successor of Peter for the many different needs of the universal Church and for the relief of those most in need around the globe.

Peter's Pence Collection 2006

The following letter was received from Cardinal George regarding the Peter’s Pence Collection, which will take place next weekend at all Masses.  An envelope is provided in this issue of The Guide for your use in supporting the works of the Holy Father.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: Each year, the annual Peter’s Pence Collection, in support of the works of the Holy Father, is held in parishes across the country.  The proceeds from this collection fund emergency relief assistance to those throughout the world who suffer from war, oppression and natural disasters.  The theme for this year’s collection is Anyone who has discovered Christ must lead others to him.  Through works of charity, Catholics provide a powerful witness of love and deeds to empower the weak, the defenseless, and the voiceless, and to sustain those who suffer. As we participate in this special appeal, we join with the more than one billion Catholics worldwide in a loving expression of solidarity.  We share in the concern of the successor of Peter for the many different needs of the universal Church and for the relief of those most in need around the globe. This year, the collection in the Archdiocese of Chicago is scheduled for the weekend of Sunday, June 25. I ask you to consider contributing to the collection this year, and I am deeply grateful for your generosity.  Together let us ask the Lord to bless the Holy Father and us, as well as those in need throughout the world. Sincerely yours in Christ,

+ Francis Cardinal George Archbishop of Chicago