Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Christ is our joy and our hope! He is truly alive and walks with us every day. As we embark on our journey to bring our new pastoral plan to life, Renewed in Christ, Together in Mission, we are called to joyfully share God’s healing love with a world in need.

At the same time, the Pope Francis has called for a Jubilee Year of Hope. This special year, spanning from December 24, 2024 to December 14, 2025, invites the entire Church to embrace a renewed sense of authentic hope and to seek
the treasures of heaven. I encourage you to reflect on how you can contribute to the spiritual renewal of your parish and our wider church community during this important time.

One way you can participate in this renewal is through our Annual Diocesan Appeal (ADA). Each year, we work together as one family in Christ to proclaim the truth of the Gospel throughout Santa Clara Valley. This year’s ADA theme, “Supporting Our Mission Together” calls us to continue growing in faith, love, and service as we support our parishes and vital diocesan ministries that bring care and healing to those in need.

By participating in the ADA, you directly impact ministries that bring Christ’s hope to the world. Your generosity enables essential diocesan ministries that have impact beyond the reach of any parish. Your support strengthens and forms the leaders for family, youth, and young adult ministries and it ensures our seminarians receive the guidance and education they need to become faithful shepherds of tomorrow’s Church. Additionally, your support helps sustain ministries like pastoral care and spiritual guidance  for those in detention, helping them rediscover their dignity as beloved children of God.

I invite you to prayerfully consider how you can support this year’s Annual Diocesan Appeal through your sacrificial gifts and intentional prayer. Each gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of countless individuals and families who rely on the ministry and outreach the diocese offers.

I am deeply grateful for your witness and generosity. May God bless you and your families. May the Holy Spirit bring about a profound spiritual renewal in our diocese, guiding to live our lives in a way that proclaims through our actions that “we have set our hope on the living God” (1 Tim 4:10).

Yours in Christ,

Oscar Cantú
Bishop of San José