St. Paul, in his First Letter to the Christians of Corinth, greets them thus: "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus."

I have similar thoughts about our Diocese of Victoria and the faithful people who make it up. God has indeed bestowed His grace on us, gifting us with the priceless treasure of faith and making us His daughters and sons, co-workers with His own Unique Son.

As co-workers with Christ, we are called to be good stewards of all God’s gifts and to share in the ministry of Jesus. One way to do this is by supporting – in prayer, action, and financial assistance – the works and mission of the Diocese.

The Diocese of Victoria is neither very large or very wealthy. In terms of diocesan personnel and budget, it is one of the more modest dioceses in Texas. But we have a long and proud Catholic history; and we are, by God’s grace, able to touch the lives of many people.

Religious education programs, youth ministry, Catholic schools, our diocesan newspaper, vocation efforts: all depend to some extent on the Diocesan Services Appeal, which supports virtually every operation of the diocese.

As I have for the past twenty-one years, I ask for your generous support of our annual appeal. It is by your assistance that the faith is passed on and deepened, and that Christ’s presence and healing, especially in the sacraments, continues today.

Sincerely yours,

Most Rev. David E. Fellhauer

Bishop of Victoria