Launched: Diocesan Services Appeal 2023 | “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving” (Psalm 50:14)

Bishop Earl Boyea has launched the annual Diocesan Services Appeal 2023 by encouraging a spirit of gratitude for all the divine blessings bestowed upon the people of the Diocese of Lansing and, especially, the gift of Jesus Christ truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

“In this year of Eucharistic Revival, let us be especially grateful for the Eucharist which in Greek literally means “to give thanks.” Many blessings from God call forth from us many thanks, even sacrificial thanks,” said Bishop Boyea in a video message played in parishes across the Diocese of Lansing, March 5.

“Our Diocesan Services Appeal is one such opportunity to give God thanks for his great gifts; for the work of the Church in our own lives and in lives across our diocese.”

The Diocesan Services Appeal or DSA is an annual appeal which is used to sustain the ongoing, day-to-day work of the Church across the Diocese of Lansing. Contributions are put to work, right away, in a multitude of ministries and activities that offer direct assistance to individuals and families and to our parishes, schools, and affiliated Catholic organizations.

The theme of this year's DSA is "Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving". The text, taken from the Book of Psalms, is aimed at reminding each of us of how we are to respond to the many gifts we have been given by God, including that great gift of His Son, truly present in the Holy Eucharist.

“I ask you to join me, along with all our brothers and sisters, to contribute to DSA this year,” concluded Bishop Boyea.

“With your support and the strength and nourishment given to us in the Holy Eucharist, we will carry out the work of the Church in the year ahead.”

To find out more about the Diocesan Services Appeal 2023 go to: https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/DSA. Meanwhile, the text of Bishop Boyea’s video message is reproduced in full below:

My Sisters and Brothers in Christ.

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving.” This text from the Book of Psalms reminds each of us of how we are to respond to the many gifts we have been given by God, and that greatest gift: the gift of his Son in the Holy Eucharist. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, let us be especially grateful for the Eucharist which in Greek literally means “to give thanks.” Many blessings from God call forth from us many thanks, even sacrificial thanks.

Our Diocesan Services Appeal is one such opportunity to give God thanks for his great gifts; for the work of the Church in our own lives and in lives across our diocese.

Your DSA gifts provide essential support for ministries in all our communities. From supporting meals and food pantries for those who are hungry; to pregnancy counseling, adoption services and life ministries; to the education and catechesis of our youth and young adults; to providing vocational formation for our seminarians and consecrated life, the diaconate, and marriage preparation; to campus and hospital ministries; and for a whole host of other ministries all helping to give glory and thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to help one another in love.

Your DSA contributions make all of this possible. Our corporal and spiritual works of mercy are dependent on your charitable gifts. We put these dollars to work right away to provide help and hope for those most in need. They are not reserved for use in another year or in another diocese. Your dollars will help individuals and families in your communities, this very year, to discover the saving love of Jesus.

Brothers and Sisters, our Diocesan Services Appeal enables the Church – through our parishes, our Catholic schools, our Catholic Charities agencies, and dozens of other ministries – to “Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving” for the many blessings he has, and will bestow upon us. I ask you to join me, along with all our brothers and sisters, to contribute to DSA this year. With your support and the strength and nourishment given to us in the Holy Eucharist, we will carry out the work of the Church in the year ahead.

Thank you! And may God bless you for all that you do with and for one another.