The first Catholic immigrants to Eastern Oregon over a century ago must have known a thing or two about troubled hearts. Their mostly Protestant neighbors did not welcome the growth of what they saw as foreign faith and foreign worship. Catholic newcomers met with fear and suspicion at every turn. 

Through it all our ancestors in faith remembered the words of their Master:  “Do not let your hearts be troubled. . . . I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1–2). Countless challenges could not sway them; they stayed the course; they kept the faith. Soon they could see for themselves:  the Lord was indeed preparing the unwelcoming ground of Eastern Oregon to be “a place” for His Father’s House. You and I inherit the Church they succeeded in establishing—as well as the challenge to do unto others as they did unto us.

The 2023 Bishop‘s Appeal coincides with the national Eucharistic Revival. The theme for this year’s Appeal nicely captures the connection between the two. Participation in the Appeal helps us hand onto others what was handed on to us:  The Mystery of Faith, the Eucharist.  Your contribution to the Appeal puts bread on the table for the Church—the Bread of Life that makes Christ’s presence true and tangible to those who will come to Him in faith. That is no small return on your investment!

Thank you again for your generosity in the past. Bless you again for whatever your means allow you to share this year.

Gratefully in Christ Jesus,

Bishop Liam Cary