It is with particular gratitude that this Congregation acknowledges the contribution from the Diocese of Dodge City for the year 2002 to the work of the Pontifical Mission Societies.

The offering from your people of $92,950 for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and $4,335 for the Society of St. Peter Apostle is an effective reflection of their realization that they are called to continue the mission of Jesus Christ "…even to the ends of the earth." Gratitude is offered as well for the contribution of $298 for the work of the Holy Childhood Association, through which the young are enabled to take their rightful place in the universal mission of the Church.

In light of the economic situation in the United States and other "First World" countries, this 2002 donation takes on a more-than-ever sacrificial character. It will be used carefully to ensure that the Church may continue to proclaim the Gospel, offer the message of the fullness of life in Christ, and serve the people of the young churches of the world.

In providing for this work, of prime importance is the encouragement of each Bishop for the Diocesan Director and for the programs of the Pontifical Mission Societies, central of which is the celebration of World Mission Sunday. For your effective efforts on behalf of the missionary task, I thank you.

Again this year, in fraternal solidarity, I assure you of prayerful remembrance of you and of the generous people you serve in the name of Christ.

As the new director of this office, I wish to express my profound thanks to you and the people of the Diocese of Dodge City for your generous gift of $10,279.87 to help rebuild the Catholic Church in Central and Eastern Europe.

In Central and Eastern Europe, the roots of faith, tested by years of oppression, are quite strong. At the same time, the faith there is fragile and in need of nurturing. The Church relies for help in this work on the unstinting generosity of American Catholics. We can point to important progress, especially in the areas of priestly and religious formation, religious communication and evangelization, catechesis and social ministry.

While much has been done already, there is so much more yet to do. We are most grateful for the support that you and your people are giving to these efforts. I take it as a particularly positive sign that in these difficult and uncertain times, American Catholics give concrete witness of their compassionate concern for the universal Church. Their support year after year of the still fragile restoration of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe fills Catholics there with confidence and Gospel hope.

Thank you once again for this sign of solidarity with a people so much in need.

I would like to take this time to thank my family, friends, and strangers for all the concern and prayers that were said on my behalf in the past year.

I firmly believe that prayers are the reason for my recovery.

I am now back to work part time and so thankful to God and all of you.

The Protecting God’s Children contacts from each parish/school in the Diocese need to be sure they have sent their signed Confidentiality Agreement to Toni Beck. It is mandatory to have these on file in the office. Please check your files to be sure a copy has been sent to:

Protecting God’s Children

Toni Beck

510 S. School

Ness City, Kansas

67560