If we offer the body of Christ on the altar of Mass, then we are offering ourselves. Whenever the church gathers for the sacrifice of the Mass, it is the Church being sacrificed since she is the Body of Christ. If we, as a Church, by definition, are a people of sacrifice – always offering ourselves to the Father for the good of the world. What did the sacrifice of Jesus do for others? It forgave sins and restored relationships. How are we restoring relationships? The sacrifices you make to support the ministries of the HOPE Appeal accomplish the same goal. They restore relationships with others. Those who need to know the love of the Father hear about it through faith formation, evangelization, and Catholic schools. Those who need food, clothing, and shelter are given care and reminded that they, too, are part of the Body of Christ. Please pray about what sacrifice you are called to make for this year’s HOPE appeal. Our gifts are united to the gift of Jesus on the altar of the Cross as a single offering to the Father to restore union in the Body of Christ.
