Encountering
CHRIST
“So we, though many, are one body in Christ.” ~ Rom 12:5
November 2019 �Dear Friends, Thanksgiving serves as a great reminder for practicing gratefulness. After all, our blessings are most obvious when we are gathered around the table with the ones we love to share in a bountiful meal. Of course, every week, we are invited to partake in a feast with our spiritual family. And every day, God is at work in our lives.
Encountering Christ is over goal! Thanks to the generosity of more than 16,000 families, the Encountering Christ campaign has exceeded its $85 million goal, raising more than $87 million � in pledges. “This is a historic milestone for our beloved Church,” said Bishop Joe Vásquez, who initiated Encountering Christ to meet the goals outlined in the timeline for the diocesan Pastoral Plan, Encounter that Leads to Transformation. “The effect of our efforts will be felt in our diocese for generations to come.”
This has been most evident these past two years in the Diocese of Austin. I cannot possibly express how grateful I am to all of you for joining with Bishop Vásquez to strengthen our Church through Encountering Christ. This legacy of generosity will surely inspire all those who will benefit from our campaign, and the ministries and projects it will support for years to come. Thank you for entrusting your many blessings to us here at the diocese. May you enjoy a bountiful Thanksgiving. Sincerely,
Scott Whitaker� Director of Stewardship � and Development
DIOCESE OF AUSTIN 6225 E US 290 HWY SVRD EB AUSTIN, TX 78723 encounteringchristcampaign.org (512) 949-2400
Bishop Vásquez celebrates the success of Encountering Christ.
More than $21 million in gifts have already been collected and are having an effect throughout the diocese. Many parishes are moving forward with the local needs they identified for their campaigns. All 123 parishes and missions are participating in Encountering Christ and, as pledges are fulfilled, will retain 30 percent of the gifts they collect. Gifts are also benefiting important ministries for the entire Diocese of Austin.� “Because of your generosity, we are continuing to build a culture of encounter in our diocese,” Bishop Vásquez said. “Together, we are supporting our clergy, strengthening our parishes, forming emerging disciples, and embracing discipleship.” Encountering Christ funds have been directed to the seminarian endowment and the pension plan and trust for retired priests. In addition, ground will be broken soon on the expansion of the St. John Paul II Residence for Priests. When the active fundraising phase of the campaign concludes in December, donors will be kept updated on Encountering Christ through diocesan communications, on the campaign website at encounteringchristcampaign.org and on social media.