Everything we do as Christians, as parish communities, as schools, in our social services, and as a diocese must be rooted in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is in Him and through Him that our faith comes alive as living stones of hope across the 28,000 square miles of this amazing diocesan Church, fulfilling our mission to proclaim Christ, our hope, to every corner of our diocese. We do so by lifting our hearts so as to hear the Lord speaking to each of us, “Come, follow Me!” Christ, then, becomes an anchor of hope as we develop sacred spaces in our churches and schools, receive the sacraments, form our children and young adults as faithful disciples, and support those in need. Our mission, therefore, is a bold one. We can see how effective the diocesan mission is when Christ is the foundation and hope of life.

With that in mind, I asked my diocesan staff to formulate a summary report containing statistics and descriptions of activities which have occurred throughout our diocesan Church over the past year. In the comprehensive report, several areas stood out: vibrant parishes, vocations, Catholic education, youth and young adult ministry, religious communities, ecclesial movements, a commitment to Catholic social teaching, and stewardship.

The full 28-page report is available in print and online at bhmdiocese.org. Allow me to share a few words about the areas highlighted in the report. With regards to parishes, since my arrival here five years ago in 2020, I have experienced a Church that is exciting, alive, and growing. Stewarding gifts and talents has enabled many parishes to become centers of hope in every area of the diocese. Because of the distribution of people in our diocese, some parishes grow while others struggle, particularly where our Catholic population remains small. Nevertheless, pastors tell me that there is an increase in those inquiring about our Catholic faith as well as those seeking to enter the Church. There is also an increase in young people turning to faith to provide greater meaning, purpose, and certainty in life. From my perspective, I have been edified by the missionary discipleship exhibited by parishioners. Many parishes have robust Christian service programs, reaching out to the poor and vulnerable both near and far. In short, parishes are becoming more dynamic faith communities where Christ is preached, faith seekers are welcomed, and the faithful are sent out on mission to bring Christ to the world and others to Christ.

On another positive note, I am pleased to report that we have 21 seminarians studying for eventual ordination to the priesthood. In addition, there are 15 men in formation for the permanent diaconate and are scheduled to be ordained in 2027. Another group of about 30 are in the inquiry phase for the next cohort of men seeking this unique status. These men provide hope for the future.

Speaking of the future, the momentum behind Catholic education, with Margaret Dubose as superintendent, has grown immensely. Her insights and dedication to the formation of young Christians is paying excellent dividends as a downpayment for the future. Those formed by Catholic schools will play key roles in society and the Church. In addition, schools are benefitting from the dedication of parents, teachers, and staff who make the educational experience hopeful and joyful. Moreover, the CHOOSE Act, the Alabama Accountability Act, and Scholarship Granting Organizations are beginning to have a concrete impact. Generous benefactors have also provided for significant improvements at John Carroll Catholic High School, St. John Paul II Catholic High School, and Holy Family School in Huntsville.

The progress is not limited to the classroom. One of the areas witnessing off-the-chart growth is young adult ministry. Pastors are noting an increase in pastoral activities for young people, high school students, collegians, and young adults. Every year, I’m edified by youth gatherings in the diocese in our various communities. Groups in large number are participating in NCYC, SEEK, and Franciscan University of Steubenville summer gatherings. These experiences give new vitality to young Christians exploring and deepening their commitment to Christ. This growth means greater attention must be given to university campuses to provide meaningful experiences through parish and diocesan initiatives. Experiencing Christ and encountering Christ raises the bar in living the Christian life so that everything has meaning and purpose. It is a direct response to the call of the Lord, “Follow Me!”

Another direct response to the Lord’s call pertains to religious communities within the diocese. They are an essential, yet complementary, part of the mission of proclaiming Christ. Those in consecrated life and members of societies of apostolic life provide necessary help in parishes, schools, social services, and centers of concern. The public witness of unique charisms gives a new impetus to Christian life throughout the wider diocesan community. These moments of evangelization cannot be unnoticed or undervalued. Every commitment to religious life here in central and northern Alabama is a gift from God to the broader ministry of Christ.

Another gift from God is the presence of various ecclesial movements throughout the diocese. Although these movements frequently work “behind the scenes,” their contribution is essential to complement parochial life and to vivify the spiritual journey of many. I think of those involved in Cursillo, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Birmingham, Neocatechumenal Way, Teams of Our Lady, St. Vincent de Paul Societies, Food For Our Journey, Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver, Knights of Columbus, Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Fraternus, Communion and Liberation, Arise, Ladies of Charity, Catholic Young Professionals, St. John Vianney Vocations Society, Magnificat, Knights of the Altar, the third orders, and other associations that are too numerous to name. Living their charisms, the hearts of many around our diocese are lifted up in extraordinary ways to become more fervent disciples of Christ.

Hearts are also lifted up by the diocesan commitment to Catholic social teaching. The faithful cannot sit idly while someone in the community suffers from homelessness, hunger, or incarceration. Broader implications arise from those whose status is unclear, especially in migrant communities. Similarly, those who suffer the effects of racism or the lack of respect for the dignity of the human person, as well as those whose very existence is threatened by challenges to their right to life from conception to natural death are part of our concern. The just and fair treatment of all is fundamental to a just and fair society.

Of course, the faithful’s commitment doesn’t stop at Catholic social teaching. The faithful have been exceptionally generous, sustaining the parish offertory for the support of our parishes and providing for extra needs as they arise. One area of stewardship that is important to me is the growth of the diocesan foundation, the Catholic Investment Foundation of North Alabama, to support the needs of various aspects of ministry, which include parishes, schools, tuition scholarships, vocations, diocesan liturgy and music, the Cathedral ministry, the One Voice, Camp Tekakwitha, health and welfare for senior priests, and Centers of Concern and Family Services, just to name a few. Ongoing operational support through the Sunday collection and the Diocesan Annual Appeal for Ministries, also known as Catholic Charities and Communities, enable us to resource those on the front lines of ministry. From outside the diocese, grant support from the Catholic Extension Society, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal, and other granting organizations has also enabled some ministries to thrive.

My brothers and sisters, we are people who believe in Christ. We are people who want to become saints. I have never met a person who doesn’t want the Church to thrive in her mission. We want nothing but the best for God. After all, we are people who proclaim the saving message of Christ. We strive for excellence in our liturgies and in our lives as Christians. Indeed, we are people who live what we believe. Through this annual report, we tell the story of what has inspired us during this past year so that we don’t forget the grace and peace of Christ at work among us. Living and embracing that grace, we know we will encounter an extraordinary peace in our hearts, in our lives, and in our communities.

For me, the story of our diocese comes down to “grace” and “peace.” Perhaps, that is why these terms have meant so much to me. We are filled with grace because we have experienced its effects in a variety of ways. It leaves us filled with wonder so that we can experience the peace that Christ came to give.

Finally, I thank each one of you for your time, talent, and treasure. The prayers offered and resources given enable the diocese to sustain the vitality of her mission to preach the Good News of Christ and reach out to the least, the lost, and the last in His name.

May God bless you all!