This month our Diocese will take up the Catholic Home Missions Appeal as the Second Collection in May and I ask that you consider donating to this program. As one of the USCCB Subcommittees, the Catholic Home Missions Appeal Program offers financial support to the Catholic Church in the United States, its territories and former territories by offering grants to dioceses that would not be able to function without assistance. This annual fundraising campaign brings awareness to American Catholics about the needs of these dioceses and invites them to assist fellow Catholics in the practice of the faith. The Catholic Home Missions Appeal principally focuses on 4 key pastoral services: evangelization activities, religious education, ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers and the laypeople and finally, support of poor parishes within those dioceses across the country. These and other pastoral services assist parishes like your own which would otherwise be lacking fundamental elements of parish life. Your generosity will "hit home," so to speak, for many Catholics, as your assistance directly supports the pastoral services provided by the Catholic Home Missions Appeal. I ask you to prayerfully consider how you can support the appeal program this year. To learn more about the appeal and those who benefit from it, visit www.usccb.org/home-missions . With every best wish and an assurance of prayers, I remain, Your in Christ, Most Reverend Daniel H. Mueggenborg Bishop of Reno